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When you welcome visitors with flair, both host and guest enjoy their time together even more.
Take stock: Buy some travel-size toothpastes, extra toothbrushes and dental floss for guests. While you’re at it, grab a handful of wash puffs, razors and an extra comb or brush. Guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Have an extra blow dryer? Add it to the guest bathroom for visitors who forget to bring one.
Give them permission: Place a small framed note on the bathroom counter saying, “Be Our Guest” and instructing visitors to help themselves to any products they need. If your visitor shares a bathroom with you, leave a basket of small travel toiletries (bath gel, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, swabs, a razor, etc.) in the guest bedroom.
Bedroom basics: In your guest room, include a comforter and a light-weight blanket. Take a cue from bed-and-breakfasts; place a lightweight blanket under the comforter or duvet. When making the bed, put the flat sheet’s finished side facing the mattress. Next, pull the sheet and blanket all the way up and then fold back to one third. Now the finished side of the sheet is facing up.
Place the comforter, folded neatly in half, at the foot of the bed. Arrange sham pillows against the headboard. Include two pillows per person. European square shams are also nice for guests who like to read in bed.
Thoughtful touches: Luggage racks are inexpensive (under $30) and will also come in handy when you’re packing for a trip of your own. Add a small bowl for jewelry or change on the nightstand, plus a notepad and pen, a nice tube of hand cream, and a few magazines.
Have an extra bathrobe? Hang it in the closet for your guests. If there’s room, a tray with tea and coffee cups and a hot water kettle is a nice touch. Don’t forget an alarm clock with an MP3 plug or docking station. Lastly, add a nightlight with an on/off switch in the bedroom and guest bath.
