Secrets to Hosting a Stay-Over Guests Will Love
When a friend or family member is coming to stay over at your place for the first time, and you’re not sure where to start or how to make your stay perfect and memorable, give this piece a read.
This slideshow contains real-life tips, fun ideas, and clever solutions to ensure your guests feel right at home.
Warm Welcome
Kick off the stay-over preparation by making sure guests feel truly welcome in your home.
Start with the essentials: clean sheets, fresh towels, and a cozy bed. Add a small basket with essentials like water bottles, snacks, and maybe a tiny travel-sized lotion.
Place a little welcome note telling them to make themselves at home. These personal touches might seem small but can make your guests feel they’re genuinely appreciated and welcomed.
Set Essentials
A big part of hospitality is making sure guests have enough space to unpack. Guests feel more relaxed when they don’t have to rummage through their bags constantly for every little thing.
If you have a separate guest room with free cupboards that’s good but, if not, pick a room for them that is most clean out of all, clear out a drawer or two, offer a few spare hangers, and clear the top of the dresser for their toiletries and other essentials.
It’s thoughtful and shows you understand the need for a bit of personal space. If you don’t have enough room and the guest is a close friend you can share the room as well.
Morning Coffee or Tea Station
Who doesn’t love waking up to a fresh cup of coffee or tea? Set up a small station with mugs, instant coffee, tea bags, sugar, and maybe a mini electric kettle or French press if you have one.
This way, guests don’t feel awkward searching for the kitchen at dawn. It’s a small luxury that makes their morning easier. This gesture will be especially appreciated by early risers who love their caffeine fix.
Blankets and Pillows Galore
Comfort is key for a memorable stay-over.
Not everyone likes the same pillow fluffiness, some prefer one pillow, and others might not sleep without two. And while some people love a lot of blankets, others get hot quickly.
The best thing is to ask your guest about their preference and arrange accordingly. If you can afford it, then provide a variety of pillows, an extra blanket, or lightweight quilts. This way guests can create their ideal sleep setup themselves.
Bathroom Essentials
The most crucial setup is to provide bathroom essentials.
Set up a little basket in the bathroom with all the essentials they may have forgotten: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and conditioner.
Add some extras like makeup wipes, cotton pads, and most importantly new bar of soap. These small touches come in handy and make your guest feel super cared for.
Snack Station
You never know when your guest might get hungry, either some late-night craving hits or late dinner might make them feel frustrated. To avoid such situations set up a snack station.
Fill it with easy-to-eat options like granola bars, chips, nuts, or even homemade treats if you’re up for it. Add a few drinks like bottled water or canned sodas, so they don’t have to hunt through the kitchen every time they want some snacks.
Light It Right
Remember the right lighting arrangements for all those late-night bathroom trips and cozy reads before bed.
Set up bedside lamps for easy reading. Add small nightlights in the hallways or bathroom. After all, no one likes stumbling in the dark in an unfamiliar place.
Whether they’re night owls or early risers, the right lighting can make their stay more comfortable and convenient.
Cozy Slippers or Socks
To keep things cozy for your guests, pay attention to little details. For instance, offer a pair of slippers or fuzzy socks to them, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors that can get chilly during winter nights.
Providing home slippers will make them feel at home. It sounds like a small thing but it shows you want them to feel comfortable at every turn.
Entertainment Setup
If their stay is more than one night then you need to prepare for their entertainment setup as well.
Set up a little “entertainment corner” with magazines, books, or a streaming-enabled TV. Stock up on classic movies, some local favorites, or even a few popular board games if they’re into it. Having options allows your guests to relax their way.
However, don’t leave them alone to have fun, join them and make memories together.
Morning Essentials – Towels, Toiletries, and More
In addition to ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep, prepare for a refreshing morning as well. Don’t let your guests start their day on the wrong foot. Instead, amp your hospitality game by offering a touch of luxury.
Give them everything they need to start the day fresh and energized. Arrange the bathroom with all the essentials and ensure the water temperature is perfect according to the weather.
Also, lay out fresh towels, a few basic toiletries like body wash, lotion, a toothbrush, and maybe even a plush bathrobe.
Chill Hangout Zone
If your guest room space allows, create a small area in the guest room with a chair and table. Or even a cozy window nook with a view will be good enough.
Make the corner a perfect spot for a little alone time, where guests can read, work, or relax. They’ll love having a cozy corner to call their own, especially if they need a bit of downtime.
Share Local Recommendations
In case your guests have come to your city for the first time, share a list of local recommendations for them to explore. Suggest good nearby coffee shops, scenic walking routes, or any quirky, must-see spots in your area.
Think of yourself as a mini-tour guide. A thoughtfully curated list of recommendations shows you care about them. Plus, it allows them to have a memorable time, inside and outside your home.
Easy Charging Solutions
Have charging solutions available in their room, like a phone charger, a charging pad, or a power strip with USB ports. The wise thing is to keep a universal charger in the guest room.
No one likes hunting for outlets or realizing they forgot their charger.
If they forgot their charge, they’ll thank you for saving the day on this one. After all, everyone needs their phone and laptops running on full battery even during stay-overs and vacations.
Make Your Guest Room Grandparents-Ready
Hosting grandparents or elderly guests? Thoughtful touches can make their stay more comfortable.
Consider setting up their room on the main floor if possible to avoid stairs, and add nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom for safety.
Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower for added support. If you need more ideas and tips then check out Make Your Guest Room Grandparents-Ready.
Wrap It Up with a Small Farewell Gesture
When it’s time for them to leave, end on a high note with a small farewell gift.
A few homemade cookies, or your specialty meal during final dinner, a cute little candle, or even a printed photo of their stay as a gift. All of these are thoughtful ways to say goodbye.
After your guests leave, send a quick message to let them know how much you enjoyed having them. Such a gesture goes beyond the stay and shows you genuinely value the time spent together.
With this guide, you are all set to welcome your guest, however before that give this piece a read: 16 Guest Room Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.