Ways to Make Overnight Guests Feel Comfortable
Having a beloved guest stay in your home overnight should always be considered an honor. It shows that they view your residence as a safe and welcoming place. And, above all, it may indicate that your guest truly enjoys your company. As a host, it’s your job to make them feel at home by offering accommodations and welcoming companionship. A guest may naturally feel out of place staying in your home. After all, it’s not their home, but there are measures you can take to ease those mild feelings of displacement and ensure they have a pleasant overnight stay.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Before they arrive, make an effort to visit the guest bedroom they’ll be staying in. Try to anticipate every need they may have. Will they be sharing the room with small children? Is there enough lighting? Do they have the privacy they need? Is the bed comfortable? Many times guest bedrooms can be neglected, so it’s considerate put yourself in their shoes and arrange it based on their specific needs. It’s the minor details that make a big difference. It shows that you went out of your way to show you care, and that’s no small thing.
Blankets & Pillows Galore
For some individuals, there can never be enough blankets and pillows. It’s simply a fact of life, and it’s considerate to provide an ample amount for overnight guests. The worst thing that could happen is that they don’t get used, but for those who do need them—either for personal or medical reasons—it could make all the difference. Typically guests are too polite to mention that the temperature in your home is too cold, so it’s always a good idea to give them enough warmth and coverage to feel right at home. Let’s face it—we all love our own beds, but by ensuring they have enough blankets and pillows, you can make them feel truly welcome.
Provide Entertainment
A comfy bed can certainly make your guest feel right at home, but entertainment can equally do the same. Based on their tastes, try to pick a form of entertainment they may enjoy. Whether you make it a movie night with popcorn or a casual evening with music and drinks, try to provide some sort of positive experience while they’re there. If possible, add a few things for them in the guest bedroom as well. A TV in the corner or a few magazines on the nightstand can make all the difference for someone who enjoys having some alone time. And don’t forget about Wi-Fi! Try to have the password waiting for them in their room, perhaps written on a bedside chalkboard for added charm.
Freshen Up the Restroom
After you give the restroom a nice scrub down, try to be mindful of what your guest may need in this highly personal space. Of course, towels are a must. There’s nothing worse than getting out of the shower and reaching over to an empty towel rack. However, aside from the basics: towels, toilet paper, hand soap, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner, make an effort to anticipate other unique needs they may have. For example, if they spent the day at the beach, provide some aloe vera lotion for their skin. Small things like this can make a big impact on their overall stay.
Provide Drinks & Snacks
Who doesn’t love a good snack? Food and drinks will always have the power to bring people together, and neither of them should be scarce when having an overnight guest. When hosting, take into consideration your guest’s dietary needs and make an effort to provide food that’s delicious and nutritious. Also, keep in mind that people get hungry and thirsty during all hours of the day. If you’re not worried about a possible mess, keep a few snacks and drinks in their bedroom. Your guest may appreciate not having to sneak out to the kitchen in the middle of the night to get a glass of water. All in all, it’s about creating a comfortable environment—one that’s based on their own unique needs. After all, it’s surely how you would want to be treated.