So they opted for your house instead of the Westin… Don’t Panic! You can outshine even the finest, four-star hotel this holiday season.

As host to your loved ones, create an atmosphere that’s welcoming and relaxing – a place where guests can feel pampered. Take small steps now so that you won’t be overwhelmed later.

I am here to save the day with my top-five ways to create an oasis for overnight guests.

1. Clean Start: Of course you want to provide clean sheets and towels, vacuum and dust your guest room and clean the bathroom your guests will use. But also consider opening a windows to air out the room, or using candles to add a pleasant aroma. Make space in closets and drawers so that guests have room to unpack if necessary. Linen sprays can also work for making already-clean sheets smell extra sweet for weary travelers.

2. Do your Research: Everyone has favorites, so before your guests arrive, find out if they prefer coffee in the morning, have dietary restrictions or allergies. Guests will appreciate you providing their favorites from home. Make sure to have sugar substitutes for diabetics, or veggies options for visitors with meatless diets. Nothing can make guests feel less welcomed than a meal with nothing they can enjoy.

3. Make it Easy to Find: No overnight guest wants to ask the host or hostess for every little thing. Make sure you expose electrical outlets and provide extra toiletries and towels. Put the iron in an easily accessible place, and make sure things like toilet paper or soap are stored in the guest bathroom. When your guests are getting settled, take time to explain how things like the alarm system and electronics work.

4. Map it out: Depending on the length and nature of your guests’ visit, they may need to hit the streets, with or without you. Plan ahead and pick up a map of your area or write out some simple directions to points of interest like the nearest shopping mall or nearby attractions and restaurants. Guests will not forget your efforts to make their stay and explorations as easy as possible.

5. Extra Touches: Sometimes you can step up a guests experience with small additions to the space they will be calling home. Add fresh flowers to your guest room or bathroom. Provide an alarm clock on the nightstand. You may even want to place bottled water at the bedside or provide books and magazines in their room or bathroom. Guests will love feeling pampered in their new space.

I believe life is about giving with your whole heart to the ones you love. Use the upcoming holidays to create a splendid environment for overnight guests as a way to show your love for them. It will make their visit so pleasant and enrich the time you have together.

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Kelley Carboni-Woods is the owner of Splendid Soirees (www.splendidsoirees.com) in Charlotte. Phone: (704) 807-2613

 

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