I love having folks stay with me.
I find joy in pampering my loved ones whether it is a
family member or overnight local friend
spending the night so we can get an
early start on a CA road trip.
I do have a set way of doing things
and thought I would share,
in case you would like to adopt some of the ideas.
Each bed has 2 soft pillows and 2 medium/firm,
hopefully meeting each person's needs in some format.
Two firm shams for sitting up in bed.
Also I make every bed with 2 top flat sheets,
because sometimes you just need a slight cover
and 1 is just too flimsy. One is placed on the bed
right side down and then folded back over the top sheet
which is made right side up.
Next is always a light blanket or quilt,
topped with a down comforter or spread
accordion folded so it can be pulled up easily.
This way the guest has many cooling/warmth options
without having to ask the host.
I always place a throw in the room
so a quick nap can be taken without
undoing all the linens.
Drapes/shades that can be drawn
to darken the room.
Two bedside lamps within reach while in bed
and a place to lay a book, a glass, cell phone.
If lights cannot be within reach then
plug them into those cool remote clicker gizmos.
I buy extras after Christmas for 75% off and
use them everywhere in my house year round.
Empty drawers so that longer staying
guests can unpack,
and if you are unable to do this
provide a luggage rack, bench, stool..
up off the floor.
I do both.
Do not make a guest push your clothes
aside to hang theirs. Empty a large space for them
and provide a supply of NICE hangers please,
so they know they are just for them.
In each room I provide:
A large mirror
(no one wants to walk out into a shared hallway
without a quick check in the morning)
wastebasket
nightlight
books/ magazines
(gear toward guests tastes if known)
Kleenex
Deck of Cards
( a salvation for me in a room if I cannot sleep)
Fresh Pretty Towels
I stack one of each
washcloth, hand, bath, per guest and
stack and tie with ribbon and
leave in their room,
if the bath is to be shared with others.
There is then no doubt and the question
"which towels can I use?"
Vary the style between guests please,
to avoid confusion, and wash
or replace every two days.
I also provide a guest basket
for each room containing
a note saying
"Please enjoy"
and I fill with
Sample Sizes
Shampoo
Conditioner
Lotion
Body Wash
Deodorant
(Try to select non gender specific)
Disposable shower cap
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Bottled water
Perhaps some snacks
new Toothbrushes,
new Disposable Razors
Small Hand Soaps
mini scrunchy pouffs
and disposable slippers/mini peds
when I can find them cheap.
( frequently the dollar section in Target)
Usually a basket costs me less than 10.00
and often none or only a few are used
so unopened items can be saved for next time,
so I rarely spend 10.00 per visit..
I provide one freshly washed robe per room.
At the sink I provide both liquid soap and bar soap.
In the shower toilet area,
hooks to hang wet towels so that
they dry quickly and extra toilet paper
in view and "within reach".
If you do not have insets in shower for
toiletries then please provide an
over the shower rack.
No one enjoys a shower while holding onto a
bottle etc or having them precariously
balanced on the tub lip.
You do not have a dedicated guest room?
They're on the couch? Or a blow up?
You can still adapt many of these pleasures
for your guests.
Make sure you have plumped
up the sofa/blow up to make it comfy.
When I have to enlist the couch for
more space I first lay down a folded feather bed
or comforter before I make it up and it becomes a cloud...
"Make up" the couch/blow up to make it pretty,
don't just hand them a stack of linens, and say goodnight.
Provide a bedside lamp and table ( maybe a foldaway)
and perhaps a luggage rack out of the way.
All the other small luxuries can be left in the bath.
Be-ribboned towels, gift basket etc.
So...
who's coming over to stay?
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