Guests A La Z

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?