How to be the Hostess with the Mostess

I’ve recently had a lot of company coming and going, which got me thinking about how quickly the holidays are approaching. Many of us are planning to host (or maybe the guests).  I love to entertain and I love making my guests feel right at home!  How about you?  Today, I thought I would share 10 quick tips on how to be the hostess with the mostess!  Ready?  Here we go…  but, before we do (hee-hee), this article first appeared on ForRent.com.

How to be the Hostess with the Mostess:

1) Ask your guests if they have any food/pet allergies and if there are foods they don’t like.  I always appreciate when I’m asked these simple questions before visiting with friends and family.  It lets them know that you have their best interests in mind!  You’ll start the visit off right by asking this one before they arrive {wink}.

2) Sleeping Arrangements.  Where will your guests be sleeping?  Determine this ahead of time.  If you don’t have a spare room, will they be sleeping on a pull out couch or air mattress (we own an Intex)?  If so, sleep on those yourself prior to their visit.  You need to know whether it’s comfortable or not.  Is the mattress lumpy, does the bed squeak, etc.

Here’s a funny story!  I grew up in a pastor’s home and we entertained overnight guests a lot.  That meant giving up our beds on several occasions.  My sister and I often hated it because the pull out bed in the living room was NOT comfortable, there was a bar that made you feel like you were sleeping over a big boulder.  It was miserable!  Of course we still laugh about those sofas!  However, you don’t want your guests to be uncomfortable, so be sure to test it out yourself.

3) Place extra pillow(s) and/or blanket(s) out to ensure they’re all set for the night ahead.

4) Other Room Essentials.  Does the room or space have a trash can? You might also have a box of tissues and a bedside water carafe for them to use.  Of course, these are optional items, but from experience — it’s nice to have these amenities on-hand. Don’t have a bedside water carafe?  Offer them a bottle of water!

5) Bathroom Toiletries and Towels.  Have a small basket on-hand for your guests in case they’ve forgotten their toothpaste, shampoo, q-tips, etc.  Replenish after their visits.  It’s a very thoughtful gesture that your guests will certainly appreciate.  Be sure to set out towels for your guests in either the bathroom, in their room or on their bed.  I like for my guests to feel right at home versus frazzled and unsure.

6) Light Bulbs and Batteries.  Be sure to check that all light bulbs are working in the overhead lights and lamps.  I recently had company and forgot to check the lamp {face palm}.  It happens to the best of us, but it’s nice not to be reminded of that at 11 p.m. and realize you don’t have any replacement bulbs.

Have a TV in the room where you’re guests will be sleeping?  Be sure to make sure they are still working and the batteries don’t need to be changed.  I don’t watch TV in my guest room (duh), so it never hurts to be sure that your company is ready to do a little channel surfing when they decide to turn in.

7) Greet your guests at the door and carry their luggage to their room/space.  This keeps less clutter in the entryway and allows your guests to understand that they have a designated space to keep their luggage and belongings.

8) Storage and Hangers.  Be sure to have a space for your guest’s luggage and offer hangers for hang up clothes.  I keep luggage racks on hand for my company, but if you don’t, be sure to clear a space on the floor for them — even if that means having to rearrange a few things temporarily.  If you have a dresser in the room (and depending upon the length of their stay), you might offer a drawer or two for them to unpack their suitcase as well.

9) Have a print out for your guests that include the Wi-Fi network and password.  Most travelers keep their phones, computer and iPads on hand — so be sure to communicate this with your guests, letting them know to make themselves at home.

10) Morning Schedules.  Once your guests have arrives and slept comfortably through the night, be sure they’re taken care of in the morning.  Many times, we still have commitments and work, so be sure to plan ahead for the morning.  Leave a tray of muffins, scones, fruit, etc. with a note stating there is coffee in the pot, juice in the fridge and so forth!  I think a few brownie points are accumulating at this point — don’t you?

Orange Cranberry Scones

Now you’re officially ready to be the hostess with the mostess!  Do you have any tips to keep the hostess and guests happy?  Be sure to share to share them with us in the comments.

BONUS TIP!

Buying some goodies from Grove Collaborative and keeping them on hand is a bonus tip! Whether it’s having a candle to burn, a room freshener or hand soap for your bathroom!  This is probably the best tip… not having to leave the house for all natural products that can be used for cleaning, bath and body, and more!

In case you’re not familiar with Grove Collaborative,  they’re a subscription service that makes creating a healthy, beautiful home effortless and affordable. When you sign up, they’ll ask a few questions to find your favorite products (and recommend new ones you’ll love). They’ve hand-selected the best natural products and they’ll deliver them (carbon offset) right to your doorstep, on your schedule.

If you’re a new subscriber, you can get the following set (in Apple Cider or Mum) for FREE, plus FREE shipping with your first order when you use my link.  Here is what you’ll get:

• Free Mrs. Meyer’s fall seasonal hand soap
• Free Mrs. Meyer’s fall seasonal dish soap
• Free Mrs. Meyer’s fall seasonal multi-surface spray
• Free Grove Collaborative kitchen towel
• Free 60 Day VIP trial

If you already use and love Grove like I do, you can get the set for 50% off. That’s a steal! HURRY, this offer will only last until October 16th.  Grab your FREE gift set today…

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