Download 50 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

50 Ways to Prepare Your Home
for Holiday Guests
Foyer
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Place a handwritten or typed welcome note on the foyer table for your guests to see as they walk in.
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Have a special place where guests can place their shoes and coats.
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Hang a nice sized mirror in the foyer for guests to check themselves before they exit.
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Have a packet or list of local things to do and see on the foyer table.
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Keep a bowl or jar full of mints or gum near the front door.
Guest Room
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Keep a chair or footrest in the guest room for luggage or to lay items out.
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Make sure you have one or two available electrical outlets for phones.
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In a drawer, have an extra phone charger, extension cord, flashlight, and note pad.
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Place books, magazines or articles that your guests would like to read on the bed.
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Have a handwritten welcome note on the bed with the WiFi password.
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Consider placing fresh flowers or an indoor plant in the room.
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Place an extra house key in the room and thoroughly explain how the alarm system works.
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Keep a fan and humidifier in the closet.
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Place a laundry basket in the closet and give your guests the opportunity to launder their clothes midway through their stay.
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Have a wastebasket in both the guest room and bedroom.
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Make sure there is ample natural or artificial light in the room.
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Leave a sign-in book in the guest room as a fun way to remember their stay.
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Sleep in your guest bed for one night to test the comfort level, add a foam topper if needed.
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Keep extra pillows and blankets in the closet.
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Clean sheets with unscented detergent.
Bathroom
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Make sure there is a nightlight in the hallway to the bathroom.
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Stock bathroom with ample toilet tissue, Kleenex, towels, face cloths, and a plunger.
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Consider buying extra toiletries from the dollar store for guests to use in the bathroom.
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Check the water pressure in the shower, tubs, and sink.
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Have hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes available for counter or bathroom surfaces.
NOTES:
Written with care by Brianna Wielebnicki, Real Estate Agent at StartingPoint Realty
Kitchen
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Place flowers on the kitchen table.
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Have fresh water, tea, and coffee available for guests to drink.
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Ask guests for any dietary restrictions and have a meal list planned before guests arrive.
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Have easy snacks or treats for guests to take throughout the day.
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Consider make ahead meals for guests such as breakfast casseroles, lasagna, or crock pot meals.
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Cover slick floors with runners or area rugs to prevent slipping.
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Update any small kitchen appliances such as the coffee maker, microwave, or toaster if necessary.
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Keep the table set during guests stay to make mealtimes easier.
Outdoors
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Clean off all outdoor tables, chairs and the deck floor.
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If the weather is nice plan a day in the backyard with games, activities and maybe a bonfire.
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Replace dying plants with seasonal or perennials before guests arrive.
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Make sure outdoor lights work and show any pathways to and from the house.
Pantry
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Stock pantry with guest’s favorite foods and drinks and place them in marked areas for guests to take at any time.
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Go through pantry items before guests arrive and donate any unused goods.
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Have extra wine, beers and spirits available.
Living Room
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Have the TV remotes in an easy to see place.
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Keep throw blankets on or near the seating areas.
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Have drink coasters out and plenty of napkins in a nearby drawer.
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Put away any clutter or extraneous items that are unnecessary until your guests leave.
Extra Tips
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Let your guests get settled in their room and then give them a tour of the house if they haven’t been there before.
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Always give your guests personal time throughout the day to rest and relax.
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Ask for feedback from guests on their stay and adjust any issues that arise.
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Send a post-card to the guest’s home midway through their stay thanking them for the great memories together and inviting them back
anytime.
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If your guests bring kids have many activities, movies and projects for them to do throughout their stay.
Written with care by Brianna Wielebnicki, Real Estate Agent at StartingPoint Realty
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Stay conscious of your guest’s wake and bedtimes and plan activities accordingly.
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Be flexible and use this list to stay stress free throughout their stay
Notes:
Written with care by Brianna Wielebnicki, Real Estate Agent at StartingPoint Realty