It’s that time of year when guests come to stay, and that means it’s also time to zhuzh up the rooms where they will be hanging out. Here’s how.
- In general, supply a set of keys to your house, as well as your contact info, local emergency numbers, details about parking or transit, and the code to your security system if you have one. Also be clear about any house rules so there are no misunderstandings later.
- In the guest bedroom, provide a comfortable mattress, pillows and nice linens, including a cozy comforter and extra blankets.
- Keep décor simple and clutter free. Make space in the closet and/or dresser for clothes, and provide a small table, bench or luggage rack for suitcases.
- Provide a comfy chair so they have a place to sit, a desk if you have room for one and a good reading lamp.
- Create a charging station with a universal charger for all their devices. Share your Wi-Fi password — write it on a card and leave it somewhere easy to find.
- Make their room a refuge: Create a snack station, set up a small TV set with bedside remote and/or assemble a small library of reading material.
- Whether you are sharing a bathroom or have a separate one for guests, make sure it is immaculately clean. And put away anything you want to keep private.
- Check that everything works — the toilet flushes, the taps flow and the door locks and unlocks easily — and replace any burnt-out lightbulbs.
- Put out fresh soap (ideally, liquid soap in a pump dispenser so no one has to share a bar) as well as fresh towels, a hair dryer and a basket of mini-toiletries.
- And for a lovely extra touch, in bedroom or bath, display flowers, holiday decorations and/or scented candles.
