Making guests feel welcome

I'm sure a lot of you are entertaining guests over this holiday season, and I have some helpful tips to make them feel at home in your home.  

~One of the major things to remember is that most guests are unsure as to how comfortable to get at your house.  Even if you make it clear they can help themselves to anything they want, you should always be sure to offer them the things they might need.  

 The guest room:

This should be a room that makes guests feel cozy and relaxed.  If they will be staying for more than a night, be sure to have items in the room and bathroom they may need.  Like towels, extra blankets and pillows, trash can, toothpaste, shampoo, soap. Sometimes my guests like to sleep with a fan, so I make sure to have a little one handy just in case.  It goes with out saying that the sheets be fresh, the room vacuumed and dusted.

Even if you don't have a guest room, and they are sleeping on the pullout in the living room, try your best to make that room inviting.  If you are lucky enough to have a bedroom for them, fix the bed up pretty and try to make it look homey.  Have the lights on when they arrive and a place for them to put their luggage.  There should be enough room in the closet for them to hang clothes.

Knowing that you went to the trouble to set the room up just for them, shows them you care and you are glad they are visiting.

~Another idea is to add some greenery to the room.  If you can't afford fresh flowers, try a houseplant or some pretty cuttings from the yard.

I like to set things on the bedside table, like an alarm clock, lamp, pad & paper, or anything else you can think of.

These nice little touches really say a lot to your guest.  It makes them feel special and loved.

~As far as food, you should buy quite a bit before your guests arrive.  Maybe even ask what they like for breakfast, and have it for them.  Lots of snacks and plenty of drinks is always a good idea.

~Make sure they know where a key is so if they are out and need to get back to the house with out you, it will be easy for them to return.

These are just some basic tips I follow when hosting,

it also helps to be a laid back and flexible hostess. Anything can happen when you have house guests.

If you have anything to add, please feel free to leave a comment :)