Visitors Welcome

Think like an innkeeper.
Stock up on sample size products. Purchasing travel size toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, disposable razor, and hair spray is a nice, yet inexpensive way to be a thoughtful host. Tuck them in a basket with a wash cloth and set the basket on top of their bath towels.

Give your guest privacy.
A common mistake for many hosts is to think you need to spend every moment of the visit with your guest. This is often why you're glad they've left. It's OK to suggest some private time by saying you're going to take a nap or read for a bit; then arrange a time to meet. You'll both be glad you did.

Hosting overnight guests, and making them feel welcome, can be simple when you have a nicely planned guestroom. You can't always dedicate an entire room for guests when it will only be used occassionally.

To maximize the daily functions of your room, create a combination guest room and home office. If you have enough space, incorporate your favorite piece of exercise equipment, that way you can use the room in between guests' visits.

Some tips for a comfortable guestroom:

Include a good mattress.
A sleeper sofa or a futon just can't compete with a full-size mattress. Whatever type of bed you choose, make sure the mattress is firm and that it's comfortable. Sleep on it yourself for a night or two. Watch a couple decorator video shows, they're often giving ideas on how to "hide" the bed when the guests are gone.

Allow space for unpacking.
Some guests prefer to live out of a suitcase. Most like a space to hang clothes and dresser drawers to tuck away their personal items. Provide an empty chest. This could even be a nice cedar chest that doubles as blanket storage when the visitors leave. If no closet is available, portable closets are available with decorative covers to match just about any room decor. Remember, leave enough room on bedside tables for personal items such as jewelry or books.

Consider small appliances.
An alarm clock for the nightstand prevents guests from having to rely on you for a morning wake up call. It's also nice to include a portable fan, telephone, and TV, if you have extras.