When entertaining overnight guests, it’s hard not to think of the adage “there’s no place like home.” It’s an adage for a reason. As much as we enjoy being with friends and family, we will never quite be as relaxed and comfortable as we are in our own homes. We have our routines and idiosyncrasies. We like having everything just so. When having guests over, it can be worrisome to think about – the fact that they might be missing their own space. This is why it is especially important to think about what might make them comfortable when coming to visit.

Preparing your home and guest space in advance of your guests’ arrival ensures everything is ready to welcome them warmly and helps create a hospitable environment from the moment they walk in.

And not only comfortable, but you want them to have a wonderful experience! Anticipating what is expected of a good host—such as providing thoughtful amenities and ensuring their needs are met—will help your guests feel truly at home. You want them to be as sad to leave as you will be to see them go.

PASSING ON THE TRAITS OF THE PERFECT HOST

Did you know the saying, “Like mother like daughter” dates back to the 1300 hundreds? It can be found in the Book of Ezekiel which forms a part of both the Hebrew and the Christian Old Testament. So, it came as no surprise when I opened the closet door in my daughter’s guest room, where my Ultimate Concierge and I are staying for the holiday week of Thanksgiving, and noticed on the shelf two pairs of bedroom slippers in white starched bags. A smile came on my face as I stared at the bags and thought…like mother like daughter. There were his and her hangers, a shoehorn, fresh flowers, and a beautiful candlelit with the scent of jasmine, music playing, and a beautiful dish filled with silver-wrapped chocolate kisses, symbolizing her love. And, this was for starters.

What I found permeating throughout our guest room was the character of the young woman of the house. A young woman who followed in her mother’s footsteps; taking pride in everything she does, in this case showering her parents with comfort because she cared. Thoughtful hosts treat their guests with respect and kindness, ensuring they feel welcome and valued. To care about others gives a woman the luxurious feeling of self-satisfaction and self-worth.

I urge you to add the word luxury to your vocabulary. Think about the lifestyle you live remembering that I am not referring to material possessions. I am referring to your code of ethics; your make-up. It has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with behavior.

One of the lines I often use is, “Caring is sharing.” I live my life sharing my resources, my ideas, my love and friendship, and our home! I genuinely enjoy entertaining friends and family around our dining room table as well as inviting them into our home as our houseguests. In other words, I love the company, and I enjoy entertaining overnight guests. When hosting guests overnight, it is important to consider proper etiquette, comfort, and the needs of your guests to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

This time of year, many of you may be expecting overnight guests yourself, so it’s important to know what to expect and to set clear boundaries and guidelines for a comfortable stay. Having people in your home can be both wonderful and worrisome. Here are my tips to assure that these visits run smoothly and to help you prepare your home for their visit.

MY ‘TO-DO LIST AND THOUGHTS’ FOR HAPPY OVERNIGHT GUESTS

Here are some great tips for hosting overnight guests that will help you make them feel truly welcome and comfortable.

The most important thought that should go through your mind as you make your plan: A great hostess makes her guests feel as though they are on a beautiful mini vacation.

It was always easy for me to do because I asked myself, “What would make me happy and comfortable spending time as a guest in my friend’s home?”

That is easy to answer: “I would want to be provided for in every way!”

Most guests and most people typically appreciate thoughtful touches like fresh towels, a comfortable bed, and a little privacy when staying overnight.

Now you know, darlings, why my guests want to return for a visit!

A BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED BEDROOM

When my guest enters their guest bedroom, there are fresh flowers on my small entry table, a beautiful carafe of water with glass and small dishes of unsalted almonds on each nightstand, interesting art books, and magazines on shelving, soft music playing on the TV and luggage racks for suitcases. For added convenience, I include a small desk and chair in the guest bedroom, providing a workspace for guests who may need to use their laptop or write.

When entertaining overnight guests, one might say the bed is the most important thing! Selecting quality bedding, such as soft sheets, cozy pillows, and a crisp white duvet cover, enhances the comfort of the guest bedroom and creates a hotel-like experience. The sheets are fresh and soft, and each side of their bed has two pillows hidden behind beautiful European pillow shams that match a crisp white duvet cover. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment is essential to ensure guests enjoy a good night’s sleep.

In smaller spaces, a couch or sleeper sofa can double as a sleeping area for guests, offering both seating and a comfortable place to rest.

Every guest travels with an iPhone, iPad, and laptop, so I recently purchased a power strip that I leave in a drawer.

A FUNCTIONAL CLOSET

The guest closet holds an array of quilted hangers, pant hangers, and suit hangers. Also, a shoehorn hangs on a hook.

There are his and her terry cloth robes and slippers, a large wicker hamper and built-in dresser drawers. I have an extra blanket available on a shelf for guests who may need additional warmth, along with other extra blankets. On top of the dresser sits a lovely Asian bowl where I have placed a set of house keys for my guests to use for their stay.

When preparing for overnight guests, it’s important to organize different rooms and spaces in the home, ensuring that all areas—such as guest bedrooms, bathrooms, and shared spaces—are comfortable and well-equipped for their needs.

A BATHROOM FIT FOR A KING AND A QUEEN

The shower: The shower has a loofah (bath sponge), shampoo, crème conditioner, body soap, and bath soap.

Bathroom drawers: There is a Lucite sectioned tray in each drawer with a few ‘maybe I forgot items’ such as toothpaste and two extra toothbrushes, a razor and shaving crème, deodorant, and hairspray. These small, often forgotten essentials ensure guests have everything they need.

Under the sink cabinet: There are extra rolls of toilet paper, fresh towels placed where guests can easily find them, and a hairdryer.

Top of the sink: Must have a small vase of fresh flowers and, I place beautiful jars with cotton balls, Q-tips, hand cream, and hand soap that sit on a tray. There is also a gorgeous Lucite magnifying mirror.

The bathroom also has a scale and a magazine rack with the latest magazines.

THE DEN AND BAR AREA

One of my favorite areas, when entertaining overnight guests, is the den and bar area. There is always freshly made popcorn, an array of nuts and my guests love chocolate-covered almond balls! When guests arrive or during their stay, I always offer them a drink from the bar to make them feel welcome. And of course, Shelly and I have been known to mix up a mean cocktail in the evening hours.

IN THE KITCHEN

In the kitchen, I have a large basket of fresh fruit on the counter, and the refrigerator is stocked with everything from bottled water to ‘you name it!’ When guests are visiting during the holiday season, I make sure the kitchen is prepared with extra snacks and beverages to meet their needs.

I serve breakfast at home. It is casual. I have a basket of fresh bakery, freshly brewed coffee and several flavors of tea, bacon (turkey) and egg soufflé or lox and bagels, and for those that like cereal, lots of small boxes of cereal with fresh bananas and three types of milk; skim, 2%, and whole. I always choose meal options that fit my budget while still making guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Lunch and dinners are ‘out and about’ unless I have a dinner party to introduce my out-of-town guests to my friends. If guests are visiting for the weekend, I like to plan special meals or activities to make their stay memorable. I love to give dinner parties but I will save that story for another time, darlings.

MANAGING YOUR GUESTS’ STAY WITH EASE AND GRACE

Hosting overnight guests is a true act of hospitality, and with a little thoughtful planning, you can ensure your friends and family feel right at home from the moment they arrive. Start by preparing your guest room with inviting touches—fresh flowers on the bedside table, a phone charger within easy reach, and a handwritten note with the wifi password. These simple tips show your guests you’ve thought of their comfort and make their stay extra special.

Don’t forget the essentials in the guest bathroom: set out clean towels, including a hand towel and washcloth, and stock up on extra toilet paper so your guests never have to ask. A sound machine is a great idea for helping overnight visitors get a restful night’s sleep, especially if your house is lively or you live in a bustling neighborhood. Make sure there’s closet space or a luggage rack available so your guests can unpack and settle in with ease.

Before your guests arrive, reach out to ask about any food allergies or dietary preferences. This small gesture goes a long way in making your guests feel cared for. Stock a basket with snacks like fresh fruit, granola bars, and bottled drinks—perfect for late-night cravings or early risers. In the kitchen, keep coffee, tea, and a few breakfast options easily accessible so guests can help themselves in the morning.

Little extras can make a big difference: place a fresh blanket at the foot of the bed, set out new toothbrushes and a selection of toiletries, and leave a note with instructions for the shower or coffee maker if they’re not intuitive. These thoughtful touches help guests feel confident and comfortable navigating your home.

When it comes to meals, ask your guests ahead of time about their favorites or any restrictions, and plan accordingly. Whether you’re preparing a casual breakfast or sharing a meal from a local restaurant, involving your friend or family member in the process can be a fun way to spend time together.

Finally, communication is key. Let your guests know about the house routine, where to find extra towels, and any other details that will help them feel at ease. Share recommendations for local attractions or favorite spots to visit, and encourage them to make themselves at home in your space.

By preparing ahead and adding these thoughtful touches, you’ll create a warm, welcoming environment that makes every guest feel like family. Hosting overnight guests doesn’t have to be stressful—with a little care and attention, you’ll ensure their visit is as memorable and comfortable as possible.

BRING THE JOY WHEN ENTERTAINING OVERNIGHT GUESTS

I am sharing these musings today because I know that many of you are having houseguests over Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year. Properly prepared, I am confident that you will enjoy the company and find that having others in your home brings joy, rather than chaos, to the holiday season. Hosting other guests, beyond close family, can also bring new joy and experiences, making your celebrations even more memorable.

What are your tips and tricks for entertaining overnight guests? Please share your thoughts with me via, Facebook and Instagram or in the comments section below.

 

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