Hosting Overnight Guests: A Stress-Free Guide
The holiday season is upon us, which means spending quality time with family and friends — possibly even overnight visits. If you’ve never hosted overnight guests in your home before, you may find yourself stressed about preparing for their arrival. Whether it’s your in-laws coming to visit for a weekend or friends spending a week in town, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you make guests feel right at home.
Clean the House
- Wipe down the microwave: Guests may want to heat up food, so make sure any old food stains inside are scrubbed away.
- Clean the stove burners: Avoid unpleasant smoke smells when guests cook breakfast.
- Clean your front door: Remove pollen, ice, or dirt to create a welcoming first impression.
- Touch up common areas: If you have children or pets, tidy living rooms or kitchens daily during the visit.
Stock the Fridge
- Provide a variety of drinks (water, soda, juice) and display coffee/tea with creamer and sugar.
- Keep breakfast basics like eggs and bagels, plus snacks such as chips, nuts, and fruit.
- Ask guests about allergies or dietary restrictions beforehand to accommodate their needs.
Prepare the Bedroom
- Dust, vacuum, and supply clean linens in the guest room.
- Offer extra pillows and blankets for customizable comfort.
- Ensure all lamps have working bulbs and replace old ones if unsure.
- Place a Wi-Fi password card on the nightstand and fold towels neatly on a chair or bed.
- Include a list of local attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options for out-of-town visitors.
Prepare the Bathroom
- Declutter the sink counter to free up space for guest toiletries.
- Deep-clean the toilet, shower, floor, and rugs before arrival.
- Provide travel-size toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.) in a basket and stash extra toothpaste/toothbrushes in a cabinet.
- Stock plenty of toilet paper and keep a plunger nearby.
Provide Instructions for Electronics
- List available streaming services or cable channels and explain how to use remotes.
- Offer to walk guests through tech setups to prevent confusion.
Morning Etiquette
- Minimize noise from appliances or loud conversations early in the day.
- Prepare breakfast or coffee/tea options, considering dietary needs.
- Leave clear instructions for coffee makers if you’re awake earlier than guests.
While hosting overnight guests can feel overwhelming, thorough preparation eases stress and ensures a memorable experience for everyone. Review these tips, create a plan, and focus on enjoying time with your loved ones!