Creating a relaxing environment for your guests is an extremely useful way to stretch your entertaining muscle! Once you’ve started the process of setting up your space for an overnight guest, it’s time to make their private space as functional as possible
To help your guests relax in their private space, be sure to include a chair in their bedroom. This can be a standard as a kitchen chair, yet it will still enable your guests to have a place other than the bedroom to relax. A television is also a nice amenity to provide to your guests. The set does not need to be an HD 42” plasma screen --- a small TV that’s connected to cable or satellite will provide all that your guests need – access to news, weather, sports scores and perhaps a late night movie! Don’t forget to include a channel guide, along with the remote control.
If your guests bring their own computers, provide internet access in their guest room if it’s available. For hard wired or dial up service, this means that you should leave the proper cable attachment in the room. If you have wireless service in your home, leave an index card with the connection information and passwords in the guest room. It is also a great idea to place a surge protected power strip in the room, to provide enough outlets for your guests’ recharging needs.
During the Stay
Once your guests arrive, move in and become comfortable in their surroundings, it’s time to engage them and invite them into your world. For working guests, this activity may be as minor as setting a time for coffee and breakfast before the day starts. For guests traveling for vacation, this activity would likely mean setting up an itinerary that addresses their vacation goals such as relaxation, exercise, visiting or sightseeing. Be sure to allow the guests to have their own private time in addition to time spent involved with you..
If your guests are staying more than three days, make their visit more like home by offering them the use of your laundry facilities. Create a Laundry Packet by placing a single use packet of laundry detergent, a dryer sheet and usage instructions for your machines in a clear Ziploc bag.
Leave a pretty basket outside of the guest room to catch used bath linens. If desired, you can refresh these every two to three days, to make your guests’ stay even nicer.
