Getting ready to host houseguests for the first time (or the first time in a while) and feeling stressed? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. That’s why I’ve created the ultimate checklist for hosting houseguests, a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to do to ensure that your guests have an enjoyable stay.
Hosting houseguests can be an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful if you’re not adequately prepared. From ensuring your guest room is comfortable to planning meals and activities, there are numerous things to consider when hosting friends or family in your home.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or hosting guests for the first time, this checklist will help you stay organized and on top of everything. This will make your hosting experience stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved. So let’s dive in and get ready to host the perfect stay for your guests!
The Ultimate Checklist for Hosting Houseguests
Making your houseguests feel comfortable is essential to ensuring that they have an enjoyable stay in your home. Some key elements to consider include providing a clean and cozy guest bedroom, stocking up on essentials like toiletries and extra towels, and offering a warm welcome and tour of your home.
Overall, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that caters to your guests’ needs and preferences is the key to making them feel comfortable and ensuring that they have a memorable stay in your home. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare in the weeks and days ahead, once they arrive, and during their stay. This is the Ultimate Checklist for Hosting Houseguests!
Weeks / Days Before
- Confirm the dates and arrival time of your guests. It’s best to start off with open communication with your guests so you can be fully prepared and not frazzled when they arrive.
- Prepare the guest bedroom by washing the linens, fluffing the pillows, and providing extra blankets and towels. Just before they arrive, you can spray the room with a linen spray or Febreze (this is what I use).
- Clean the guest bathroom thoroughly and stock it with toiletries such as face wash, body soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. I like to stock up on travel size toiletries and include an extra toothbrush in case they forget theirs.
- Make sure there’s room in the guest bedroom closet or a dresser for your guests to store their belongings. If you don’t have closet space, think about setting up a small clothes rack so they can hang up their items. You might even want to have a bench or ottoman for them to set their bag or suitcase on, and a small bowl for small items like jewelry.
- Create a list of local attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest your guests might enjoy in their free time.
- Plan meals ahead of time and ask your guests about any dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Stock up on snacks and drinks that your guests may enjoy – it’s nice to leave some water and snacks in the guest bedroom for when they may get hungry between meals.
Once They Arrive
- Once your guests arrive, give them a tour of your home and show them how to use appliances, TVs and other amenities.
- Provide a spare key or access code to your home if you’ll be away from the home and they will need access.
During Their Stay
- Consider hosting a dinner or other social event during your guests’ stay. This is a great time to include mutual friends or close family members.
- Check in with your guests regularly to ensure that they have everything they need and are comfortable.
- Ensure that your home is clean and tidy throughout your guests’ stay. Fluffing pillows, folding throw blankets, and putting dishes away will keep things feeling tidy and organized.
Additional Tips
If you want to go the extra mile, here are a few ways to add an extra special touch to your houseguests stay. Try including these items:
WIFI
Make it easy for your guests to connect to wifi in your home. Print or write your Network Name and Password and putting this in a picture frame in the guest bedroom.
KEURIG
Make your guest bedroom feel like a luxury hotel room by providing a Keurig coffee maker right in their room! You could have this on a dresser or bar cart with mugs, a pitcher of water, stir sticks, sweetener packets, and small cream packets. This one is the perfect size for a guest bedroom.
COFFEE CREAMER
Your guests will really feel at home if they have the same coffee creamer they use at home. I like to ask my houseguests how they take their coffee ahead of time so I can be sure to have Half and Half or another creamer on hand. It doesn’t cost much, but makes a big difference to them!
CLOTHES STEAMER or IRON
Another way to make your guests feel at home is to include a portable clothing steamer or iron and small ironing board in the guest bedroom. Or you could have this accessible to your guests and include it in the tour of your home when they arrive.
Easy Snacks to Provide
By thinking ahead and preparing with easy snacks to have available, you won’t have any rushed trips to the grocery store or last minute DoorDash orders from your hungry houseguests. I’ve rounded up a list of easy snacks you can have on hand during their stay.
- Fresh fruit, such as bananas, apples, grapes, or berries
- Assorted nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pistachios
- Cheese and crackers
- Vegetables and dip, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers
- Trail mix or granola bars
- Popcorn
- Pretzels or chips with salsa or guacamole
- Yogurt or pudding cups
- Chocolate or other small candies
- Mini muffins or baked goods
- Energy bars or protein bars
- Hummus and pita bread
- Rice cakes or whole-grain crakers
- Dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, or raisins
- Jerkey, such as beef or turkey, summer sausage, or salami
You can mix and match these snacks to provide a variety of options for your houseguests. Be sure to ask your guests about any dietary restrictions or preferences before selecting snacks to ensure they can enjoy them.
Use This Checklist as a Guide
Hosting houseguests can be a wonderful experience when done right. By following this ultimate checklist, you can ensure that your guests feel comfortable, welcomed, and taken care of throughout their stay.
From preparing the guest bedroom and bathroom to planning meals and activities, there are many things to consider when hosting guests. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests and make lasting memories together.
So, use this checklist as a guide and get ready to host the perfect stay for your guests. Happy hosting!
Have other tips for hosting houseguests? Leave them in the comments below!
Download the Checklist
Click below to download the Ultimate Checklist for Hosting Houseguests in PDF format
This Ultimate Checklist for Hosting Houseguests is your go-to guide for entertaining friends and family in your home. Whether you're a seasoned host or hosting guests for the first time, this checklist will help you stay organized and on top of everything!
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