Winter is almost over and now would be a great time to think about what is needed for your guest room. (Yes, they will appear). If you do not have a guest room but must send one of the kids to the rumpus room to sleep, make sure you have an air mattress that can be blown up for them to sleep on. (Floors are toohard).
Make sure the room is spotless-clean and the linens are fresh and, again, clean. Curtains should be washed or dusted/vacuumed.
Put together a box/basket/tray with goodies that they can use should they forget something when they packed their suitcase. This is not a costly venture.
Go to Walmart or the Dollar Store and pick up the travel size bottles etc. of toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, bar soap and/or liquid shower soap and puff, hair spray, shampoo, cream rinse, men’s shaving cream, extra toothbrushes, sleep masks, bottle of Tylenol/Aspirin, clean glass(es).
Recent magazines or newspapers for your guests to relax and read. Small bowl of chocolates (we always place one chocolate on their pillows), nuts, chips, fruit. When we had the Bed and Breakfast, we always put out a tray of fresh and chilled grapes, crackers, salty treats, watermelon etc., jug of ice water and glasses for when they arrived and could settle in.
Each person should have their own towels, face cloths and hand towels. Show them where they can find more toilet paper, kleenex box or towels. This way they don’t feel like they are bothering you or using too much of any product.
If your guests are staying longer than two days…empty out their garbage pail, put in a clean plastic white garbage bag. Change their towels (without fuss).
Oh yeah, put fresh flowers in their room and a couple in the bathroom. Personally, I don’t feel there is any other item that shows you are delighted to have these people in your home than fresh flowers. They are not expensive…garden flowers if you have a garden, inexpensive bunches at the grocery store.
None of the things above are expensive or difficult to achieve. Honest!
Be gracious. Be sincere. Be the one who treats everyone like royalty. Enjoy their time with you. There is no guarantee for another tomorrow.
Holiday Tips
Just when you think you don’t have ‘anything’, take another look around. Is there a Dollar Store near you? If so, go pick up some small cookie cutters. Make them different. Then when you set your table, pull your napkin through, Voila! Now let your guests take them home with them.
AND
If you want a simple but elegant, table centre, use a pretty glass container, fill it with fresh cranberries, insert a floating candle or three and again, it is inexpensive yet pretty to look at. If you have a tree outside, cut off some cedar and wrap it around the base of the glass container. Now THAT is a showpiece. Right?
Cost: Minimal, Look: terrific, Memories: Priceless!
OR
Use small Christmas balls, and take a place card for each one, write their name on individual cards, insert into the top of the ball (or use glue or doublesided tape) and set it on the table. Pretty, innovative and costs next to nothing.
The thing to remember is it doesn’t have to be expensive. Just let your imagination run with new ideas. It makes a HUGE difference and, again, the memories people come away with are priceless.
If you have other ideas, please comment and everyone benefits.