Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for your holiday guests inexpensively. Be a gracious host and your houseguests will feel right at home.
Create an Inviting Entry
Take a look at the outside of your house and consider what guests see when they arrive. What can you do to make it more welcoming? Some quick and easy spruce-ups include sweeping the porch or stoop, clearing weeds out of flower beds, replacing any burned-out exterior lights and placing a wreath on the door. Add extra cheer — display white or colorful holiday lights.
Prepare a Welcome Basket
Anticipate your guests’ needs — prepare a welcome basket with all the essentials they’ll need during their stay. Include items like washcloths, hand lotion, cotton swabs, mints, tissues and magazines. Not sure what else to pick up? Think about what would make you feel welcome in someone else’s home.
Give a Full Tour
When guests arrive, give them a full house tour. Show them where to find snacks, bath towels, toiletries, iron and ironing board, and the washer and dryer. Are they staying for an extended period of time? Familiarize them with the neighborhood and outlying areas — point out grocery stores, restaurants, libraries and local parks. You can also give your guests local brochures, a map and house keys.
Start With a Good Breakfast
Guests will appreciate having breakfast ready and waiting when they wake up. Have easy breakfast items on hand such as eggs, fruit, frozen bagels and sausages. If your coffeemaker has a timer, set it to brew first thing in the morning — it’ll fill the house with an invigorating aroma. Are your guests early risers? Leave coffee cups, sugar and creamer on the counter so they can help themselves.
Stock Up on Goodies
Find out ahead of time what types of foods, drinks and snacks your guests enjoy, and stock up before they arrive. Tell them to feel comfortable helping themselves.
