You know how you are right about to go to bed and realize you are either dying of thirst or hunger but you don't want to go downstairs? Make life easier on your guests and provide them a little snack and a pitcher of water.
House Beautiful mentioned an alarm clock was important, but I thought this little clock from Pottery Barn that I've had for years was far more classy, and plus, most people have alarm clocks on their phones now anyways.
Make sure you have a basket of towels and washcloths for your guests! This was good for me to assemble because I'm always scrambling last minute to make sure I have enough clean!
Fresh flowers make anyone feel welcome... unless they are allergic to them.
Don't put ragweed into your bedroom. :)
Leave a few things out for them to read... I always have decorating magazines on hand and then have a great magazine, NorthShore, outlining some of the best things to do in the area.
Room darkening curtains... these are definitely a step up from the sheer curtains that I just took off the windows the other day.
Have an extra blanket on the bed.
Especially if your husband isn't a fan of turning the heat above 50 degrees during winter nights.
(Yes, this is true for us and our miserable guests. :))
Add a luggage rack or a bench to your guest bedroom so guests have a place to put their luggage. If you don't have a luggage rack make sure you have a chair where they can place their bag(s).
Have extra hangers and hooks for guests to store things they don't want to get wrinkled.
The hooks on the back of the door also work well for a place to put their wet towels.
Leave paper and pens out for guests.
There always seems to be some random list you need to make for yourself.
Am I missing anything? What do you make sure to put in your guest's room?
If the answer is "chocolate on their pillow" consider me your next guest. :)
UPDATE (items blog readers have suggested):
Hair Dryer / Flat Iron
Charging station for electronics
Travel sized goodies (shampoo, etc)
Come back tomorrow for Wednesday Loves: Guest Bedroom Edition!
I totally do chocolates on the pillows. Usually Andes. Also, I have a basket of travel sized stuff that they may have forgotten: shampoo, conditioner, contract solution, soap, lotion, toothbrushes, a small, new, sealed manicure kit, a small first aid kit, there's more, but that's what I can pull off the top of my head. I also make sure there's at least one easily accessible & visible outlet with a small table next to it so they can charge their devices. Oh, and a fan too, in case it's too warm or they just like the white noise.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jen. I'll definitely be incorporating some of these ideas!
~ Elizabeth
What a great post, Jen! I always leave them a small map of Boston and if I have my act together a Charlie pass for my guests who might want to venture into the city. It also might be nice to include a hairdryer and iron too!
ReplyDeleteOf course I should have had a basket of travel sized goodies! I've got a bunch of stuff right in my linen closet and forgot about that... great idea, Elizabeth. And a fan for white noise... we have one in every room. :)
ReplyDeleteRuthie, I love the idea of a Charlie pass! Perfect! I have a blow dryer and flat iron in the bathroom accessible but that is so smart to make sure I tell people it is theirs to use!
Thanks for the ideas!
First of all, I find it so cool that you're in Boston. We went to Boston 3 weeks ago, during a heat wave you were having! Also got to check out Martha's Vineyard for a day (Martha's vineyard was one item on my lifelong to-do list!)
ReplyDeleteOpera mentioned on her show, like a year ago, or so, that she leaves asparin on her guests' bedside table, to take before they go to bed. Apparently it prevents a hangover in the morning. Considering I have never had a drink of alcohol in my life, I have no idea if it works. But, just a suggestion. Then again, I suppose it depends on what types of parties you have, and what types of guests you have, lol!
Oh my goodness, Sue, wasn't that heat horrible?!?! It made me not want summer anymore which is unheard of! :) Would you believe I've never been to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket? Both are on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteSmart about Oprah... although I never throw parties where my guests will have hangovers, I don't want to deal with crazies. :)
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ReplyDeleteIn our house, often there's a couple of dog biscuits/treats too. However, I think wet wipes of some sort is always a good idea. We have lots of kids stay over... I always leave a toy or something on their pillows.
ReplyDeleteLots of great ideas here. Thanks, Jen. In a basket of travel shampoos, etc., I include a small pair of scissors. emery boards, and shower caps I pick up in hotels. And I have blinders for wearing in bed to keep things very dark.
ReplyDeleteNancy
I would just add a pair of scissors and a sleep mask (I save the ones I get on planes on international flights) . . .
ReplyDeleteNancy
If your guest room is that chilly it could be quite uncomfortable for your guests. A small fan heater would be very handy for those chilly nights!
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