How to Make Guests Feel Welcome

We’re sharing how to make guests feel welcome today!

You might have heard me share previously that my parents entertain a lot. Their primary home, Bliss Barracks, is busy almost every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Shortly after Labor Day when the summer beach crowd starts to fade, they have a bit of a hosting break. But just before Thanksgiving, their hosting duties gear back up again and run from the holidays into the New Year.

I would say I don’t know how they do it all, but my Mom definitely has the gift of hospitality. She also has a knack for making all the details look effortless.

I asked my Mom to share her 10 best tips on how to make guests feel welcome during the holiday season and she graciously agreed!

Here’s a look at how to make guests feel welcome for the holidays…

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is one of the easiest ways to make your guests feel welcome for the holidays. Before your guests arrive find out what each family/couple/guest will need prior to arrival.

Are they coming for the weekend? The week? Overnight? Do they want to sightsee or be left to come and go as they please?

Once you know this information, then you’ll be able to plan meals and activities accordingly.

Make Sure the House is Clean and Clutter-Free

Amp up your cleaning schedule a few days before your guests visit or enlist a cleaning service if you’re short on time.

Your house will be more comfortable for you and your guests if it is clean, clutter-free, and smells inviting.

If there is something that needs to be cleaned out like a guest bedroom closet or coat closet, take care of it at least a week before guests arrive so you won’t feel pressured at the last minute.

Stock the Fridge and Pantry

Although, we tell guests all the time “help yourself,” few actually do.

Make your guests feel welcome by leaving out baskets of fresh fruit, healthy snacks, boxes of chocolates, and bottles of flavored water on the kitchen island.

That way, if guests get hungry before meals are served, they’ll have convenient access to snacks.

Create Cozy Guest Quarters

Make sure the bed is comfortable and the linens are the best quality linens you can afford.

Provide a soft place for your guests to place their feet first thing in the morning and cozy blankets or duvets for napping during the day.

Make sure extra sets of towels are easily accessible in the bathroom so your guests don’t have to ask for them.

Give Your Guests a Little Space

If guests are staying for a few days leave drawers and closet spaces open so they’ll have a place to hang up and put away their clothes.

Make sure there are plenty of outlets for charging electronics. Also, be sure there is enough surface area on the nightstands for things like glasses, phones, and water.

Be Hotel-Minded

Providing necessities related to personal care is another quick and easy way to make guests feel welcome.

A lot of people pack in a hurry and almost always forget basic items like toothpaste or a contact lens case. Having extras will save you and them a trip to the store!

Be in the Know

When people come to visit they’ll most likely want to explore the area. So, make sure you’re able to give them good directions, restaurant recommendations, and activity suggestions.

Especially, if there are holiday or seasonal events around town!

Write Down the Basics

Keep a framed card with the alarm code, wifi password, and basic television remote instructions accessible so guests can enjoy these activities at thier leisure.

Put Together a Welcome Basket

A welcome basket instantly says, “I’m so glad you’re here.” You can put everything from extra toothbrushes to slippers in the basket depending on the length of time your guests will be staying.

We picked most of these items up at the Walmart dollar spot and the miniature sweet treats from our favorite local bakery. It’s another quick and easy way to make your guests feel welcome for the holidays.

Relax

After a few weeks of cleaning and preparing for houseguests it can be frustrating if you have to leave those last few items on the to-do list unfinished. But, I want to encourage you to let that stuff go!

When you’re relaxed, your guests also feel more relaxed.

Be present in the moment and enjoy the time have together. After all, you never know what adventures await.

Let us know your favorite way to make guests feel welcome for the holiday season! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,
CoCo