Are you expecting Guests This Holiday season? Here’s How I Prepare for Houseguests.

A few years ago, we made the move from our house in the ‘burbs to a townhouse in the city. I love being close to everything (as well as having less house to maintain!), but we now face the common challenge of limited storage space. Moreover, we don't have a dedicated guest room, although there is a murphy bed in my office. However, I've discovered a nifty solution to these space constraints – a guest basket. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure our guests feel welcome, comfortable, and well-cared for during their stay.

My goal when we have guests is for them to feel welcome and comfortable, but also provide them with a little extra, as if they are staying in a hotel. I keep all the essentials neatly tucked away in one convenient bin. I store this in a high shelf in my laundry room, but it is still easily accessible when needed.

When it’s time to set up, I make the bed and place all the guest items in a basket, so they know exactly what is for their use.

Towels and Linens

I have specific guest only sheets and towels. These are exclusively for our guests, ensuring they have crisp, clean linens to enjoy during their visit. To keep things smelling fresh, I slip in a dryer sheet. I do keep more than one set, in case we have multiple guests. When the kids are home we sometimes have every bed and the couch full!

The Essentials

- A Hair Dryer: They don’t need to bring their own, or have to borrow one.

- Shampoo, Conditioner, and Lotion: I provide small travel sizes, and they are always welcome to take them home with them.

- Bottled Water: Staying hydrated is always important, but also my guests don’t need to stumble around an unfamiliar kitchen in the middle of the night.

- Extra personal items: I include an extra toothbrush & toothpaste, as well as a razor. Don’t forget to have feminine products available for the ladies!

Beyond the Basics

- A Laundry Bag: Because no one wants to mix their dirty laundry with clean clothes.

- Cozy Slippers: Perfect for lounging around comfortably.

- A Candle: To set a soothing ambiance in their space.

- A Black Washcloth: For removing makeup, I don’t want my guests to worry about getting stains on the towels!

- The WiFi password: obviously!

- An extra phone charger: I have a charger that has several different types of connectors for different phones.

- Fresh Flowers: or during the holidays I add an ornament or something festive!

- A Lint Roller: I try to keep the dog out of their space, but unfortunately his dog hair is quite pervasive.

Personal Touches

Depending on the guest, I might add a personalized touch. It could be a book I think they'd enjoy or a magazine with local insights and recommendations for things to do in town during their stay. These little gestures go a long way in making our guests feel special and welcomed.

Post-Visit Routine

Once our guests have bid us farewell, I have a routine for packing up the guest basket. I wash the sheets and towels, ensuring they are fresh and ready for the next visitor. The items go back into the bin, and I replace anything that has been used. I then cover it up, and it's ready to be placed back on the shelf, awaiting the next guest's arrival.

By keeping all the guest essentials organized and readily available, I ensure that our visitors feel right at home, no matter where they rest their heads. It's a simple system, but it works wonders in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our guests.

So, if you're looking to elevate your hospitality game in a small space, consider creating your own guest basket. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful touches, and you'll have everything you need at your fingertips for their next visit.