How to Make Guests Feel Welcome in Your Home
As you're reading this, we're currently hosting out-of-town guests for a few days. Some of our local friends lovingly refer to our home as a "bed and breakfast" because we often have visitors passing through our doors – and we absolutely love it.
Even though we don’t have much space, we always do our best to accommodate anyone who needs a place to rest their head. Our family’s mission statement is “Live Simply – Grow – Honor Relationships – Celebrate,” and opening our home to others is one small way we can honor our relationships.
Yes, hosting guests can be a bit tiring and adds some extra work for a while, but we genuinely enjoy it. Our guests often play with our children, which everyone loves, and it offers a refreshing break from the everyday routine. Hosting doesn’t have to be a burden – it can be something you look forward to.
10 Ways to Make Your Guests Feel More at Home
1. Be Yourself
Most house guests don’t expect perfection, so there’s no need to stress about having an immaculate home. The best guests are there to see the real you, not a polished performance. Relax, and be yourself!
2. Let Your Guests Be Themselves
When you say, "make yourself at home," mean it. Allow your guests to feel comfortable and at ease, even if it means letting them put their feet up on the coffee table. Of course, don’t let anyone take advantage of your kindness – boundaries are important.
3. Provide Extra Toiletries
We always keep a basket of essential toiletries ready for overnight guests, which we place in the guest bathroom. It’s nothing fancy – just items like toothpaste, soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and unopened toothbrushes. I often stock up on these items during sales or use travel-sized products from hotels.
4. Make Things Easy to Find
Ensure guests have easy access to what they need, such as towels, which can be placed on the bathroom counter or their bed. If they’re early risers, leave out breakfast items, along with dishes and silverware, so they can help themselves.
If they arrive after a long trip, a basket of refreshments like water, snacks, and a welcome note on their nightstand will go a long way in making them feel cared for.
5. Keep Coffee and Tea on Hand
Even if you don’t drink coffee, it’s a good idea to have some on hand for guests who do. It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant, but fresh coffee will be greatly appreciated by early risers.
6. Add Simple, Welcoming Touches
Small gestures can make your guests feel special. Place a fresh flower in a vase on their nightstand or provide a nice-smelling candle and a set of matches. An alarm clock is also a thoughtful addition.
7. Offer Reading Material
Provide some light reading, such as magazines or a short story collection, so your guests can relax in their spare time. If there’s a book you’d love for them to read, this is the perfect time to leave it out for them to discover.
8. Provide Local Information
If your guests are visiting from out of town, offering them brochures, maps, and information about local attractions can be helpful. A local travel guide or a CD from a regional musician could also be a nice touch.
9. Let Them Help
While you don’t want to burden your guests, allowing them to assist with small tasks can make them feel more at ease. Let them set the table or stir the soup – it provides an opportunity to bond while working together.
10. Protect Your Family’s Time
Though it can be challenging, make sure to carve out time for your immediate family, especially if you have young children. Stick to familiar routines, like bedtime stories, to help them feel secure and prevent attention-seeking behavior.
Do you enjoy having guests in your home?
What challenges do you face when hosting? Feel free to share your favorite hosting tips!
