1. Rock what you’ve got.
Do you have a full-fledged guest bedroom? Great. Does your sofa turn into a sleeper? Fantastic. No matter what your hosting capabilities may be, run with it. If you can’t offer guests a dresser to unpack into, invest in a collapsable luggage rack (don’t worry, it’s Prime eligible so it will arrive before your in-laws), and call it a day.
2. Have guest-only towels.
While you may think your towels are fine, guests are more likely to notice those tattered edges. Keep a few sets of towels set aside for guest use only. Bonus points if they are a different color than your regular towels—it will prevent accidentally grabbing the wrong one.
3. Actually clean.
Even if you only have 20 minutes, give whatever space your guests will be staying a good once over. Dust the fan blades, wipe down the mirror, vacuum, and toss the curtains in the dryer to fluff them up.
4. Freshen the air.
Older homes are notoriously difficult when it comes to keeping them feeling fresh and dust-free. While you may be familiar with this, your guests likely aren’t. Plug in a deodorizing air freshener, set out a lightly scented candle and stylish box of matches, or set up an essential oil diffuser.
Important note: Don’t go heavy on fragrances—you don’t want to give your guests a headache.
5. Go green.
Be it clippings from your garden, a seasonal bloom from the local market, a simple succulent arrangement or a low-maintenance air plant, add a little life to your guest’s space with something fresh and green.
Bonus: Take care of yourself!
Know your limits.
While the joy of the season temps us to throw open the door with a jolly, “come one, come all!” I urge you to pause. Will your nieces and nephews be okay camping on the floor? Can your bathrooms reasonably accommodate all of your guests? Will you be overly stressed with a house full of guests? If there simply isn’t enough room, it’s okay to suggest other options. You may wind up enjoying your time together even more.
Don’t say “sorry.”
It is oh-so easy to fall into the “sorry” trap. “Sorry it’s a small room.” “Sorry the water takes a few moments to heat up.” “Sorry about the cat.” The truth is, your friends and family aren’t staying with you in expectation of a four-star experience. If that was what they were after, they would have stayed at a hotel down the road. Focus on the joy of sharing the home that you love with the people that you love.
