Full Bloom Blog

One of my favorite values I learned from my great aunt several years ago is that your house can be a ministry. You pray for the Lord to use you, but if you allow Him, it goes beyond just you as a person. I believe that the Lord can use your home to minister to people in different ways. Two things I always think of when we’re having people over whether it’s for five minutes or a couple weeks is that 1. I want them to feel welcome and 2. I want them to feel comfortable.

Whether you have house guests on the regular or just a couple times a year, there are a few simple touches that you can add to your guest accommodations that will make a big difference. These are some ideas to help your guests feel both welcome and comfortable.

1. Lamp – seems simple but it’s nice to have something other than an overhead light and a phone “flashlight” to guide your guest into their temporary accommodations. I generally like to put a lamp close to the bed and turn it on before the guest arrives so that as he/she is settling in on the first night he/she will not be stumbling around in the dark.

2. Power Strip. Preferably close to the bed. These days, most people travel with more than one piece of technology. Whether it’s a phone and a tablet, or a phone and a laptop, or all of the above, you want to have ample charging spots for them in a convenient location.

3. Extra hangers. From time to time, we turn Annabelle’s room into guest accommodations. Her little hangers are not very helpful for big people clothes so I stash a few “adult” sized hangers in the closet so as to make room for any kind of wardrobe [ensemble, outfit] storage.

4. Extra blanket. I make a full bed: sheets, comforter, and pillow. Regardless of the season, it’s nice to throw an extra blanket so the guest has some flexibility to really make his/herself comfortable. Nothing screams “make yourself at home” or “stay a while” like some extra cozy.

5. Tissues. Simple, but oh so helpful in many ways.

6. Garbage can. Accessibility of basic things are key. Tissues and a garbage can go a lot further than you think. I have definitely experienced the other end of this. Especially, if you are traveling with kids, you need a garbage can. Lord knows, those little stinkers know how to create some trash. Whether we’re talking tissues or bar wrappers, if it’s not going in a garbage can, it’s going into my purse. Again.

7. WiFi Info. Don’t make your guest hunt you down or try read your chicken scratch off the side of your modem in order to enjoy some data free weather updates or social media perusing. Print a legible sign with all of the necessary information and passwords and leave it in an easy to find location in the room. Also, side note, it is important to make sure that it is printed correctly including case sensitivity. I may or may not have frustrated a guest or two by lacking proper case on said sign!

8. Fresh cut flowers or a live plant. Nothing shows more forethought and hospitality like some beautiful blooms or greenery. It’s charming, welcoming, and one of those little things that makes a big difference.

9. Folded towels. I would estimate at least two bath towels, one hand towel, and two wash clothes per guest. If the guest is staying for more than a few days, offer to refresh the towels or leave extra after the first couple days. Fold them on the dresser or bed to give it that B&B feel that your friends and family will appreciate. It shows more thought than “grab one from the basket in the bathroom.” (Don’t feel bad, I’m totally guilty of that one at times).

10. Refreshments. Depending on the guest, and the time of their arrival, I do some fresh baked cookies and a bottle of water or two. I have done chocolate chip cookies for my dad and I did these macarons were for my mother-in-law. Goodies are always welcome. Plus, not having to tip toe around someone else’s home in pursuit of a drink of water in the middle of the night is priceless. I’m not the best at this part yet, but I am always striving to improve!

11. A hand written note. Doesn’t have to be fancy, doesn’t have to be deep. Just let your guest(s) know that you’re happy they are there.

Most importantly though, remember to enjoy your time with your guests and soak up the memories! A cheerful and welcoming hostess says more than towels ever will.

All thoughts and photos belong to Kerry Graney. Opinions and advice are not of a professional standpoint and are not meant to advise or persuade in any way.