Can you believe it’s almost time to carve the turkey and deck the halls? Pretty soon, your mother-in-law will be rearranging your spice cabinet, your cousin Freddy is going to be talking about how big the fish was that he caught that one time, and your Aunt Rita will be asking about who your daughter is dating. Regardless of how much your life is about to feel like a National Lampoon’s Vacation movie, family is family, and you’ll treasure the memories you make with them for years to come. If you’re hosting any family gatherings this holiday season, chances are you’re going to have lots of overnight guests. We came up with a list of things to make your guests feel more at home. Maybe you’ll even impress your mother-in-law!
- Clean Sheets: This one might seem obvious, but before you have any guests sleep on your beds or futons, treat them to some freshly washed sheets. You might also make sure there aren’t any stains or rips. The last thing you want is for them to think that they’d been better off at a hotel.
- Candles: You might want to avoid scented candles as this might give Aunt Betty the perfect opportunity to have one of her classic sneezing episodes, but candles can definitely enhance the holiday mood. They also add the perfect finishing touches to any room and are a relatively inexpensive decoration.
- Folded Towels: Not that you have to make any sort of fancy origami swans, but there’s nothing wrong with making your freshly laundered towels a little extra fancy. Give them that extra flare.
- Fresh Flowers: Again, these are just a nice touch. With the holidays approaching, you might opt for some poinsettias, but don’t feel like you have to go with the red and green. Some white or cream flowers like carnations or roses always look nice.
- Extra hangers: Your guests will need hangers for their coats and nice holiday wear. No one really thinks to pack hangers, so they’ll definitely need you to have these. 3-4 per guest should suffice.
- Tissues: These are really a must have. Every guest room should have a box.
- Bathrobe: This is just an extra courtesy and finishing touch. Your relatives might even think they’re staying at the Plaza!
- Extra Toiletries: Every guest forgets something, so stocking your guest bathroom with some new toothbrushes, feminine products, shampoo and conditioner, and lotion will save you from a mad dash to the store.
- Wastebasket: If you don’t use your spare bedroom all that often, you might want to check and make sure that you have a wastebasket or extra container where your guests are staying.
- Lint Roller: The holidays bring in as many sweaters as they do sugar cookies, so having a lint roller will help your guests feel more camera ready.
- Tylenol/Basic Medicine: Whether Uncle Rob has one too many eggnogs again, or Cousin Hal gets heartburn from eating all 3 dozen of Grandma’s deviled eggs, having some basic medicine on hand will save you a literal headache. We suggest Tylenol, Tums, and Claritin. Also, if you don’t normally have children at your house, or have some elderly relatives suffering from dementia, make sure you keep these in a safe place.
- Laundry Basket: Having a place for your guests to put any dirty clothes is both a nice gesture and practical detail. Just keep a spare hamper in the guest room.
- Fuzzy Socks: Who wants cold feet on Christmas Morning?
Did you notice how much laundry is involved in guest preparation alone? You might ask yourself if you really want to be doing all the laundry after they finally leave too. Luckily, we’re here to help you. We’ll be there to help you through all your holiday prep and clean up. Sign up with Wash Hampton today!
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