10 Simple Things You Can Do To Make Your Guests Feel At Home

Make your visitors feel comfortable by following some easy steps before their arrival.

1. Stay in the room they'll be sleeping in, so you can let them know what to expect during their stay.

Zarnell / Getty Images

If you've never slept in the living room or guest room, give it a try before your visitors arrive. This will help you get a feel for what the lighting is like, if there are any annoying sounds, if it gets cold or hot, and other things you might not realize without spending a night there. I did this in my living room and learned that my neighbor's dog is obnoxiously loud and there's a sliver of light that creeps between the curtains in the morning.

Now I can give my guests a heads up like, "Just so you know, there's an asshole dog next door who loves to bark at 6 a.m.!"

2. Buy some earplugs so they can block out sounds they might not be used to.

amazon.com

I live in NYC so I bought a huge jar of earplugs for my out-of-town guests in the event that they aren't used to constant honking and sirens throughout the night. If you live near a busy road, in a big city, or have some loud neighbors — perhaps you also have an asshole dog next door — keep an extra pack of earplugs for your guests so they can actually get some sleep at your place.

Get a 50-pack from Amazon for $13.98.

3. Leave an extra fan in the room incase it gets hot, or if your guests need some white noise.

Cynoclub / Getty Images

I know lots of people, including myself, who like to have some type of background noise to help them fall asleep. And if there's anything worse than having to sleep in total silence, it's having to sleep in a room that feels like a sauna. Make it easy for them and keep a fan in the room that they can use if they need.

Get one from Amazon for $12.99.

4. Set up night lights in the hallways so they can find their way around when it's dark.

Creek / amazon.com

I know every corner of my apartment, but when I'm sleeping somewhere else, I'll practically trip on air trying to make it to the restroom in the middle of the night. To save your guests from running into walls, plug in some night lights throughout your house so they can make it around without having to turn on every light.

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $12.99.

5. Save your travel-sized toiletries from hotel stays, and set them out in the bathroom just in case they've forgotten anything.

Warongdech / Getty Images

I recently stayed at my grandma's house and she left tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner, an extra toothbrush, and floss in the guest bathroom for me. While I didn't forget any of my toiletries (for once), it was so nice to feel welcomed like that. It says to your guests, "I am so glad you're staying with me so I took some small extra steps to make you feel at home!" Basically, make your guests feel how your grandma makes you feel when you visit her.

6. Have a designated set of guest towels and leave them out in an obvious location when they arrive.

Bgton / Getty Images

Towels are one of those personal things that I, personally, don't like to share — even after they've been washed — so I bought a separate set of white ones that I keep just for guests. I'll leave them on top of the bathroom counter, so my guests know those are just for them.

Plus, having white towels make it easy to bleach them (you know, cuz germs), so I don't feel guilty giving them to my next set of guests.

7. Put extra toilet paper under the sink, and make sure there's a plunger in the bathroom they'll be using(!!!).

S847 / Getty Images

Look, it's just uncomfortable to do your business in someone else's bathroom. You've been there, I've been there, we've all been there. Help your guests out by leaving extra TP under the sink and ensuring there's a plunger beside whatever toilet they'll be using. 👍

8. And if you really want to go the extra mile, leave some magazines and a waterproof bluetooth speaker for some in-bathroom entertainment.

amazon.com

Get a magazine holder from Amazon for $14.99 and a waterproof speaker for $24.99.

9. Display the WiFi network and password in a noticeable location so they don't have to awkwardly ask for it.

etsy.com

I always feel a tad annoying when the first thing I ask after saying hello to my host is, "Um, can I grab the WiFi password?" To help my guests avoid that awkwardness, I got my WiFi credentials printed so they have it right away.

Get a customized, downloadable print from Inspired Wedding Signs on Etsy for $3.

10. And finally, set out some fresh flowers to make them feel extra special.

Kayla Suazo

Like the toiletries, doing small things such as buying fresh flowers, helps make guests feel welcomed. I actually buy flowers weekly because I love coming home to them so much, so I know my visitors feel special when I leave some out in the living room.

Now go forth and enjoy hosting your guests!

CBS