Tuesday, May 19, 2015

House Guests: Wants, Do's & Do Not's

Last week I shared some of my favorite tips for hosting house guests.  Today I'm continuing with that theme and sharing some house guest trends that I'm wanting to incorporate into our hosting routines… 

{Homemade Breakfast}
Whenever we or just I (my go-to when Derek is busy or away) stay at my parent's house, my mom's always got eggs on hand and is offering to whip up breakfast - I LOVE her hosting skills and want to be like that.  Granted a lot of the time theres plans when guests are here but I think attempting a nice home cooked breakfast/brunch one day would be nice.  Mimosas are a must!  If not homemade (let's face it - that's NOT always going to happen) then just nicely set out some breakfast treats.

{Guest Room Goodie Basket}
Before our next set of house guests come (we're hoping to have a few this summer!) I'm really wanting to get together a little basket of goodies for each of the guest rooms.  Have you ever stayed with anyone and craved a snack late at night when your going to bed or can't quite wait to breakfast without eating something?  I want to put together a little basket with a couple snacks, bottles of water, etc.

{Fresh Flowers}
It might be the fact that it's the season for a flower craze or that it would just add a really sweet touch but I'd like to try to put together some fresh floral arrangements on the dresser for future guests.  Not just throwing a vase onto the surface but also trying to arrange/create as well. 

{Bathroom Guest Box}
We have a "travel goods" bin in our linen closet which has plenty because we still have some leftovers from the wedding but I'd like to get a pretty basket and an array of things people may need that I can just store under the guest bathroom counter top and place out when guests are coming.

{Baked Goods}
This one is so simple but how nice would it be to have something delicious waiting on the kitchen counter for guests to enjoy during their stay?! 
 via

{House Guest Do's}
+ Do give alone time: I know when I'm staying as a guest at some point during the day I just want some down time and to relax.  It's nice to let your guests relax in their room or throughout the house and just relax, read, play on the iPad, watch tv, etc. and just enjoy some down time.

 + Do have some of their favorites on hand: If I know whoever is staying with us has a favorite cocktail or favorite snack, I like to pick those up before hand because again, It's something I'd like if I was a guest. 

+ Do make your house feel welcoming: I think this goes without saying but tidy up before, maybe light a candle - just set the surroundings so there's a nice level of comfort, welcoming and homey feeling.

{House Guest Do Not's}
+ Don't just say yes: Prepping your house for guests of course takes a little bit of work (not a ton) but if you're super busy or just flat out don't have the time and want the weekend to yourself - don't be scared to say "no, it's not a good time" or suggest local hotels or alternatives.

+ Don't overwork yourself: Find the perfect mix of being a good host, but not overdoing it so you can enjoy yourself too! Just keep it simple :)

+ Don't forget to relax yourself: Similarly to giving the guest alone time, get your alone time in too! It's nice to sneak away to get some things crossed off your to do list or catch up on a Housewives episode if you'd like a little time to yourself.


 What do you like to do to make your family and friends feel at home while in your home?

24 comments:

  1. This is a great list! I never really thought about putting a snack box in their room, but it makes sense. We have the little basket in the bathroom and I love it--it's definitely been put to use from some of our guests. I'd imagine you're a pretty great hostess :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great list girl! I especially love a good breakfast after staying over someone's home, and when we have house guests I usually whip up some eggs or pancakes :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You sound like the perfect hostess - this is so thoughtful! I especially love the bathroom basket since I know that I often forget to bring some small toiletries when I stay over at someone's home.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I 100% agree on the breakfast. I hate it when I stay at people's houses and they don't have anything for breakfast! What are we supposed to do, go hungry? lol Also, love the guest bathroom box and baked goodies. I'm already trying to think of ways to put lotions and soaps out in a cute way for guests to use in our new house.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love that midnight snack box! Such a cute idea. I put together a guest bin in the bathroom with necessities and even some luxuries I know I would love to walk into as a guest, and I get so many comments on it. Everyone loves it, and it makes them feel so welcome! Great ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm obsessed with absolutely everything in here!! You put together some great (and beautiful!) ideas!! Live love love!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. These are all great ideas! I always have a bathroom essentials basket out for guests, but I never thought to put something in the room with snacks, etc. in it. I'm sure you are quite the hostess based on these tips!

    ReplyDelete
  8. These are such wonderful ideas and tips!! I'd gladly be a guest in your house because you clearly know how to treat them well! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the idea of a snack basket and the bathroom basket is wonderful. It let's guests feel they don't have to bother you if they need an extra treat or accidentally forgot something at home. You have some great tips, lady!

    ReplyDelete
  10. great list! i love the little donuts with the straw. how creative is that! i bet you are the best hostess ever haha

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love this list! I definitely agree with the dos and don'ts. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love hosting guests and making the experience smooth. Adam and I always aim to mimic my uncle, he's the best at making guests feel comfortable. Great dos and don'ts!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fab list!! Love the idea of a bathroom basket! I have to save this post for future use.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the idea of a good basket for guests in the guest room. I keep our guest bathroom shower stocked for guests but that is about it right now haha

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love these guest room ideas! I think fresh flowers & a few fun snacks would make me feel really welcomed as a guest! The down time is important too. Everyone needs a few quiet moments to themselves!
    Kelsey
    www.thepeacockroost.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I just went back at your first tips post, and I LOVE those Wi-Fi signs - that is DEFINITELY going to be our next DIY project. Our apartment is set up as two suites (each with a bedroom and bathroom attached), so I like to think it's comfortable for the guests, but I definitely want to add some of these touches like a goodie basket to the room - and who doesn't like an excuse to bake?

    ReplyDelete
  17. When we have guests coming over, I always try to fix a dessert for them to nibble on. Though putting them in a mason jar like in the photo you included would be so perfect as guests could also carry those to their room. I also do keep a basket of guest bathroom goodies under our bathroom cabinet so I can quickly pull it out whenever friends are over. It even works great if someone just needs to take a shower at our home before going out. & love the fresh flowers idea. Just be careful some people aren't allergic.. especially this time of year (:

    ReplyDelete
  18. I want to come and stay with you! You are such a thoughtful hostess!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the idea of a goodie basket in the guest room. I have laid awake in some places because I felt too awkward and shy about going into someone else's kitchen. And the guest box in the bathroom is great.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love this list! We have something similar for our guests too! I also like to get diet restrictions if possible so I can plan snacks and drinks for them. I had a friend that was a cilantro super-taster so it was nice to know before so I could set aside salsa and gauc for him that didn't have cilantro in it! Going along with your breakfast theme, my best friend doesn't drink coffee but knows I like it in the morning so she got a little french press and coffee since I was coming! I thought it was so sweet! So I keeps some good teas around my place for when she visits!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great post! I will definitely try some of these when I have guests!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like to put out a little basket for my guests with snacks, water, and some other essentials. I think it really helps them feel welcome and more comfortable! Great tips :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a great list!! The fact that you thought about all these shows that you will be a great host for your summer guests!! I love the idea of a midnight snack basket and homemade breakfast in the morning is always a sweet touch! Can I come be your guest?! Lol :-)

    ReplyDelete
  24. The donut/milk idea is adorable! It'd be cute for slumber party guests for a future little, too ;)

    ReplyDelete