14 Ways to Make Guests' Stay in Your Home Special

Our neighborhood welcoming committee.

 1. Arrange to meet your guests at a familiar location to pick them up (Be early!) or lead them to your home. Have water bottles ready for guests upon greeting.

2. Have a basket of their favorite snacks (after you’ve done a bit of investigating) and water bottles in the guest room.

Local flavors offered here.

3. Turn down their bedding and place a mint or piece of candy on each pillow.

4. Write a welcome note that lists any information they might want to know such as internet username and password, your phone number, address and include brochures or guides for the area along with a notepad and pen for any planning.

5. Provide a fan in case your guest likes air circulating or white noise.

6. Make sure there is room in the closet with hangers for their clothes and a dresser drawer or two available.

7. Ask them about when their day starts and what kind of breakfast they prefer especially morning beverages.

This just makes me laugh.

8. Have towels with washcloths in the guests' room so they won’t have to hunt for them. (Small shampoo and soap are nice as well.)

9. Provide an adaptor and transformer in the room if you live somewhere other than 110V-land.

10. Set out a nice smelling candle and matches. Let your guest choose to light it in case of allergies.

11. Fresh flowers are always a nice touch. Even wildflowers in a mason jar are welcoming!

These were waiting for us after our difficult departure from Sudan.
So thoughtful, I cried.

12. Provide space for your guests to relax by a comfy chair in the room or by other areas of the house where they can be alone to read or rest.

13. Cook some meals ahead of time and pull them out when your guests are here. This allows you more time with your guests. Or invite them into the kitchen to help prep a meal. This will make your guests feel right at home!

14. Finally, remember that fussing and hovering do not create a tranquil environment. Do a little planning ahead and enjoy your time together by being in the moment with them. Laugh, relax and have fun!

Our chairs made out of palm trees.

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P.S. I dedicate this post to the amazing friends and family through the years who have shown amazing hospitality and off-the-chain thoughtfulness by opening their homes and making us feel so welcome! We can't thank you enough. Seriously. <SNIFF.>

P.P.S. What are your ideas for making someone feel welcome? Comment below or FB, Instagram or Twitter.