How to Make Overnight Guests Feel at HomeNote: For more information and special deals related to the topics on this page, place your cursor over the double-underlined words. All information supplied by Kontera.com. 
1 Welcome your guest with a freshly made bed.Consider using only a fitted sheet topped by a comforter, especially if your overnight guest has limited use of his hands (such as arthritis causes). The comforter or duvet (a removable, washable comforter cover) replaces the bedspread and top sheet. As an added guest bonus its a cinch to make - just fluff and go. 2 Plump the pillow pickings. Foam or down? Ask their preference. 3 Arrange for extra blankets. On my father's overnight visits, I got into the habit of equipping the designated guest room with at least two extra throw blankets. He never again asked me whether I had the heat hooked up or if I felt cold. 4 Declutter the dresser. Clear out a couple of drawers so your overnight guests can unpack and get rid of their suitcases. 5 Provide a bedside table and light. Make sure the table is close to the bed so your guest can read before drifting off. A good rule of thumb: The base of the shade should be at least shoulder level while sitting up in bed. No bedside table handy? A spare chair will do in a pinch. Just set a light on it, and your guest can hang her necklaces or robe on the back. 6 Overdeliver on tissues. Allergies, colds, whatever the cause, make sure you have a solution. Stock up - and stock up the guest room with plenty of boxes 7 Serve up a bedside water carafe. This can be one of those fancy carafes with a glass that fits on top - or as simple as water bottle. 8 Clear a closet. Make room to hang stuff. Filled to the brim? Relocate some stuff for the weekend or week so that your guests can have things the way they like them. Stock the closet with hangers - plastic ones you see at home stores are a great option. Thin wire hangers from the dry cleaners crease pants and dresses and simply aren't adequate. 9 Make sure there's room to spread out. Clear floors and shelves of your stuff to make room for theirs. 10 Don't forget a trash can. This is basic, sure, but often overlooked. No one likes others to see their personal trash. (And while you're at it, make sure there's a trash can in the bathroom your guests will use, too.) 11 Offer adequate window coverings. Install window treatments that provide privacy and light control for quality (and quantity!) sleep. 12 Provide your guest with a set of house keys. 
Have a few extra sets made in advance, and code them by having each set printed in a different color. Add car keys to the sets of those who might be driving while visiting.Keep a computer or written record of who has what color key set, and mark off when the sets are returned. 13 Be sure to share security instructions. Have an alarm? Tell them about when it is on and when it is off and how they can tell on their own. Provide written instructions if your overnight guest will be turning the security system on and off, and if there is a a gate code or other security measures they'll need to know about in your home or neighborhood. 14 Plug in a nightlight so your guest is safe. A small light is essential for guests because they're not accustomed to the layout of the room or your home. It's helpful to put in a few plug-in nightlights, such as enroute to the bathroom, but you could also give your guests flashlights. 15 Clear a corner spot to plop luggage down in case your guest is the type who actually likes living out of a suitcase. At least you tried, right? When guests are coming is a great time to nurture the kids' natural tendency to please. Have them help ready your home for the guests, too. Your son can choose flowers from the garden for you to place in a bedside vase. Your daughter can create "welcome to our home" cards to leave on the dresser. And a few days before visitors arrive, go grocery shopping with the kids for the feeding frenzy ahead. And let them choose the chocolates you'll place on the guest's pillow. Must-Haves (and Great Ideas) for the Guest Bath
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