The Gracious Host, is a series of posts to support you in designing great experiences for your guests. First up, welcoming traveling friends and family into our home.

In my mind, the most important component of hosting overnight guests is to extend an authentic invitation. It’s one that comes from a place of genuine joy and not out of any sense of obligation or duty. Unless you are running a bed and breakfast, there is no requirement to host overnight guests. Welcoming guests with your heart is the most important component of graceful hosting. You’re choosing to invite someone into your home—sharing your time and personal space in a meaningful way. 

Once you have made the decision to invite guests into your home, there are few things that you can do to make the experience great for both you and them.

Make Sure Everyone is on the Same Page

Set expectations: Be clear about the length of the stay and your availability. Will you pick them up from the airport, or should they plan to take a taxi? Do you work from home? Let your guest know that there are certain hours you are unavailable, but that you will be free in the evenings to connect with them, or to have breakfast before your day starts. If you have prior engagements you can’t break, then be clear those nights are blocked off and offer to help your guests find something to do or let them know they are welcome to relax at home and order take-out if they are exhausted from sightseeing.

Offer up Insider Knowledge

You are the expert in your city. Whether it’s your guests' first time visiting, or they have been many times before, it’s nice to have a few recommendations for them to consider before they arrive. What would you suggest in your city: local sights, neighborhood fairs, concerts, restaurants, shops? You can provide an email with some of your favorite places, or a stack of pamphlets for guests to peruse when they arrive. I prefer the paperless route—using a custom google map. This is a nice option as it can be added to a smart phone and provides addresses, directions and is easily updated. Here’s an example of things to do in the Bay Area that I provide to visiting guests.

The #DesignLife Plan for Hosting Overnight Guests

Spare key? If you don’t have one on hand, now is a good time to have one made. Especially if you aren’t going to be available to unlock doors during the time your guests are visiting.

Does your guest have any dietary requirements, food sensitivities or pet allergies that are important to note?  Beyond the big concerns, there are additional considerations that although seemingly small can have a large impact in making a guest feel special. Almond milk in their coffee, tea with honey, a grapefruit for breakfast every morning? Having a few items that your guest regularly uses is a way to show you have considered them in your preparation. 

When your guest arrives, it’s likely they came off a flight or a long drive, and even if they didn’t, the first few moments in your home are a time to relax and connect. Having some snacks on hand is a thoughtful way to welcome them into your home. It can be as simple as some fruit and sparkling water, to a cheese plate with salumi, olives and wine. 

Do you have a dedicated guest room? Good for you! That’s not always the case. If your living situation doesn’t include extra square footage just for visitors, there are plenty of options available to help guests sleep comfortably.  If you have a pull out sofa, or an air mattress, great!  Both are fine options for a few nights.  In fact the air mattress has come a long way in the past few years. I’m partial to the double height air mattress with an inflatable headboard, this helps keep the pillows from sliding off the end in the middle of the night.  

Whatever your guest accommodation, clean comfortable sheets and pillows are a must. Matching linens help make things look polished and don’t have to be a big investment. A set of white cotton sheets and pillowcases look crisp and clean. Leave a warm blanket or comforter at the end of the bed, so guests don’t have to scavenger hunt through closets in the middle of the night if they happen to get cold.

If you have the budget, a fan/space heater combination is an investment that works in all seasons to keep your guests comfortable. 

Additionally, think of the things you use or forget when you travel and have them available for guests. A bath and hand towel, as well as a washcloth are a good start. Combine this with a small basket or tray of toiletries, a fresh bar of soap, a spare toothbrush and toothpaste, cotton swabs, face cleanser, eye mask, extra roll of toilet paper etc. Having earplugs on hand is a thoughtful addition. We tend to acclimate to the noises in our homes—our guests will hear all the bumps and creaks, car alarms and in our apartment “dueling foghorns.” If you know earplugs might not do the trick, having a white noise machine is a great option to help guests get a good night of sleep.

Can your guest see in the dark? Unlikely. A nightlight is helpful navigating in the middle of the night and a nice touch for guests who are unfamiliar with your home. 

Try to set aside some space for guests to hang clothing in a closet. If you don’t have closet space then an over the door garment hanger can be purchased at most hardware stores for a few dollars and works well. Be sure to leave some empty hangers. (This flat style will allow guests to hang more in a small space.)

If you want to add a touch of hotel glamor, then a folding luggage rack is both a useful and stylish addition. It provides guests a dedicated space for their suitcase, and when not in use can be folded and stored easily. There are options at all different price points and styles from modern to traditional to match any decor. 

Because there is never a moment when flowers don’t seem like a good idea, I like to include a small vase with a single stemmed bloom on the bedside table or bathroom counter as a pop of color and fun. Leaving a fragrant candle is another component that brings me happiness and I love the idea of including a scent into the design mix. It has become a kind of signature for me. If you incorporate a candle, don’t forget to leave matches. 

Finish your preparation with a few current magazines or books left by the bedside. Put on a welcoming smile and get ready to open the front door and embrace your guests! And, if you’re the guest arriving, be sure to read my post about how to arrive in #DesignLife style.