Thanksgiving and Christmas are quickly approaching, and I am so grateful to be hosting some out-of-town family and friends this year! As I prepare my spare bedroom and home for the holidays, I have been keeping my future guests in mind. I want to make sure that they feel right at home. Here are a few pointers that have been helpful in my past experience with hosting, and I hope they will help you as well!
This probably goes without saying, but this is a great opportunity to clean and organize your guest bedroom! Many of us (myself included!) are often guilty of using our guest rooms for temporary storage, especially over the past couple of years, when this space has not been used as often. Before crunch time begins, take some time to survey the room, get rid of clutter, clean, dust, and vacuum. Many people have trouble sleeping in beds away from home, and there is nothing better than walking into a guest bedroom with a beautifully made bed, great pillows and wonderful sheets. It makes all the difference!
I was recently gifted a set of sheets from Thomas Lee, and wanted to share my experience with you. After trying these sheets out for myself, I know that these won’t just go on the guest bed…I’ll be purchasing an additional set for myself! These sheets are unlike anything I have ever used previously. The comfort is amazing, and this company’s story is even more incredible (more below).
A comfortable guest bed is a top priority, but it’s just one piece of a successful and fun stay for my guests! When I am entertaining and preparing my guest room, I like to make sure that there are a few items readily available that will make them more relaxed in my home. I like to include the following items to greet my guests – both the practical details to ensure that their stay will run smoothly, and the thoughtful touches that will make them want to come back again!
A Practical Welcome
- Make sure to have a phone charger with easily accessible plugs nearby – have a power strip available, if necessary.
- Take a moment to write down the Wifi password, as well as any home alarm codes that they may need to know.
- Include a suitcase stand or a similar hard surface to open luggage.
- Speaking of unpacking, I also like to clear out a drawer or shelf, so that guests can unpack and store their belongings. We want them to make themselves at home!
- Extra blankets are always good to have nearby for a nap, or for those who may get a little chilly at night.
- A sound machine is a great extra item to have on hand, for those who may need some white noise to fall asleep.
- Have a basket of extra toiletries, fresh towels, washcloths, and a hairdryer displayed in or near the guest bath.
- Make sure that all of these items are prominently displayed in the room, so that the guests know right away that they are taken care of!
Fun and Thoughtful Details
- An arrangement of fresh flowers is such a cheerful and thoughtful way to welcome guests! I like to include a handwritten note next to the flowers, welcoming them to our home.
- Stock the bedside table with a couple of bottled waters and snack options. I love to include a few gourmet chocolates for a little indulgence!
Depending on their familiarity with the area, the length of the trip, and their personality, try to anticipate their needs and plan accordingly. If they would be interested, plan a few local activities!
If you are planning many activities over a busy time, try to have as many meals taken care of as possible (aside from reservations at your favorite restaurants, of course!). Your guests are there to spend time with you, and you want to have fun right alongside them! It is so convenient to have a breakfast casserole ready to pop in the oven, muffins and fruit available for mid-morning or afternoon snacks, or even a made-ahead meal ready for dinner after a long day. I recently posted about some of my favorite meals to make ahead. Click here for some ideas!
With that being said, be sure to plan for plenty of rest and down time if needed, especially if your guests have traveled a significant distance. Chances are, your guests won’t mind an opportunity to take a quick power nap during a busy day…or will happily take some extra time to lie in bed in the morning! They are on vacation, after all!
Here are a few facts about this brand and company that I want to share with you.
Thomas Lee sheets are made of percale cotton. Percale is a weave, not a fabric, and that weave helps it regulate the temperature at night. Percale sleeps cool and comfy, lasts a lifetime, and is truly luxurious. It is durable and gets softer with frequent laundering, if you can believe it!
I really enjoyed learning more about this company’s story, which truly makes it a no-brainer to make the choice to support them.
- Thomas Lee is woman-owned, operated and manufactured – staffed entirely by working moms. Let that sink in for a moment!
- Their management makes sure that all manufacturing employees have access to FREE healthcare and education.
- The percale cotton is grown right here in the United States, supporting over five thousand domestic farms.
- The products are sustainably manufactured, using recycled rainwater and windpower.
To read more about this incredible company, click here.
After trying Thomas Lee sheets for the first time, I know that my guests will be especially happy about their comfortable sleeping arrangements – whether for a nap or a good night’s sleep!
I love this product and company so much, that I would like to share it with as many people as possible, and Thomas Lee has agreed. They have graciously given me a discount code for my readers to use. When you are ordering online, enter the code HOMEOFMALONES at checkout, and you will get an amazing 25% off your first order! I hope that you will be able to take advantage of this offer, as you prepare for the holidays at your home!
What is your favorite way to make sure that your guests feel at home with you? I’m looking forward to a busy holiday season!
