Make Overnight Guests Feel Welcome

Q: How can I make overnight guests feel welcome? I want to be ready for the holidays!

A: You're right - get ready for the busy months ahead!

For many people, the guest room is also the "spare room", housing everything from office equipment to craft projects to being an out and out "catch all." But with a few simple steps, you can transform it into a serene space any guest will appreciate.

• Say "welcome" with a bed that invites. Start with a mattress pad for comfort, add quality sheets and blankets, and top with a coordinating comforter, sham, and bedskirt ensemble.
• Don't make up your guest's bed with old, worn out pillows. You replaced yours for a reason, right? Treat guests to quality pillows so they don't wake up with a sore back or bad neck.
• Have extra pillows and blankets available in a closet.
• Outfit the bedside table with water and glasses, a bit of candy or fresh fruit. Other nice touches are paper and pencils, a scented candle and matches, an alarm clock, and a stack of current magazines or book of short stories. Good bedside lighting is a must!
• Extra hangers in the closet are an appreciated touch.
  
• If you have a spare bath for guests, hang plenty of thick towels on the rack (or leave them folded on the bed) and be sure a bathmat is available. Provide a basket with basic toiletries and a hair dryer.

Provide your guests these surprisingly simple indulgences, and they'll never want to leave!