#PreparedWithCVS #CollectiveBias
Guest season is approaching for parties and extended holiday stays.
I read that you should stay a night in your guest room so you can experience what your guests do and see what needs to be adjusted. But since I probably won’t do that, I decided to ask my best friend Jackie how her stay was – because your best friend will tell the truth.
“The bed was comfy, the flowers were a nice touch, but I was missing the bottle of water that was there last time,” she said.
“But you could have gone to the fridge and taken anything you wanted!” I laughed.
Even if the kitchen is always open, and even your guest who happens to be your best friend can help herself, guests love having little touches that make them feel right at home. So, I’m fluffing the pillows and getting the guest room ready for the season.
Here’s a rundown of my guest room preparation tips.
1 / Refresh + Disinfect
We have a cleaning lady who comes every three weeks and sometimes we’ll have multiple guests within that time frame which means I’m the cleaning lady. We refresh the bedding, dust, and wipe down surfaces and door handles with Lysol Wipes and spray areas with Lysol Disinfectant Spray – Lysol kills 99.9% of bacteria on soft surfaces.
2/ Prepare the Bedside Table
I look for the little conveniences in hotel rooms when I’m traveling so I figure why not do the same for our guests. In hotels, it’s a bonus when you receive complimentary bottles of water, so Smartwater it is – to stay hydrated in the desert.
A rundown of what I make sure is on the nightstands in the guest room:
- House key (in a small bowl that doubles as a jewelry catcher)
- Candle with matches
- Internet password in a frame
- Flowers (keep at minimal, I had one guest who had pollen allergies)
- Kleenex
- Bottle of Smartwater
We have a USB charger on the wall and a nightlight. I leave it illuminated at night so the guests know it’s there and sometimes waking up in an unfamiliar place to use the bathroom at night can make you stumble.
Also, I have an extra blanket nearby incase guests need extra warmth.
3/ Have a Guest Basket
Many years ago on a girlfriend trip to Hawaii, our hostess had gift basket for each of us – inside was a sarong, aloe, sunblock, and other necessary goodies. I started to think, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little basket of goodies for those guests that stay an extended amount of time? Even a short visitor would love this if they forget something or needed a little indulgence.
I took a quick stop into CVS, I am there at least once a week! I found so many items to put in our guest basket including lip balm and house slippers – I love getting everything in one place.
I grabbed one of my many baskets I had around the house and filled it up!
- Magazines – local is a unique touch for visitors who haven’t been to your area before and want to explore.
- Lip balm
- Halls Defense Vitamin C drops
- Sampler box of chocolates
- Shower cap
- Premium Saltines + jam
- House slippers (we are shoes off home and house slippers can be worn every night instead of socks)
- Small Kleenex tissues
- Extra Smartwater
I’m the girl who always needs a tissue, from my active lifestyle of going in and out of the house and allergies, I am never without a small pack of Kleenex in my bag.
This season means a packed calendar full of social events so I need to feel my best and I’m sure my guests do too – I love HALLS for relief of cough and scratchy throat, the air is quite dry here so HALLS will help.
When it’s not your bed, I say you can eat in it, because you’re on vacation. A little Premium snack for the late night muncher with some French jam.
I hang a freshly laundered robe, fold out the luggage rack at the foot of the bed. I also have a designated guest basket in the bathroom for bathroom odds and ends.
Are you hosting this season? Check out more ideas on how to get prepared with CVS here.
Starting Sunday 11/15 through the end of the week, if you spend $15 at your CVS store, you will receive $5 in extrabucks! Find your nearest CVS here.
Happy hostessing and memory making this season!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 11:24 AMI put out a basket like that when I have people over, too! I want them to feel at home.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 12:43 PMGreat tips. I use Lysol before and after every guest visit. I like to make sure none of us give the creeping crud to each other.
Debra says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 12:52 PMWhat a great guest basket. I’m always weary about asking for water for my room, so it’s great that you have a water bottle there. I also like the shower cap – I always forget to pack mine!
Kelly Hutchinson says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 3:37 PMI love that you made your guest room so inviting. I would never have thought to include the water or wifi password.
Liz Mays says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 3:39 PMThese are really good ideas. I’d love to make the guest room as inviting as possible for them!
Donna says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 3:46 PMYou really make an inviting space for your guests. I love your tips!
Catherine S says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 4:06 PMThese are great tips. I am going to start making a guest basket.
Mailinh says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 6:07 PMLove the tips! I already know you’re an awesome hostess. :) (Psst…I hope the wi-fi frame isn’t your real password and all since it’s on the Internet…)
Diana Elizabeth says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 6:23 PMDon’t worry, it’s an edit. Plus the person would have to log on close by to get some wi-fi :) I think… haha!
Pam says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 6:31 PMI love the idea of making a guest basket! That is a really thoughtful touch.
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 6:44 PMI’m a huge fan of CVS. The more I shop, the more I save. I just got a 25% off rewards coupon in the mail which is right on time for my son’s runny nose and allergy needs.
Theresa says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 7:00 PMThese are great tips! My aunt is really funny about guests, always wanting them to feel at home, so SHE sleeps in the guest room and gives them her bedroom. I always think that is so nice of her!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 8:53 PMYour guest room is very nice! It’s always important to have fresh sheets and some clean towels.
Sabrina says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 9:39 PMWhat a great welcome basket for visitors! I love this idea!
Chasing Joy says
Monday, November 9, 2015 at 9:50 PMThis is a great sprucing up guide for company. Much better than shoving everything in the closet or under the bed. LOL
Onica{MommyFactor} says
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 6:03 AMYou’re so sweet when it comes in preparing a room for a guest, I like your idea putting basket in room.
Kristi says
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 6:24 AMWow… your guest room looks amazing. Reminds me of a bed and breakfast or something I would if I would stay at an air b and b place. Love how you have a guest basket of items that your guests might need or use, a great touch.
Christie says
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 6:57 AMWhat a creative basket for guests! I lvoe when we have company stay with us!
Anjanette @MommaYoung says
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 7:28 AMWhat great ideas for your guest room, which looks fantastic by the way. I’m big on disinfectant wipes! Thanks for sharing these tips with us.
Crystal says
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 3:25 PMI love the basket of supplies for your guests. I know I always forget something.
Kiwi says
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 7:36 PMTotally stealing this idea! A GuestRoom welcome giftbasket with care package fall/winter necessities is a good idea!!!
Amber C. says
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 9:47 AMHow awesome is that! and what a beautiful room! I can’t wait to buy a house and have a guest room for visitors!
Lie Shia says
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 4:05 PMI can’t wait to visit you!!! <3
JD - altamontefamily.com says
Friday, November 13, 2015 at 10:11 AMYou have a beautiful guest room! Great idea to ask a good friend for feedback! I agree, having bottled water readily available and accessible is a nice touch. Thanks for sharing your tips on how to prepare for guests during the holidays!
JD – altamontefamily.com
Cinny says
Friday, November 13, 2015 at 7:58 PMThat looks great! I wish my place was that clean for guests.
Raijean says
Friday, November 13, 2015 at 8:03 PMAmazing pictures as always! It looks like you guys are ready for the holidays.
Jenna Wood says
Friday, November 13, 2015 at 11:07 PMIt’s funny your friend mentioned missing the water- I, too, feel more comfortable with essentials at hand, rather than going through even my family’s home! These are all great tips! #client
Kimberly Glass says
Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 12:06 PMI love these tips. I also include towels and toothbrushes. But I have family members that are organic, chemical free everything. It can get very expensive. How would you prepare something for family that are strictly organic?
Julie Dzur says
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 3:18 AMMy guest room has reading lamps and a clock on each side of bed. Also box of Kleenex. I keep small basket in bathroom with small necessities in it,e.g., toothpaste and toothbrush. And in addition to luggage racks, I empty two top drawers in dresser and make sure to have plenty of hangers in the closet.
Neelam says
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 8:38 AMI love the basket idea…Great blog !
Mare says
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 2:22 PMWe also have a guest bathroom stocked with toiletry essentials. We include curling iron and blow dryer, disposable razors, floss, qtips. I try to think of things I may have forgotten and try to include sample size items in the drawers.