Setting Up a Guest Room

Recently, we found out the exciting news that we have family coming to visit us this Fall! We can barely contain ourselves because we are so happy about this!

But then I began thinking... we need to have a great place for them to stay. We need to set up a nice guest room. I have never set up a guest room on foreign soil; so I sought advice from my friends who have. What a great list they compiled! Want the perfect guest room for your visitors? See how many of these you can do...

1. Fresh flowers
2. Thank you note on the pillow
3. Chocolate on the pillow
4. Guest book
5. Desk/folding table and chair
6. Ironing board and iron
7. Toiletry basket: shampoo, conditioner/creme rinse, soap, toothpaste,toothbrush, lotion, tissues, hand sanitizer
8. Scented candle and matches
9. Snack basket: sweet snacks, salty snacks, gum, breath mints, bottles of water, local snacks, candy
10. Reading materials and a reading light
11. Bathroom needs: Fresh towels and wash cloths, medicines
12. Hair dryer
13. A card with simple phrases guests may need to know
14. Trash can
15. Facial Tissues
16. Coffee maker and supplies, private access if possible
17. Fruit basket
18. Password to the internet
19. Extra blanket
20. DVD's for their laptop
21. Pay as you go cell phone
22. Extra hangers
23. Mirror
24. Place to put clothes
25. Small souveniers
26. Pen and Paper
27. Map
28. Phone numbers
29. Extra Robe
30. Slippers

Other helpful tips:

• Most guests will appreciate a very clean and decluttered room more than anything on the above list! A guest room can have every gift basket and toiletry item in it, but if it is a mess, the guest will never feel truly comfortable or relaxed. Pull out the Spring cleaning list and cleaning supplies. Remove as much clutter as possible.
• If the water in the faucet is not safe to drink, mark it with a bright ribbon to remind your guest of the dangers.
• Have a list of activities and sights available. Brochures are a nice touch, too.
• Make sure the door is lockable, especially if you have children.
• Take the time to find out ahead of time if there are any food allergies or aversions. Find out how adventurous they are about what they eat. If they are adventurous and have no restrictions that prevent it, let them try the local foods. If they are not very adventurous, be prepared with some of their favorites.
• Be considerate of pet allergies.
• Have an activity planned for your family for when the guests leave. It is always hard to say goodbye to family and friends. Take some of the sting away by having a special activity for your family... something they can look forward to.

Thank you to all who took the time to add to this list and make it a wonderful resource for others.