6 Tips for Hosting Holiday Guests
The holiday season brings chances to gather and be festive together, with family, friends, and guests arriving to join in the fun. Here are some of my best host tips to create a welcoming guest space for a memorable experience in your home.
Tip 1: Fresh Flowers
![Two images side-by-side. The left showing red, pink and coral-colored bedding with a vase of pink and red tulips next to the bed. The right image shows a bed with white bedspread with a blue blanket over the top, and a copper tray holding a vase of hydrangeas, ready to welcome guests.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-6-Easy-Tips-for-Overnight-Guests-Flowers-580x389.jpg)
Nothing says clean and fresh like clean sheets and linens, and freshly-cut flowers. Place a seasonal arrangement next to the bed, or pick some from your own garden, for a personal touch.
Tip 2: Hand-Rolled Towels
![Two images side-by-side. On the left, a light green and white bathroom with double sinks, flowers in a vase, and a tray of hand-rolled towels on the counter. On the right, a basket of hand-rolled towels, with a lotion dispenser and white vase of fresh greens on a grey counter.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-6-Easy-Tips-for-Overnight-Guests-Towels-580x192.jpg)
One of the preparations that makes a spa or hotel feel luxurious is the special way they roll their towels and washcloths by hand. Take it a step further by placing towels in a basket or neatly stacked on a tray on the counter.
Tip 3: Lotions & Beauty Products
![Two images side-by-side. On the left, in teal blue and white, multiple bottles of Bulgari lotion plus soap, face cream and spritzer. On the right, in tan and white bottles, four types of lotions from Sheraton's le gran bain, with two on top of white towels, in front of a vase of aloe vera.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-6-Easy-Tips-for-Overnight-Guests-Lotions-580x218.jpg)
How many times have you forgotten your face cream, soap, shampoo, conditioner or hand lotion on a trip? A hotel or spa will provide you with a matched set: Classy, luxurious, and sweet-smelling. You can do the same thing for your guests, but go a step further – find out what brand they prefer, and have theirs available. They’ll be very impressed at your thoughtfulness.
Tip 4: Turndown Bedding & Chocolates
![Two images side-by-side. Left showing a white basket of flowers behind the head of a bed, with pink flowered blanket turned down to reveal white sheets, with a white chocolate on the pillow. Right image shows two chocolates on glass trays, next to a pile of pillows on a bed.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-6-Easy-Tips-for-Overnight-Guests-Turndown-Service.jpg)
Who can resist snuggling into bed when the sheets and covers are turned down for you, with a chocolate on the pillow? Not me! Guests will feel like they’re receiving the white glove treatment if you provide this simple service.
Tip 5: Sleep Kit
![Two images side-by-side. Left image looking into a basket, with multiple items for overnight guests such as ear plugs, toothbrushes, power cables for phones, spritz for pillows, and face care products. Right images shows a pink silk eye mask in a presentation box.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-6-Easy-Tips-for-Overnight-Guests-Sleep-Kit-580x182.jpg)
A good night’s rest is probably the most important thing you can provide for your guests who’ve traveled to reach your home. A thoughtful way to provide that is to install blackout blinds in your guest bedroom, but if you don’t have those, the next-best option is a sleeping mask, and earplugs. Take it up a notch by also providing spare chargers for phones and cameras, extra toothbrushes, slippers, and a light aromatherapy spray for their pillow.
Tip 6: Drinks & Snacks
![Two images side-by-side. Left image is of several luxury bottled waters on a quartz countertop. Right image is a basket of fresh fruit including pineapples, pears, apples, oranges, plums, tangerines, and mangos, plus fresh yellow flowers interspersed.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Blog-6-Easy-Tips-for-Overnight-Guests-Drinks-Fruit.jpg)
Imagine you want a midnight snack while everyone else is asleep. You tiptoe to the kitchen, open the fridge door, and see your favorite treat or drink waiting for you! You probably feel happy, plus relieved because you don’t have to wake your hostess. This is the ultimate in hosting, anticipating every desire and need of your guests. They will not only thank you, they’ll remember how you made them feel – like a million bucks.
If you want assistance creating the ultimate luxury guest bedroom in your home, or even for yourself, contact Kimball Starr today! She looks after the details that make superlative experiences.