How to Have Happy Houseguests (Without Going Insane)

By Rigel Celeste on November 24th, 2009

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Have people coming to stay with you for the holidays? Dreading it? You’re not alone. Playing hostess to a house full of friends and family can be fun, but it can also be stressful and even downright miserable if you let it get away from you. A little planning, however, can take out all the hassle and leave you free to enjoy your guests and still have time to relax yourself.

Take the guest room for a test run

There’s no better way to understand your guest’s experience than to go through it yourself. Sleep in the guest bedroom yourself for a night and adjust any details (fix a drafty window or creaky bedpost, add blankets, make sure the alarm works) to make it even more comfortable.

Make sure they have plenty of space to unpack

You can easily avoid a lot of frustration and irritation on your guest’s part by making sure they have plenty of room to unpack and space to spread out and breathe. Clear ample space (and let them know it’s just for them) in the bedroom, bathroom, and front closet.

Add personal touches

Make the guest bedroom and bathroom especially welcoming and cozy by adding personal touches like books or magazines you think they might like, their favorite toiletries, or fresh flowers.

Stock up on supplies

Before people start arriving check your stock of clean sheets, towels, washcloths, wine glasses, serving dishes, etc. and make sure you have enough. If you think you might fall short borrow from a friend.

Plan ahead for entertainment

The more entertainment options you lay out ahead of time the less you’ll have to worry about it later. Know your guests and tailor to what they’ll most enjoy. If you need help, though, board games, puzzles, the ingredients for a baking project, movies, and a TV with remote all in plain sight are all a good start.

(Photo courtesy of BeverlyLR on stock.xchng)