When you have guests visiting from out of town who’ll spend a few nights with you, make sure they feel welcome in your home.

When your guests arrive at your home, give them a tour. This way, it will be easier for them to find their way around. Show them where the silverware, plates, and glasses are in the kitchen. Tell them where the exits are, in case of an emergency.

goodie basket

Make a basket of goodies for your guests and leave it in your guest bedroom. Ideas for the basket include apples, oranges, single-serve bags of chips, candy bars, chocolates, animal crackers, gum, and water bottles. Your guests may get the munchies in the afternoon or after dinner and probably won’t feel comfortable searching through your cabinets or the refrigerator looking for something to eat. If you give your guests their own private treat selection, they can grab a snack whenever they choose. 

map

If your visitors are not familiar with the area where you live, find a map of your city. Mark on the map the location of your house. Highlight various routes to your house or other key places your guests will go. If your guests are on their own for a day and there is a traffic jam, they can easily find an alternate route to your home.

restaurants

Make a list of recommended local restaurants. Include the restaurant’s name, type of cuisine, and price range. If you have dined there yourself, list any dish on the menu that you’d recommend.

bedroom

Whether you have a guest bedroom or your guests are using a child’s bedroom, be sure to have clean sheets on the bed, drawer space, and closet space with hangers. Make the room inviting to the guests.

bathroom

If guests will be sharing a bathroom with you, clear your countertop of clutter. It may be inconvenient for you while the guests are visiting, but wouldn’t you want the same treatment if you were a guest in their home? If you have a separate guest bathroom, make sure it’s clean and well stocked. Make sure you have towels and washcloths available for your guests.

keys

If your guests will be on their own for a day, make an extra set of house keys so they can come and go as they please.