If you welcome guests to your home year-round, staying prepared is key. Fortunately for you, Window World of Atlanta is here to help, so follow our seven favorite tips below for maximizing your home’s wow factor while minimizing your hosting stress!
Your guests likely won’t have free rein in your home, but the spaces they will occupy (or share with you) should be organized and easy to utilize. These include your living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms and even your backyard or back patio. However, primary guest spaces like your guest bedroom and bathroom should be your main focus while decluttering. Start by clearing closet space for hanging clothes your guests may bring, then create room for suitcase storage under the bed. Make sure bathroom drawers are available for travel toiletries and counters are clear for your guests’ toiletry bags. Hosting young children? Make sure small or breakable items are stored out of reach of little hands. And if your guests are older, remove any floor baskets, book stacks or other objects that may pose a fall risk.
While you should consider giving your entire home a quick refresh before visitors arrive, it’s worth spending most of your time cleaning guest bathrooms. Help your guests feel more comfortable away from home by offering them a clean space to start and end their days. Use a gentle cleaning solution to scrub your bath or shower, and wipe down all surfaces (including door knobs and toilet handles) with disinfecting wipes. Be sure to provide plenty of clean towels, and as a final touch, hang eucalyptus from the showerhead to promote total relaxation.
It’s no surprise that home improvements are excellent conversation starters, but being caught in the middle of it all can be a bit challenging depending on the project and what stage it’s in. No project is the same, but planning ahead can help you prepare for guests during busier months. For instance, a new patio deck is a great way to help showcase your backyard but it will potentially take longer than replacing your entry door or replacing windows. Consider smaller renovations if you already have guests scheduled to visit in the near future!
Travel-weary guests will thank you when they crawl into clean bed linens or snuggle beneath a plush blanket in the guest bedroom. Wash all bedding and make up the bed before guests arrive so that they can go straight to sleep when ready. Stack extra pillows and blankets for more personalized comfort options. It’s worth noting that you may want to use scent-free laundry detergent to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
Show your guests that you’ve thought of everything (even the things they haven’t) by providing amenities in guest bedrooms and bathrooms. Stock up on extra toothbrushes, toothpaste and bath products in small travel sizes in case your guests have forgotten something used in their bathroom routine. Place water glasses and a fresh pitcher of water on the bedside table, and stash their favorite snacks in a welcome basket for late night cravings. Thoughtful touches like these help your guests feel more at home with you—and also keep your own stores of toiletries and snacks from being depleted!
There’s nothing more special than sharing a meal with visitors from afar. Set your dining table accordingly and include thoughtful touches like table pads and mats that add color and texture to your dining space. This can help remind your guests how special they are to you—and sets the tone for what to expect in the rest of your home.
Show your guests you’ve thought of everything by providing plenty of clean linens, including hand towels, bath towels and face cloths. Whether you’re planning for spills or simply want to spare guests a hunt for a dry towel, keeping a stack of fresh cloths on hand makes for a more seamless visit.
Welcoming your guests starts at your front door. With a brand new entry door from Window World, you can greet them in style. Our energy-efficient replacement windows and insulated vinyl siding will also ensure a cozy internal temperature before, during and long after your guests’ stay. Request a free quote today to learn more about how our exterior products can help you provide the most welcoming environment for guests any time of year!