Hosting Hacks that Never Fail to Impress Your Overnight Guests

Shannon Quinn - August 27, 2024
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Hosting Hacks that Never Fail to Impress Your Overnight Guests

Are you planning to have guests over? Whether you’re inviting friends and family over or bringing in a little extra income as a host, it’s important to make your guests feel pampered and cared for. You’ll be sure to impress them with these amazing hosting hacks.

Make sure you keep your guest room clean before they arrive. Credit: Shutterstock

Keep Your Guest Area Clean

Want to impress your guests? The rooms better be spotless. This may seem like common sense to most people, but you should keep your guest room or area clean at all times. Especially when you know someone is coming over, make sure you go over the basic cleaning. Dust the furniture, vacuum the floors, and pick up any clutter that may be in the room. It’s also essential to make sure the sheets and bedspread have been washed. Yes, you may have to wash the sheets again when they leave. But it’s worth having a clean space for everyone when they come over your house.

Make sure the bed is ready for your guests. Credit: Shutterstock

Don’t forget to clean your bathroom and kitchen area, too. Basically anywhere in the house where your guests are going to spend a significant amount of time should be cleaned thoroughly before they arrive. Here at Home Addict, we already have a great list of tips for you called 40 Things You Didn’t Know You Should be Cleaning. (via HGTV)

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It’s important to provide your guests with new sheets on their bed. Credit: Shutterstock

Buy New Sheets and Bedding

Use the best sheets and blankets for your guests. It may be tempting to go somewhere like Walmart and get the cheapest set of sheets that you can find. After all, if they’re not being used all the time, why make them luxurious? This is because you want to treat your guests the way that you would want to be treated. You want to impress them and hemp them to feel like they are going to a five-star hotel. So consider going to a department store to find a high thread-count set of sheets.

Change your sheets before and after guests leave. Credit: Shutterstock

You can sometimes find great sales at places like Macy’s, where they have a “Backstage” area with discounted items. Stores like Marshalls, Ross, and Home Goods are also great for finding bed linens, because they sell designer brands at discounted prices. Sometimes, you can find a good deal online on places like Amazon as well. (via NY Times)

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An air mattress is not always the best option for your guests to sleep on. Credit: Shutterstock

Skip the Air Mattress

A lot of people opt to buy an air mattress for their guests. They assume that it’s the best option, since it can be put away in a closet when you’re not using it. However, foam mattresses are comfortable, and it’s not too expensive. They are usually much more comfortable than an air mattress, which gets deflated after a while. And according to Sleep Advisor, sleeping on an air mattress can also lead to muscle stiffness and soreness.

A foam mattress is more comfortable than an air mattress. Credit: Shutterstock

Get a real bed for your guests, if at all possible. We know that it’s expensive, and you may not have the space for it. (Especially if you live in an apartment.) But if you have a dedicated guest room in your home, it’s important to have a bed. If you currently use that room as an office space, consider getting a daybed. These are small, and can double as a sort of couch when your guests are not there. Couches with pull-out beds are also a great option. (via Sleep Advisor)

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Provide your guests with multiple pillows on the bed. Credit: Shutterstock

Give Your Guests Multiple Pillows

Everyone has a different preference to the type of pillow they like to use. Some people like thin, firm, and hard pillows. Others love thick, fluffy pillows that will help elevate their head high off the mattress. Since you don’t know what they like, give them multiple pillows to choose from. Decorative throw pillows may also come in handy, especially if they are side-sleepers who like to keep something between their legs at night.

Decorative throw pillows can come in handy for side sleepers. Credit: Shutterstock

According to experts, it’s actually healthier to sleep with more than one pillow. “‘The use of the additional pillow helps to limit rocking, which can cause stress on the lower back and hips and helps to keep the spine and neck straight and well-aligned. ‘ Similarly, a study by SleepJunkie revealed that 30.6% of participants sleep with two pillows”. (via Homes and Gardens)

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Most hotels provide luggage racks like this, and it can come in handy for your guests as well. Credit: Shutterstock

Provide Some Sort of Luggage Rack

Very few people consider that when your guests come over, they need a place to put their suitcase. Most assume it can be left on the floor, but that’s no way to impress a guest. For around $50, you can buy a foldable luggage rack similar to what you find at a hotel. These can be put away in a closet until you’re ready to entertain a guest. It may be sort of expensive to buy such a small thing, but it truly will impress your guest and let them know that you’re thinking of their comfort.

It’s easier to unpack if your suitcase is on a luggage rack. Credit: Shutterstock

However, there are alternatives to buying a luggage rack. When I was young, my grandmother had a beach house where she entertained guests regularly. Instead of a luggage rack, she had one of those director’s chairs that folded up. These are actually more expensive than a luggage rack, but they double as actual seating. So personally, I like the foldable chairs more. (via Amazon)

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Your guest might want a full tour of your home before they stay there for an extended period of time. Credit: Shutterstock

Give a Tour of Your House

When your guests arrive overnight, it’s customary to give them a tour of your entire house. Some people don’t do that, because they’re too embarrassed. However, it’s a good excuse to actually clean your entire house to make it presentable to your guests. Remember- they might not stay in your “off limits” spaces like your bedroom for very long. But tidy it up enough so that it will impress them at first glance.

Many people will appreciate seeing your entire home. Credit: Shutterstock

With that being said, it’s not necessary to give your guests a tour of the entire house if you’re just having them over for coffee. You might want to impress people with your beautiful home, but it might come off as tacky if you do that right away. However, some people have a real curiosity about other people’s houses, and would be glad to see a tour, even if they’re only visiting for an hour or two. Just try to gauge the situation from person to person. (via Quora)

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Clean out the closet in the guest room so that your visitors have room for their clothes. Credit: Shutterstock

Clean Out a Drawer or Closet Space

When your guests come over, it will impress them if you think of giving them a place to put their clothes. Not everyone wants to live out of a suitcase for a few days. Make sure your guests have somewhere to put their clothes away. This can be either in a drawer, or with some closet space. Don’t forget to give them some nice hangers.

Empty out a drawer in the dresser so your guest has a place to put away their clothes. Credit: Shutterstock

With that being said, some people don’t actually want to get too comfortable and settle into a place that isn’t their home. So don’t get offended if you make room for them to put away their clothes, and they end up living out of their suitcase anyway. Everyone has different preferences. The important thing is that you were courteous enough to give your guests the option. (via Home Addict)

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Make sure your provide your guests with warm blankets. Credit: Shutterstock

Warm Blankets

Before your guests arrive, make sure you’re giving them enough blankets to keep them warm at night. Everyone has a different body temperature and preference of how hot or cold they want to be while they sleep. But you want to give them the option of getting it just right. Add a throw blanket on the end of the bed, just in case they need something extra to keep them warm. This is especially important in the winter time, or if you have your AC blasting all night long.

Add throw blankets on the bed for extra warmth in the winter time. Credit: shutterstock

Alternately, if you’re hosting guests in the summertime, make sure the blankets you give them aren’t too thick. You should try to have two sets of comforters or blankets to accommodate the weather. In the summer, it’s better to have a thin quilt that won’t be too hot for them to sleep at night. (via Amazon)

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Visit your local grocery store or florist to find bouquets of flowers for your guests. Credit: Shutterstock

Flowers

Most people love to see a bouquet of flowers. Not only will it impress them, but it will put a smile on their faces. You don’t necessarily have to go out and buy an expensive bouquet, either. If you have flowers in your garden, it may be enough to cut a few and put them in a small vase on the dresser or bedside table. Most grocery stores sell bouquets of flowers for roughly $10 to $20, depending on the size and arrangement. If you’re already grocery shopping before your guest arrives, it’s an easy thing you can add to your cart.

Your guests will appreciate having fresh flowers in the home. Credit: Shutterstock

However, if your guests have allergies or feel sensitive to flowers, it might not be a good idea. It may be better to put the flowers in the kitchen or some other common area of the house where they won’t be sleeping, just in case. Or, you can always buy silk flowers that look realistic. Stores like Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, and At Home all have amazing fake flowers for sale. (via Flora Queen)

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Make sure you give your guests the ability to charge their phone. Credit: Shutterstock

USB Charging Options

Nowadays, everyone has a smartphone. They need a USB charger to plug in their phones at night so that it’s powered up for the morning. So it’s important for you to make sure they have somewhere to plug in their chargers. Better yet, you could provide them with wall blocks and phone chargers, just in case they forgot to bring theirs. Dollar Tree actually sells phone cords, so it doesn’t have to be expensive for you to provide these for your guests.

Add a USB wall charger to the guest bedroom, and provide additional power cords. Credit: Shutterstock

There is even a USB lamp that you can buy that will make it easy for your guest to plug their phone in directly from the night stand. That way, they don’t have to worry about the length of their cords reaching the top of the table. It also gives the room more of a hotel vibe. (via Amazon)

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Make sure your guests know how to access your WiFi. Credit: Shutterstock

Put the WIFI Password on Display

In our modern world, everyone uses the Internet on a daily basis. It’s basically guaranteed that your guests are going to ask for the WiFi password at some point. Make sure you have it written down somewhere that your guests can access freely, like the refrigerator. Don’t forget to bring it up before it gets too late in the day, so they have it ready when they’re going to bed.

Put the WiFi password on display so that your guests can find it easily. Credit: Shutterstock

If you really want to impress your guest, you can make a little framed WiFi password for their bedroom, like they would find if they were staying in a bed and breakfast. This can be left on their bedside table, or on top of the dresser. Maybe it would work next to the remote control. If you have an AirBnB, doing this is crucial, because you may not be around for them to ask. On Etsy, they sell adorable customizable signs for displaying your WiFi password. (via Etsy)

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Impress your guest by giving them a snack tray. Credit: Shutterstock

A Tray With Snacks and Water Bottles

If you want to truly impress your guests, make up a tray filled with bottles of water and snacks. This is done for VIP guests at hotels, so if you’re trying to impress someone, this might do the trick. The good news is that it’s not that expensive to do this, and you might even have all of the supplies already on-hand at home. If you want something fancy, check out the custom snack trays on Etsy made by artisans.

Fancy hotels deliver meals on trays like this. Credit: Shutterstock

An alternative to this is to simply leave a box of chocolates or other snack for them to munch on. Think about the fancy hotels that leave mints on the table. You don’t have to put an entire tray, so long as you gave them some sort of snack. It’s something they’re likely to remember for a long time. (via Etsy)

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Provide your guests with a TV in their bedroom. Credit: Shutterstock

Put a TV in the Room

A tip that may seem obvious to some people is to put a TV in the guest room. You want your guests to be able to relax at night and watch their favorite shows. Some people even use the sound of the TV to help them fall asleep. If at all possible, make sure there is some sort of device that you can hook up to the TV like a gaming system or Roku box to allow your guests to log into their Netflix account.

A lot of people like to watch TV while they’re in bed, especially when they are on vacation. Credit: Shutterstock

If you can afford a Smart TV, that’s even better. They come with apps like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and Hulu built directly into the TV to make it easy to watch. Of course, it’s an added bonus if you have some of these subscriptions already, because it gives your guests something to watch at night. We recommend the TCL Roku Smart TV, which is one of the more affordable options on the market, but it’s also very high quality. (via Amazon)

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Give your guests plenty of reading materials in the bedroom. Credit: Shutterstock

Reading Materials

When you have guests coming to stay, they may be on vacation. A lot of people love to bring a “beach read” book on vacation with them. This is a book that’s easy, fun, and enjoyable to read while they relax. Try to think along those lines and give you guests some reading options that they might enjoy. Of course, these are your friends, and you know them better than anyone else. So you know the subjects that they might enjoy.

A lot of people love “beach reads” when they go on vacation. Credit: Shutterstock

You don’t have to spend any money on this, and you can still impress your friends. Simply moving a few books and magazines from your personal library into the guest bedroom should be enough for someone to truly appreciate what you’re trying to do. You can even bring your iPad into the room and let your guests use your Kindle account. (Unless there’s something embarrassing on there!) (via Country Living)

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Give your guests plenty of towels for them to use during their stay. Credit: Shutterstock

Bath Towels

Something you should never overlook with your guests is to provide them with bath towels. I noticed that a lot of men in particular will have their bachelor pad with just one or two towels that they use regularly, but they never think to buy any for guests. Make sure you have towels ready for your guests that are clean and in good condition.

Make sure you give plenty of towels when you have several people staying. Credit: Shutterstock

The best option would be to buy brand new towels, and set them aside for your guests. A great place to buy high-quality towels is Macy’s or JCPenney, so long as they are on sale. You can also check out places like Home Goods, Marshall’s, and Ross for discounted designer towels. Amazon also sells sets of towels for not that much money. (via Home Goods)

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Place a storage ottoman at the foot of your bed. Credit: Shutterstock

A Storage Ottoman

If you want to spruce up your guest room, consider buying a storage ottoman to place at the foot of the bed. This can be a place to put their overnight bag, souvenirs, and anything else that might otherwise make a mess in the room. A storage ottoman can also be a great place for you to store blankets or anything else that might be seasonal for your guests.

Even a small storage ottoman like this can be helpful for your guests. Credit: Shutterstock

You can buy a small storage ottoman for just $20, but they go all the way up to hundreds of dollars if you’re looking for something larger. Remember that it’s an investment, but it’s crucial if you have a small space without a lot of storage options. It can also double as seating, which might come in handy when they’re getting ready in the morning. (via Overstock)

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Make sure your guests have every kind of toiletry they could possibly need. Credit: Shutterstock

Provide Extra Toiletries

Before your guests arrive, make sure you have plenty of extra toiletries to offer them. Most people bring their own toiletries, but it’s still kind to have options ready for them. Place a basket with trial size toiletries, including toothbrush, razor, dental floss, and shampoo on the counter. Also provide a first aid kit. Have extra toilet paper, tissues, and bars of soap available under the sink. Keep a few vanity jars with cotton swabs, cotton balls, and fancy soaps on the counter. Make sure you have an extra hair dryer in the bathroom for guest use.

Even small toiletries like this are very useful for guests. Credit: Shutterstock

If you’re running an AirBnB, it’s especially important to have toiletries on hand ready for your travelers. It’s best to have full-sized products instead of small travel sized items, because it saves money over time. You never know if your guest will leave something behind for the next person, as well. For example, when I stayed in England for two weeks, I used what was left of my host’s shampoo and bought a full-sized replacement for her before I left. (via Accent Amenities)

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Clean the bathroom sink before your guests arrive. Credit: Shutterstock

Freshen Up the Bathroom

Before your guests arrive, it’s crucial for you to freshen up the bathroom. You’re never going to impress anyone with a dirty sink, toilet, and bath! Even if your guest has their own en-suite bathroom, make sure the powder rooms downstairs and in common areas of the home are clean as well. If there’s even a slim chance that they will use it, make sure it’s spick and span.

Make sure your mop the bathroom floor before your guests arrive. Credit: Shutterstock

Make certain shower curtains and bath rugs are clean and fresh. Also make certain that shower drains are clear and faucets are in working order. Keep a (clean) plunger and can of bathroom freshener next to the guest toilet. Place a few cleaning supplies under the sink for quick freshening up. Here at Home Addict, we have a list of Genius Bathroom Cleaning Hacks.

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Credit: Shutterstock

Help Your Guests Keep Clean

When your guests arrive, it’s important to make sure you’re helping them to keep clean. Set a large wicker hamper in the corner for dirty clothing and towels. If you guests stay more than four days, set out fresh towels or wash the old ones. Offer to do their laundry for them, or give them the option to do their own laundry while they stay.

Give your guests access to the laundry room. Credit: Shutterstock

Before they come over, ask yourself if you were in their shoes, would you have enough at your disposal to feel clean and comfortable? You may even want to have some backup clothing for them to wear, just in case they decide to stay an extra day. If they have kids or pets, this is even more crucial for you to be prepared with backups just in case they forgot to pack something. (via The Spruce)

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Hide the bathroom scale. Credit: Shutterstock

Hide the Scale

Don’t put a weight scale in the bathroom. Your guests are on vacation and everything you make is zero calories. It’s fine to offer them options when you make your meals, of course. But most people want to have fun when they stay over at their friend’s house or an AirBnB. However, if they’re on a strict diet, they might ask for a scale. So don’t refuse to give it to them if they ask for it outright.

Hide the bathroom scale away from your guests. Credit: Shutterstock

If you’re hosting an AirBnB, you may want to keep the scale somewhere like the bathroom cabinet or closet. So they might see if it is put away and know that it’s an option if they want to use it, but it’s totally unnecessary. If you want to impress your guests, buy a scale that calculates your BMI as well as your weight. This might be something they want to try, especially if they don’t have it at home. (via Amazon)

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Hopefully your guests aren’t allergic to dogs. Credit: Shutterstock

Check For Allergies

Find out dietary restrictions as well as likes and dislikes before your guests arrive, so you can accommodate special diets. This is especially important if your guest is allergic to nuts, or if they have a special diet like being Keto or Vegan. The last thing you want is for your guest to end up in the hospital because they ate the wrong thing!

You don’t want to be responsible for giving your guest an allergic reaction to something in your home. Credit: Shutterstock

If your guest is vegan, this might be a great opportunity for you to learn how to cook some new recipes. We highly recommend Hot For Food if you’re learning how to cook delicious vegan food that the whole family will enjoy. Also ask your guest if they would want to go grocery shopping with you. This way, you can see what they normally get, instead of trying to do all of the guess work. (via Hot For Food)

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Set up a fancy coffee bar for your guests. Credit: Shutterstock

Set Up a Coffee Bar

Set the coffee maker on automatic and have mugs, tea bags, sugar, and creamer ready to go each morning. Better yet, find a machine that makes coffee with pods, like a Nespresso or a Keurig. Buy several different pod flavors so that your guests have options to make their favorite brew.

Nespresso and Keurig machines are an easy way to give your guests lots of coffee options. Credit: Shutterstock

A coffee bar can be set up on your countertop, or you can buy a special bar cart to get the job done. On Good Housekeeping, they suggest a “day to night” drink cart. Start out with coffee and tea in the morning, and swap out the cart with alcoholic beverages at night. That will really impress them! This can be a lot of fun, and your guests are sure to remember the experience. (via Good Housekeeping)

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Make sure to go grocery shopping before your guests arrive. Credit: Shutterstock

Go Grocery Shopping

Stock up on groceries before guests arrive so you are not running to the store fifty times. Have bagels, muffins, cereal, and fresh fruit ready so guests can help themselves in the morning. Keep a basket of granola bars, fruit, nuts, and pretzels on the counter for help-yourself snacking. If friends are coming over, it might be a good idea to give them a call while you’re at the store, just to ask them if they have any preferences for what they usually like to eat.

Call your guests while you’re shopping to ask if they need anything in particular. Credit: Shutterstock

If you’re running an AirBnB, that’s a different story. You don’t have to feel obligated to keep a fully stocked fridge for strangers who stay in your house. However, it’s still a good idea to make sure you have some of the basic condiments and breakfast options for them. Usually, people who stay at an AirBnB go grocery shopping, and they will leave food behind. Over time, there is usually plenty of stuff leftover for everyone to share. However, if you do go above and beyond to stock a full fridge and invite them to eat whatever they want, it’s guaranteed to impress them, and you’ll probably get a great review. (via Rental Recon)

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Casseroles are easy meals to prepare for guests ahead of time. Credit: Shutterstock

Prepare Easy Meals

When your guests arrive, you’re going to be very busy keeping them entertained while you also take care of your normal everyday routine. So it can be difficult for a lot of people to find time to cook from scratch. Make and freeze a few casseroles and soups ahead of time for easy gourmet dinners. The slow cooker is your friend when you have guests. Prepare a few easy meals in the crock pot, and you’re ready to go.

Meal prepping is useful if you’re expecting guests to come over. Credit: Shutterstock

Of course, you can also take your friends out to eat. Plan ahead which of your favorite restaurants you want to go to. But remember to give your friends options, too. Before they arrive, ask about dietary restrictions. If your friend is vegan, it might be more difficult to cook or find them something to eat. So be prepared before they arrive. (via Real Food Whole Life)

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If you’re having guests over for Thanksgiving, make sure you have enough chairs for people to sit in. Credit: Shutterstock

Make Sure You Have Plenty of Seating

Arrange extra seating in advance to accommodate all guests. It may require you to purchase extra chairs, or take seating out of other rooms and bring them to your kitchen or dining room table. If your dining room table extends, it may be time for you to get that ready before your guests arrive. This is especially important before holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Is your table big enough to hold all of your guests? Credit: Shutterstock

A lot of times, if you don’t have room for seating inside, you might want to consider sitting your guests outside. I’ve witnessed owners of small houses and apartments choosing to rent a pavilion in the park or buy cheap foldable seating to go outdoors when they’re having a party or hosting a lot of guests. (via Ballard Designs)

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A bar cart can hold bottles of alcohol for your home. Credit: Shutterstock

Stock Your Bar

Stock your cocktail/wine bar before guests arrive, including mixers. If you don’t have a bar in your home, consider buying a rolling bar cart, or transform space on your countertop to have some drinks ready for guests. Have a few kid friendly cocktails too. Even just keeping a few beers in the fridge might be enough, or buy a single bottle of wine to celebrate their arrival. It may be fun of you plan out some signature cocktails for your friends to try.

Prepare some cocktails for your guests before they arrive. Credit: Shutterstock

If you’re hosting for AirBnB, this might be a different story. According to the company policy, if you leave alcohol behind and something happens to your guest, you can be liable for contributing to their intoxication. So it’s probably better to keep your house alcohol-free before renting it. Let your guests buy their own alcohol. (via Retail Recon)

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You may want to cook together with your friends. Credit: Shutterstock

Accommodate Your Chef Friends

If your guest is a good cook, ask if they would like to make a favorite dish while they stay at your home. Most are flattered to be asked. This can be a fun activity to do together, especially if you want to learn how to make your friend’s specialty. If they’re from a different culture than you, this can be even better, because you can learn how to make an entirely new style of cooking. Choose something interactive and fun to work on together, even for kids. Homemade pizzas are a good example of something you can get your guests involved in, even if they’re not traditionally good at cooking.

Your guest might want to cook you one of their favorite recipes. Credit: Shutterstock

However, be sure not to cross a line when you’re asking your friends to cook. Remember that they are your guests, and they are likely on vacation. They might not want to cook, since they’re here to relax. And no matter who does the cooking, you should always be the one to do the dishes afterwards! (via Delicious)

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If a dog is coming to stay, be prepared for anything. Credit: Shutterstock

Get Ready For Doggy Guests

If your friends are bringing their dog over, get ready for your canine guest. Make your house pet-friendly with a dog bed, bowl, leash, and pet waste bags. Be prepared for accidents, especially if the dog is still a puppy. Remember that this is natural and just a part of being a pet owner. So maybe figure out space in your home where the dog can stay. Also hide anything you’re afraid they might destroy, like stuffed animals or anything else they can mistake for one of their toys.

You might want to buy a doggy bed and some toys for your canine guest. Credit: Shutterstock

If your friends are from out of town, do them a favor by doing some research on the nearest dog park. Go to the dog park with your fido-friendly guests. If you’ve never been to a dog park before, this can be a fun experience for you. You might also want to go on the daily walk with them, since it’s a fun form of exercise. (via Rover)

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If kids are coming to stay, search for fun activities in your local area. Credit: Shutterstock

Plan Activities

It might seem obvious to say this, but you should plan activities for your guests before they arrive. If they’re from out of town, they’re going to rely on you to give them suggestions on what you want to do together. Sometimes, they might Google activities in your local area. But more often than not, it’s your job as a host to impress them with something fun.

Take advantage of activities that you can do in your local area. Credit: Shutterstock

You could take them to a local park, museum, or amusement park. Look into some activities in your local community like live music or movies in the park. Of course, you should always keep their preferences in mind. Some friends might love to go to a rock concert, while others will want to see a football game. Give them lots of options, and have fun along the way. (via Hitched)

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Find some board games that your guests would enjoy. Credit: Shutterstock

Board Games

Keep a few board games and playing cards ready for family fun. Charades and Pictionary are perfect for groups. Settlers of Catan is also a great game for groups, and it’s easy to learn. You might find yourself getting really competitive during gameplay. Just make sure it’s age-appropriate for everyone involved. For example, if small kids are there, you should stay away from Cards Against Humanity, and stick with something like Apples to Apples instead.

Settlers of Catan is a popular board game for kids and adults alike. Credit: Shutterstock

If your friends love to play board games, you can even ask them to bring over their favorite game. They will be really excited that you showed interest in their hobby, and they can teach you the rules of their favorite game. Even if it’s not your cup of tea, be polite and remember that they are your guest! (via Better Homes and Gardens)

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Make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand for your guests. Credit: Shutterstock

Buy Plenty of Snacks

Before your guests arrive, make sure you buy plenty of snacks. Cheese, crackers, and nuts make an easy (no work) appetizer. Remember to hide some snacks away for yourself, because this will help when you feel the urge to start stress eating. Keep a secret stash of chocolate (or vodka) to treat yourself. Adulting is hard.

Baking some snacks is a great way to honor your guests. Credit: Shutterstock

If you’re hosting for an AirBnB, snacks aren’t necessary to buy for your guests. However, it will seriously impress them if you do. When I stayed in England, my host bought me some candy that’s only available in the UK, and I seriously appreciated having it. Even though it only cost a few dollars at the local corner store, the gesture was appreciated, and it contributed to me giving really good feedback online. (via Cozy Meal)

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Create a guide book for your guests. Credit: Shutterstock

Create a Travel Guide

Put together a travel guide with area tourist sites, parks, and family activities so guests can venture out alone. This can be something you keep forever for people who visit you in the future. It’s best to be a tour guide for your friends and family who come to visit. But if you have to go to work all day and they’re stuck at the house alone while they’re taking a vacation, they’ll seriously appreciate having a travel guide.

Travel guides can help people who are from out of town. Credit: Shutterstock

Making a travel guide is especially important for AirBnB guests. Some people like to put together an entire binder so that the guests have a guidebook. According to AirBnB, “Many Hosts provide their guests with local suggestions, like where to grab a coffee or enjoy a memorable dinner. Instead of writing down tips for each individual guest, creating a digital guidebook on Airbnb can help you save time by consolidating your recommendations in one place. Guests can access your guidebook in their Trips tab and from your listing, or you can send it to them directly in a message using our Share Recommendations tool.” (via AirBnB)

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It’s fine to take a break from your guests, if only for a few minutes. Credit: Shutterstock

Don’t Forget to Take a Break

Entertaining guests can be hard work. You might feel obligated to stick around them as much as humanly possible, because it’s rude to leave your guests alone for too long. But remember that it’s okay to take a break. Take time out for yourself each day, even if it is a walk or 30 minutes of quiet reading. Allow your kids the same.

Reading a book for even a few minutes can be enough of a break to reset your brain. Credit: Shutterstock

According to Psychology Today, taking a walk may be one of the best forms of taking a break. “The benefits of taking brief movement breaks have been well-researched. Constant sitting—whether at your desk, the TV, or the lecture hall—puts you at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity. Getting up from your chair to walk, stretch, do yoga, or whatever activity you prefer can reduce the negative health effects from too much sitting. Just a 5-minute walk every hour can improve your health and well-being.” (via Psychology Today)

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Video games can be a great way to bond with kids that come to visit. Credit: Shutterstock

Find Kid-Appropriate Entertainment

If your guests are bringing their children, make sure you have something to keep them entertained. Keep a basket of crayons, coloring books, games, and family-friendly DVD’s available for kids. I remember as a kid, one of my favorite things about going to my grandmother’s house was that she had a cabinet dedicated to activities for kids to do while we were over. You don’t have to do this all the time, but it might be a good idea, especially if you have nieces or nephews who visit on a regular basis.

Board games are great for spending time together as a family. Credit: Shutterstock

If you already own a gaming system, consider buying a party game that the entire family can play while they’re at your house. Years ago, I used to pull out Dance Dance Revolution and Karaoke Revolution for my friends to play when they came over. Alternately, figure out somewhere where you can bring the kids, like a local park, museum, or theme park. (via Family Entertainment Guide)

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Allow your guests to help them decorate during the holiday season. Credit: Shutterstock

Include Them in Traditions

If your guests are coming over at Christmas time, make sure to include guests in holiday traditions such as trimming the tree or making cookies. Just because they’re visiting doesn’t mean that they don’t want to also feel like home. If your guests are from a completely different culture than yours, this might be a great opportunity to teach them about your traditions that you practice at home. There may be holidays that they’ve never celebrated before.

Teach your guests about your culture’s holiday traditions. Credit: Shutterstock

If you’re renting out an AirBnB, that’s a bit different. However, you should remember to put up some decorations, like a Christmas tree, during the holiday season. This will help people feel more festive when they come to stay at your place, since they won’t be able to decorate your house on their own. (via Southern Living)

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Your guests will appreciate if you use your fine china for them when they arrive. Credit: Shutterstock

Bring Out The Good Stuff

A lot of people out there have a set of “good” dishes, maybe inherited from their parents or grandparents. Sometimes, people feel precious about their high-quality sets of dishes and cutlery, and they never actually use them. Remember that these objects are meant to be used! Bring them out when guests are over. Polish silver and clean stemware until they are sparkling before guests arrive.

Polish your silver before your guests arrive. Credit: Shutterstock

However, if they are bringing children, you might not want to bring out your antique china. Use logic and common sense when it comes to this. But even if you’re being cautious and leaving the “good stuff” in the cabinet, at least make sure you have enough matching dishes to accommodate your guests. If you don’t, make a trip to Dollar Tree, where you can find matching plates, bowls, and cups. (via Taste of Home)

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Provide your guests with cleaning supplies. Credit: Shutterstock

Allow Them the Option to Clean Up After Themselves

Some people love to feel like they’re on vacation and have someone else do all of the chores for them. So by default, you should never expect your guests to do any chores while they’re over your house. However, there are others who actually like to clean up after themselves, because it’s just ingrained in their personality. Allow guests to use your laundry room during their visit, and give them access to the kitchen sink as well.

Some people like to make their bed every morning, even if they are on vacation. Credit: Shutterstock

This is especially important if you have an AirBnB. Make sure you give your guests access to cleaning supplies if they want them. Some people really like to clean up their space before they leave, in order to make it easier on you as a host. However, if you charge a cleaning fee, you shouldn’t expect to let them clean anything in your home during their stay. (via NerdWallet)

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Bringing your friends to a winery can be a great time. Credit: Shutterstock

Visit The Nearest Winery or Brewery

One thing that is sure to impress your guests is if you take them on a trip to the nearest winery or brewery. In fact, some people have an entire hobby of doing nothing but traveling to as many of these as they possibly can. And if they’ve never been to a winery or brewery before, they might just be entertained enough to pick up a new hobby.

Many wineries allow you to roam the property. Credit: Shutterstock

If your guests have children, proceed with caution. People take their kids to wineries all the time, but you need to judge on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes there are activities like cornhole, apple picking, or live music to keep the kids entertained outside. Other times, the winery is very fancy and very much for adults only. In most cases, keep this activity for your grown up friends. (via Wine Spectator)

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Find a museum that is kid-friendly if you have children coming to stay with you. Credit: Shutterstock

Visit the Nearest Museum

Taking your guests to the nearest museum is sure to impress them. For most people, this might require you to drive to your nearest large city. But there might be museums locally that you’ve never been to before. It may surprise you! Just do some Google searching to see what’s available nearby. Also make sure you check the pricing, and ask your guests if they feel comfortable paying the ticket price. If you can treat them, then it’s even better.

Art museums are great to bring your guests to visit. Credit: Shutterstock

If your guests have kids, make sure you go somewhere that they will be entertained. For example, very young children might not be able to handle keeping their attention at an art museum. But they would love to go somewhere like the Please Touch Museum, planetarium, or National History Museum where they keep dinosaur bones. (via Please Touch Museum)

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Your friends may be grateful to get some exercise with you when they come to visit. Credit: Shutterstock

Take a Walk Around Your Neighborhood

Last but not least is that you should consider taking your guests on a walk around your neighborhood. This is a great activity in the evening, and it can help burn off some calories after you eat dinner and dessert. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Your guests are probably skipping the gym while they stay with you, so getting some form of movement in their stay is good exercise.

Many guests will be glad to go on a walk with you, even in the colder months. Credit: Shutterstock

This is a different story if your neighborhood isn’t walkable. If it’s potentially dangerous or requires you to walk along a busy road, think twice about making your guests walk around. A better alternative might be to drive to the town’s main street or somewhere else that’s safe to get out and walk. Or, find a nearby town that is cute enough to show your friends. (via Mayo Clinic)

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