The Art of Making Guests Feel at Home
There’s something so tender about inviting someone into your space. Hosting isn’t about perfection or putting on a show — it’s about opening your door (your home) and creating a place where people feel deeply at ease. Whether it’s a lifelong friend, a far-flung relative, or someone new stepping over your threshold, the little things we do to welcome them matter. Here's how I think about hosting: quiet thoughtfulness, one touch at a time.
It All Starts with Bedding (Lots of It)
Whether your guest is sleeping on the couch or in the Taj Mahal of guest suites, a good night’s sleep matters. I always stack the space with more bedding than they could ever need — an extra blanket folded at the foot of the bed, another tucked nearby, and a few different pillows for good measure. No one should have to wake up in the middle of the night, chilly and unsure if they should rummage around for another throw.
The Toiletries Basket: Thoughtful, Not Fussy
One of my favorite tiny luxuries to offer is a full toiletries basket. Fresh towels and washcloths are the basics, but I also stock it with a bath mat, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, q-tips, a little bottle of mouthwash, and lotion. Sometimes I’ll even add a mini face cream because I know what it’s like to forget yours at home and feel a little off without it. It's these everyday comforts that say, I thought about you.
House Tour (But Just the Useful Stuff)
I like to do a little walk-through when my guests arrive — nothing formal, just a casual, "let me show you a few things." How the door locks work, where the light switches are hidden, how to turn on the heat or AC (especially if it’s not intuitive). If I’ve got a complicated TV remote or a sneaky faucet, this is the time for a quick demo. I always point out where the extra toilet paper and towels live too — no one wants to be a guest and go on a scavenger hunt.
A Little Logistics Nook
Next, I set up a tiny "logistics nook" somewhere obvious: a card with the wifi password, a pen and a notepad, a spare key if they’ll need it. It's nothing fancy, just an anchor for them to feel like they have everything they need without having to keep asking.
Bedside Water and Charging Cables
This one I learned the hard way: always leave a cup or bottle of water by the bedside. There’s nothing more awkward than wandering into someone’s kitchen, half-asleep, parched. I also leave extra charging cables by the bed — because at some point, everyone forgets theirs.
Snacks, Slippers, and Soft Landing Spots
I love setting out a little bowl of snacks — fruit, a few granola bars, chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate — just something simple to nibble on. A pair of guest slippers and a soft robe draped over the chair is the cherry on top. And if you have hard floors, a small rug by the bed is magic... it’s like magical way of making an unfamilar space immediately familar to their feet.
The Heart of Hosting
At the end of the day, being a good host isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a soft landing — a place where someone can shed the weight of travel or unfamiliarity and just be. A few small comforts, a little extra thought, and a lot of heart go farther than the fanciest guest room ever could.
