9 Unique Ways to Wow Your Holiday Guests
The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and making lasting memories. And what better way to spread the festive cheer than by being an incredible host to your holiday guests? During this season it’s very common to visit each other from out of town. But while it’s a wonderful time for friends and family to gather, celebrate, and spend time together, it can sometimes leave the hosts feeling overwhelmed. We all want our guests to feel comfortable, at-home, and hopefully even impressed! From their first arrival to their sleep experience, a well thought out plan is key. So here is a list of 9 unique and thoughtful holiday guest hosting tips to make your guests’ stay an unforgettable one!
#1 Greet them with a beverage at the entrance of your home
What better way to start off a visit than with a refreshing drink of your choice! Imagine the delight on your guests' faces as they step through the door and are given a cup of welcome. For example, a nice glass of bubbly, a sparkling cider, a festive cocktail, or a mug of hot cocoa. Your guests will know right away that they are in for a treat when they stay at your home!
#2 Create a scent experience throughout your home
Scents have a magical way of evoking emotions and memories. Whether you’re burning candles or baking cookies, scent is one of the fastest ways to make your guest feel festive and excited for the holidays! My favorite way to create an organic and natural scent throughout my home is to add water, oranges, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to my crockpot and leave it on low for days. The gorgeous aromas will fill your house in no time, without being too overbearing! You could also infuse your space with a delightful aroma by using scented candles strategically placed in different areas of your home. Cinnamon, vanilla, or pine scents are perfect for the holiday season.
#3 Provide a ‘House Info’ booklet
Your guests may not know their way around your house. Help make them feel seamlessly integrated by giving them the ‘keys to the castle’. One of my top holiday guest hosting tips is to create a house information booklet with all important daily info. For example, how to work the TV remote and the internet code. Include essential details such as the TV channel listings, and any house quirks or routines they should know about. This thoughtful touch will save them the hassle of asking and let them feel right at home. There's no better spot to place it than right on their nightstand!
#4 Place a snack basket next to the bed
Whether it’s nighttime munchies or morning hunger pangs, you never know when hunger will strike! Sometimes guests can be shy about heading into the kitchen to help themselves. A thoughtfully curated snack basket placed next to their bed can be a lifesaver. Stock it with a mix of sweet and savory treats like salty late night snacks, as well as some easy morning pick-me-ups like energy bars. You should also include some bottled water, ensuring your guests feel pampered and cared for.
#5 Account for allergies
Personalization is key, especially when it comes to comfort. There are so many people who are allergic to things like down, dust, certain flowers and fragrance. It’s something you’ll want to consider when making up your house (and especially the guest room!) Try to choose sheets and bedding that are soft, but hypoallergenic, fragrance-free toiletries, keep animals out of the guest room, swap flowers for plants, and ask your guests if they have allergies you may need to consider.
#6 Keep them cozy with a basket of fresh towels, robes, and throw blankets
Keep your guests comfortable with amenities they would normally have at home! There's nothing quite like a plush robe, a soft blanket, or a fresh towel after a long day of holiday festivities. Place a basket stocked with these cozy essentials in their room, so they don’t have to go searching around for them after a shower.
#7 Use decorative re-fillable bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and lotion
There is nothing worse that heading into a shower to get clean and realizing the soap provided by the host is a bar that others have used. Staying sanitary is an absolute must, so always double check your supply before your guest's arrival. I like to display refillable bottles in the shower for new soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. This not only adds a thoughtful and decorative touch but also showcases your attention to detail, making your guests feel like they're staying at a luxurious retreat.
#8 Keep potentially forgotten items on hand
Remember, your guests are traveling and may have forgotten necessary items at home! Anticipate their needs by keeping commonly forgotten items such as phone chargers, toothpaste, wrapped toothbrushes, and over-the-counter medications, a hair dryer, and Q-tips readily available in the guest bathroom. Your guests should feel like they are staying at a hotel, but more at-home.
#9 Write a hand-written Thank You note for staying with you
Last, but not least – don’t forget to thank your guests for coming to spend time at your house for the holidays and expressing your gratitude for their company. Hand-written notes seem to be a thing of the past, so think how surprised your family member or friend will be to receive a sweet sentiment that they can reflect upon the whole way home. It’s a simple yet impactful way to show your appreciation and leave a lasting impression. Make it even more fun by getting the kids involved too!
Being an exceptional host isn’t just about providing a place to stay; it's about creating a memorable experience. These nine thoughtful gestures will not only wow your holiday guests but also make them feel truly special and cherished.
Did I miss anything? What are some of your favorite holiday guest hosting tips? Let me know in the comments below!
