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Millions of celebrants welcome family and friends into their homes as overnight guests each holiday season. The automotive group AAA estimated that roughly 115 million travelers planned to travel 50 miles or more during the 2023 year-end holiday travel period, which the organization defined as a 10-day window that began on December 23 and ended on New Year's Day.
The 2024 holiday season figures to be just as busy for travelers as 2023, and many of those individuals will accept the hospitality of loved ones while away from home. Hosting loved ones during the holiday season is a selfless act that enables families to create lasting memories that make this such a special time of year. Holiday hosts can embrace these strategies as they prepare to welcome guests in the weeks ahead.
Clear clutter from working spaces. The increase in remote workers has led many homeowners to transform guest rooms or pockets of shared living spaces into home offices, which can make a residence feel a little more cramped once guests arrive. Declutter these spaces prior to guests' arrival so they have ample room to relax and maneuver in guest rooms and to ensure there's no shortage of seating or room to spread out in shared spaces like living rooms or dens.
Provide some guest room creature comforts. Some creature comforts in the guest room can make guests feel right at home. A smartphone charging dock on a bedside nightstand is a nice touch that allows guests to keep their chargers tucked into their luggage, ensuring they won't be forgotten when the time comes to return home.
A scent diffuser in the guest room is another nice touch that can help travel-weary guests relax and unwind during their stay. A small handful of books and magazines left on a guest room dresser so guests have some nighttime reading material is another welcoming gesture that can make them feel right at home.
Ask ahead about food allergies. Cooking is a big part of holiday hosting, as the dinner table is a relaxing setting to catch up with loved ones. Prior to planning a holiday hosting menu, hosts can reach out to guests and ask if they have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Designate a guests-only bathroom, if possible. If hosts' homes have multiple full bathrooms, designate one exclusively for guests during their stay. This gesture affords guests some privacy that they're sure to appreciate.
Replace the bedding. It's easy to overlook the comfort of bedding in a guest room. When furnishing a guest room, it's not unheard of to repurpose an existing mattress from an owner's suite. Though that's acceptable, it's necessary to periodically inspect a guest room mattress to make sure it's still comfortable and supportive. If not, replace the mattress. A mattress topper, new comforter and new set of soft sheets also can make guest room bedding more comfortable.
Clear out the clutter. Guest rooms can easily become depositories for old furniture and other items, which can create a cluttered and less than welcoming atmosphere in a space. Give each guest room a thorough onceover before guests arrive, removing pieces that might create a claustrophobic vibe. Keep in mind that guests will bring luggage, so a less cluttered space with ample room for their bags can make it easier to settle in.
Take a cue from hotels. Hotels ensure guests have ample creature comforts at their fingertips. Provide extra bed and bath linens, ensure the room has ample lighting so guests can read at bedtime and get dressed in plenty of light in the morning. A folding luggage rack is another nice touch that can keep guests from having to dig through their suitcases on the floor.
Add an armchair where possible. If the room allows, place a comfortable armchair and side table in the space so guests can read a book or catch up on the news on a tablet or smartphone. A comfortable, quiet and secluded place to sit provides guests a respite from the hustle and bustle of a home filled with holiday guests.
Install window coverings, if necessary. A feeling of privacy is another important comfort guests will appreciate. Replace existing window treatments if they do not provide adequate privacy or if they do not keep the elements out in the morning. A room that is sun-soaked by early morning each day may make it hard for guests to get sufficient sleep. Some blackout curtains or a new set of blinds allows guests to determine the amount of natural light that will greet them each morning.