When you are hosting out of town guest for the holidays, the goal is to ensure that everyone is comfortable and the environment is stress free. Below are tips to help you keep your sanity when hosting out of town guest during the holidays:
1. Make them feel welcome and at home: One thing that you can say to your house guest when they arrive is “Make yourself comfortable at home.” Let your guests know they’re welcome to anything in the refrigerator or cabinets. Also, make sure that the room that they will be staying in is clutter free and has clean sheets on the bed. If you can, provide a bedside lamp and alarm clock for your guest.
2. Stock up on food and Keep Meals Simple. Find out what your guest enjoy eating and stock up on some of those items. Make sure you find out what your guest is allergic to prior to their arrival. Also, keep in mind that you are already providing a place to stay for your house guests, so don’t feel like you have to provide elaborate meals too. Meals should be inexpensive and healthy. You can also have some times designated that you will order in or eat out. Everything should be set up in a manner that people can help themselves
3. Have Family Friendly Movies available. Keep a variety of family friendly movies that everyone can enjoy.
4. Do something fun: Treat your house guest special by planning some fun activities, such as: Going to a holiday parade, going to see the holiday lights in town, going for a family walk, going to the movies or bowling, having family game night. If you aren’t sure what your guest might want to do, just ask them in advance so you can prepare some activities they enjoy.
5. Give your guest a chance to rest. Sometimes guests simply want to relax, and it’s hard to do that with a host who’s trying to plan something every second of the day. The best thing to do is find out in advance what they want to do and how much they want to do. Remember, the goal is to make them comfortable.
6. Stock your guest’s area with necessities. Make sure they have several towels and wash clothes. Also provide them with an extra blanket. You should also provide toiletries and inform them of where you keep those items in case they need extra. Make sure you stock there area with enough items to get through their visit time.
7. Teach your guest the basics. Write down the wireless password to get online with their computer. Show your guest how to properly work the TV remote controls. Share any other key information with them to make things user friendly during their stay.
8. Be yourself and allow your guest to be themselves. Remember, your guest are visiting to enjoy and spend time with you not watch you stress yourself out with extra pressure. Allow your guest to relax and be themselves too, without any concern that you are watching their every move.
