FOUR FAST STEPS TO PREP YOUR DREAM HOME FOR GUESTS

Clear counters and place an ottoman, chair or bench in the guest room to make it easier for houseguests to unpack.

Celebrating the holidays in your newly constructed home can be a dream come true! The most wonderful time of the year is also the busiest between gift-buying, decorating, baking and perhaps—trying to coordinate the arrival of new furniture in time for the holidays.

If you are hosting overnight guests this year, avoid adding undue stress by following these steps for fast houseguest preparation. You will ensure a pleasant and memorable stay for your family and/or friends, as well as your own family.

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1. Freshen up the guest bedroom. First, change the sheets, plump pillows and consider setting out of a stack of extra pillows and blankets. Next, try to clear off as many surfaces as possible so guests have a place to put things when they unpack. Pulling a chair or small ottoman from another room will make it easier for guests to place their travel bags and items while they stay in your dream home. Take some time to tidy up, dust, and clean mirrors, windows and the floor. Turn on all lamps and lights to make sure there aren’t any lightbulbs that need to be replaced. If you already have a full house and no spare guest room, consider investing in an inflatable air mattress with a relatively thicker, padded top that you can set up in a den or the basement if it’s been finished off.
2. Restock and refresh the bathroom. The bathroom is a high-traffic area that absolutely must be clean. Take some time to clean the mirrors, sink, toilet, tub, shower and when you are done, mop the floor. Refill hand soap and restock toilet paper, clean towels, etc. To make your bathroom feel hotel-like, add a scented candle and/or a reed diffuser so that it constantly smells fresh regardless of how many people are using it during the holidays. You may want to tidy up your linen and medicine closets just in case guests sneak a peek.
3. Offer guest-specific items. Develop a simple system, if you have not already, to save time when you have future guests. Provide different color towels and washcloths so that each guest recognizes her own. Once your guests leave, wash them along with sheets and store in a special place or label them for guests. If you have stocked up on mini-toiletries from hotel and/or spa stays, place them in the guest bedroom if they will be using a shared-bathroom, otherwise put them in the guest bedroom. It’s easy to forget things like shaving cream, razor, floss, etc., so let your guests know what you have in case they need anything.
4. Clear out some clothes in the closet. Odds are your guests will want to hang some clothing, so be proactive by removing some of the clothes and leaving them hangers to use. If the closet is really messy, try to tidy it up since visitors may see everything.

​Following these steps will enable your guests to feel at home in your dream home.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow