Hosting Overnight Guests for the Holidays

Holidays are all about celebrating, decorating, and sometimes hosting! From turkey dinners to New Year’s Eve there are plenty of opportunities to host guests. When you’ve got loved ones traveling from near or far, offering your couch or guest room to them is a really kind gesture. Don’t feel like you have to bend over backwards for your guests—if you do, you’re hosting the wrong guests! However a little bit of extra effort and preparation can be one of the sweetest gifts your loved ones receive this season.

Here at Willow Hill, we are all about preparation and keeping others in mind while doing so! Think about pleasant experiences you’ve had while visiting someone, and do what you can to recreate that time. Don’t feel like you’re running the Ritz-Carlton, but just going out of your way to make your friends feel at home. Take into account your guests preferences as well as dislikes when preparing bedrooms and bathrooms. It might be helpful to reach out to them beforehand to get a feel for what they might be expecting. There are tactful ways to check if they are expecting dinner (“Will you be around that night for dinner?” vs “Do I need to make dinner for you?”) Let them know you don’t want to hinder their tourist experience, but that you are available for help and entertainment if they prefer! Communicate openly so everyone knows what to expect and feelings won’t end up being hurt.

One thing we like to prepare for guests is a snack basket. Some guests feel uncomfortable helping themselves in the kitchen, so this is a great opportunity to provide some treats and snacks for them when they get hungry between meals. Here are some ideas for a treat/snack basket:

-Granola bars/protein bars

-Beef Jerky

-Dried fruit

-Pretzels

-Special foods unique to your state or area

-Bottled water

-Small candies or chocolate bars

Don’t forget to be careful of allergies while packing a snack basket. Happy hosting during the upcoming holidays!