Are you having guests stay at your home for the holidays? Why not follow these easy suggestions for making their stay a pleasant and fun one?
Keep it simple! You don't have to get to elaborate in your plans to entertain for the holidays. Just have it well thought out.
1. Start by deciding where you will put everyone. Clean each room where your guests will stay and put fresh sheets on the bed. Open the windows in the room for a few minutes to air it out. Freshen up the room if you need to with a lightly scented candle or room spray. Adding fresh flowers to a room will make your guest feel very welcome. Place a couple of towels in the room for your guests and make sure there is a place to hang their clothes and perhaps clear out a couple of drawers for them to use as well. Make a small gift basket full of bottled water, small bottles of body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and some treats.
2. Fix some make ahead meals that you can freeze and pull out at a moment's notice. Prepare your menus ahead of time. This will cut down on the time you spend in the kitchen and give you more time to spend with guests.
3. Don't hesitate to use paper ware. Anything to cut down on the fuss and bother of doing dishes is a good thing when it comes to entertaining. You can still use your best dinner ware for the holiday while your guests are there. It will make dinner even more special.
4. Have some planned activities up your sleeve so to speak. Check into local events in your area and make a list of things available to do with your guests and your family. Nothing too involved just a few ideas for those moments that everyone is looking for things to do.
5. Make some treats ahead of time so that you have goodies for all to eat and enjoy when you are just sitting around and visiting and relaxing. Remember you want to spend time with your guests and your family. Not spend all your time in the kitchen.
6. Stock the game closet and have some movies on hand. Make sure to have plenty of popcorn (an easy crowd pleaser munchie!)
This is the time of year when you want to enjoy the holidays, your guests, and your family. Prepare a little and make a lot of great memories! Your guests will be glad they came and you and your family will be too!
Cathy enjoys writing about home and family. She is a mother of 6 and runs a year round holiday site Christmas Twigs and sells a variety of holiday items including Christmas trees.