Make Overnight Guests Feel Welcome

Q: How can I make overnight guests feel welcome?

A: For many people, the guest room is also the "spare room", housing everything from office equipment to craft projects to being an out and out "catch all." But with a few simple steps, you can transform it into a serene space any guest will appreciate.

• Say "welcome" with a bed that invites. Start with a mattress pad for comfort, add quality sheets and blankets, and top with a coordinating comforter, sham, and bedskirt ensemble.
• Don't make up your guest's bed with old, worn out pillows. You replaced yours for a reason, right? Treat guests to quality pillows so they don't wake up with a sore back or bad neck.
• Have extra pillows and blankets available in a closet.
• Outfit the bedside table with water and glasses, a bit of candy or fresh fruit. Other nice touches are paper and pencils, a scented candle and matches, an alarm clock, and a stack of current magazines or book of short stories. Good bedside lighting is a must!
• Extra hangers in the closet are an appreciated touch.
  
• If you have a spare bath for guests, hang plenty of thick towels on the rack (or leave them folded on the bed) and be sure a bathmat is available. Provide a basket with basic toiletries and a hair dryer.

Provide your guests these surprisingly simple indulgences, and they'll never want to leave!