Guest of Honor
In preparation for my dear friend to come visit, I’m trying to think of things that will make her stay more enjoyable and make her feel special. If you were going to be a guest in someone’s home, what little things would make you feel really at home and comfortable, not to mention a little pampered or honored? Have you ever been in someone’s home overnight where you have been treated to anything special? I’m really looking for some ideas here. I have a few fun things up my sleeve already, but I want this to be a very enjoyable relaxing weekend for her. I’d love to hear your ideas!
So glad to be able to catch up on some of my favorite blogs…yours has been one of them…lot’s of new in my life…go check it out…love the pic of the sleeping child, your bedroom looks lovely and the ninja thing is awesome…enjoy your friend!
Comment by Kendra — April 16, 2008 @ 11:35 am
I always put fresh flowers in the guest room. Sometimes I pick whatever’s blooming out of my garden, and sometimes I buy a bunch at the store. It always makes people feel special…unless they have allergies of course!
Comment by Quirky — April 16, 2008 @ 11:55 am
One time when I was staying at someone’s house, she got me a gift basket of travel-sized items. Little shampoos, conditioners, body wash, mouth wash, toothpaste, clay mask, little candles. Stuff like that. I felt so honored!
Comment by Jenene — April 16, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
I was going to suggest what Jenene did. Put together a little basket of soaps, lotions, etc and put a note by the bed telling her that they are hers to keep (even if she doesn’t use them while she’s staying with you).
Fresh flowers are also a wonderful idea.
Comment by Jen H — April 16, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Was going to suggest the basket idea too. Also, depending how well you know someone - or how much you want to spend - some new pj’s or lounging/movie watching gear would be nice. Or maybe a snack/treat basket. You know how when you’re at someone’s house and you have the munchies, you feel a little conspicuous raiding their cupboards, but if you had your own stash…
Comment by Jody — April 16, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
I love making guests feel special! I always have a neat stack of fresh towels, a small wicker basket with fancy toiletries, and a few things people often forget (floss, q-tips, etc…), usually a handful of books they might enjoy flipping through, that sort of thing. I always make sure there’s an alarm clock and reading light next to the bed. An extra blanekt folded up in case of cold. We also put a microwave in the room with a basket of microwave popcorn packages, and microwaveable beanbags.
If you want to be extra, extra special, there’s always the chocolate on the pillow idea. =)
Have fun!
Comment by Kimberly — April 16, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
you are such a great hostess I am sure whatever you have up your sleeve will bless your friend. but i agree with everyone so far, and the snack thing is great, because you never know when the late night munchies will hit. flowers and sweet toiletries are fantastic too. also a pitcher of water and a glass and tissues are two things I cannot sleep without so it is always so nice to have them by my bed. i am so happy for you to see your friend again. enjoy!!!
Comment by svea — April 16, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
Oh man, this makes me feel so not very housewarming-ly because I wasn’t good at this with my friend who visited me from Canada. She probably thinks I’m the worst hostess ever.
:c)
Comment by Val — April 16, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
You are so sweet! When I visited a friend, she had a little basket made up in the bathroom of every toiletry item you could think of. (A lot of people have already suggested that, I see!!) I think something fresh out of the oven is always good
Comment by staci — April 16, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
Okay, I have to say to Val…it’s BECAUSE of you that I am doing this. When I came to visit you, there were brand new pillows (still in the wrapping) on my bed and it was a little luxury knowing that I was the only one who had used them. And in the bathroom, deoderant, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion. I felt special. I’d never been a guest and I felt like you had thought of little things. So thank you.
Comment by erin — April 16, 2008 @ 4:48 pm
If your house is remotely like mine, maybe put some earplugs in that basket of stuff…
:)
Comment by Elin — April 16, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
Oh dear, I’m afraid I do absolutely nothing special for our many overnight guests other than cook a little differently from the way I do when it’s just our family. I guess that might have to do with them all being immediate family. If it were a friend I didn’t see often or whom had never been to my house before, I’d probably make a bit more of an effort to impress!!
Comment by ValleyGirl — April 16, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
Don’t forget to lay out bathtowels, washclothes and stuff for her.
And if you know she has a favorite snack, cocktail, breakfast cereal, any of that kind of stuff…have it around for her.
An extra robe in her room or a cozy pair of socks (probably new!) are nice, too.
A few magazines too!
Comment by Geggie — April 16, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
In my opinion the basket you had for her already was amazing!! Remember I was going to come and sleep on your couch?? LOL
You ROCK!
Comment by Louise — April 16, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
Had some suggestions but it looks like the others have them covered
Personally, as a guest I enjoy a fresh set of towels on the bed, a small basket of toiletries, a couple of goodbook on the nightstand. Some things NOT to have — dirty clothes on the floor or in the closet, a doll or anything with eyes that can freak someone out should they wake in the middle of the night and are too groggy to recognize what it is. 
Comment by Mel — April 17, 2008 @ 3:07 am
Erin, I was watching Oprah a couple of weeks ago and Colin Cowie was on the show giving ideas on how to make an overnight guest feel welcome and pampered. Most of his ideas have been mentioned in your comments already (maybe they watched Oprah too!)….
He suggests ironing the pillowcases for a very crisp, clean look. Also, like a lot of people said, having travel size toiletry items in a lil basket. Fresh flowers and bottled water or a carafe are a nice touch. Oh, and he recommends putting a picture of you and your guest on the bedside table for them to take with them when they go…..
When I stayed with a friend in NC she put a bell by my bed, for me to ring in case I needed anything!
That was pretty funny. Now that I think about it, I should have used it!
Comment by Corie — April 17, 2008 @ 9:11 am
Hi Erin.
Wow all these ideas are fab. And you’re little one is so cute. I can’t believe she ever has tantrums.
Comment by Jo Beaufoix — April 17, 2008 @ 9:37 am
So many great suggestions..I was going to say the towels & toiletry basket. I also try to replace the towels for them depending on how long they’re there.
And just letting them know everything–where the drinks are, where extra towels are, etc.
A sweet card in a “hidden” place is always nice, too!
Comment by oh amanda — April 17, 2008 @ 12:40 pm