Growing up, we never had overnight guests. All of my family lived in our area…all of them…on both my mom and dad’s side…so we never had out of town or overnight company that I can recall. So, when I got married, hosting overnight company was something really new to me.
The first year Andrew and I were married, we lived in Detroit away from both sides of our family, so we had a lot of overnight guests…and then the 9 years after that, we have lived in the Dallas area near my family but all of his family is in Missouri…so, I have had to learn the art of overnight guests.
With the holiday season approaching, I thought we could all share our best tips and tricks for overnight guests today. I’m sure you guys have some great ideas for entertaining and hosting people overnight in your homes and I would love to hear about it!
Here are my little tips (most of which learned by reading Good Housekeeping, Southern Living and plain old trial and error!)…
In the 10 years since we’ve been married, we have hosted overnight guests in our one bedroom/one bath apartment (guests would sleep on the sofa and/or air mattress), in a small two bedroom apartment, in a house full of kids’ bedrooms (when there are cribs instead of beds, it makes hosting adults difficult) and now in our new house, we finally have a guest bedroom…that for now, accommodates our out of town family.
Tip #1: Lots of layers
I like to give my guests a lot of layers on their bed (or give them a variety of blankets if they’re sleeping on the couch). There is nothing worse than sleeping when you’re too hot or too cold, so I offer them a lot of layers and several pillow choices. On our bed now, I have two blankets and a comforter along with 4 pillow (2 soft and 2 firm). I also keep additional blankets in the closet and make sure they know they can use those as well.
Tip #2: Bedside table necessities
I like to have a lamp near the bed along with a clock too. I also like to have a place where they can sit a drink or whatnot. Andrew’s parents are always drinking coffee or water, so I want to have a place for them to sit that stuff while they read or watch TV.
Tip #3: Offer reading material
I try and keep current magazines in my guest room that they might enjoy reading. You could also leave a few novels and/or current local newspapers. When we visit Andrew’s parents, she always has my favorite magazines and catalogs for me to read and I really appreciate it!
Tip #4: Offer storage
Over the years, offering my guests storage for their things has changed dramatically. When we lived in Detroit, I cleared out space for them in our tiny laundry area…it gave them a little space and was more private for them then giving them space in our closet. When we had guests in our other house, we cleared out space in one of the kids’ closets and the coat closet…just enough space to allow for them to hang a few things and move stuff out of the way. Thankfully, our guests have plenty of room now for their things. And as you can see here, this is also where I keep our extra blankets for them to use.
Tip #5: Give them enough bathroom supplies
Whether they have their own bathroom or they’re sharing with you, I think it’s nice if you give them (or show them) their bathroom supplies (that way, they don’t feel like they’re using the wrong things). I keep bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths out for guest along with extra toilet paper, soap, an extra razor and hair dryer. I also usually try and give my guests a color towel that we don’t use…that way, there is no confusion to which is theirs and with is ours (if you’re hanging towels near each other to dry, no one will get confused).
Tip #6: Leave them with something special
I always leave my overnight guests a little something special to take home…and it truly is something little…but just something for them. In this instance, I left my mother-in-law a few Bath and Body Works products that she could use during her stay but then also take home. Sometimes, I’ve left people a candle or a package of cookies…you know, just something small for them to enjoy.
Over the last decade, I’ve picked up a few other tips as well…
7: Food
I always try and have a little something for breakfast that my guests can enjoy along with something sweet for dessert. I prefer breakfast casseroles and muffins for breakfast because I can prepare them in advance before my guests arrive. And for something sweet, a bundt cake, bar or cookie (again, something that can be made in advance and kept out while they stay) is ideal.
8: Alone Time
When I’m a guest at someone’s house, I often enjoy a little alone time or down time, so I make sure and give my guests the same option. I guess my tip is that you don’t need to feel like you have to “babysit” your guests during their entire stay. They might enjoy some alone time to read, take a walk, go get coffee or such by themselves.
9: Baby Supplies
Before we had kids, Andrew’s brother and his wife came to visit with their baby…and I wanted to be able to provide a few baby supplies for them (they were flying and I didn’t want them to have to bring a ton of stuff). Since we didn’t have children, I called a family at my church with kids and asked if I could borrow their pack and play and a portable highchair. I really think this made everyone’s weekend easier because they had a spot to put the baby for sleeping and napping along with a way to contain him for meals…and they didn’t have to fly with any of it.
10: Saying no
You guys know I’m the queen of saying no sometimes. I’ve blogged about it here. There have been several times when we’ve simply had to tell people that it’s just not a good time to have out of town guests…or that if they do need to come, they need to stay in a hotel and not our home during this particular trip. For whatever the reason, sometimes, it just doesn’t work to have overnight guests and I really don’t think you should ever feel bad about saying no to them. When you have people stay in your home, you want them to have a really good experience and to feel welcome…and sometimes, it’s just not a good time to have people over…and you can’t provide them with the hospitality they deserve, so it’s better to say no than to have them over and not feel welcome.
I would love to hear your tips and suggestions for overnight guests! Even if they’re really simple and small, I would love to know what you do to make the experience great for both your guest and yourself!! Please comment below!
And if you’re making supper for your guests (or just your family), you should make my yummy Brown Sugar Brisket! So good!!
XOXO
Tab & Erika says
Such great ideas!!! After reading this, I'm probably not the best host!!! I'm going to start sending my guests to your house!!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
ugh, i'm wide awake at 4:30!!
loved this post, I love having a guest room, and agree with everything. my guesta have their own bathroom So I filled a basket with everything I could think of inc the Cutest little sign that says help yourself, people always tell me they really appreciate it.
shay, where I the beddimg from?
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Okay, I loved Erika's comment. YES! I will be the best host if I send them over to your house with that super comfy bed and small gifts! My guests will be so happy! 🙂
Sarita @ it's my girls' world says
This is wonderful! Can't wait to read everyone's comments. I would add either bottled water or a small carafe with water for my guests. I always give my older/more responsible guests, a spare key to my house as I have young kids and I don't usually have the time to cart them everywhere.
And also, I have a basket of fresh toiletries: nice lotions, fresh razor, shower cap, eye mask, spray deodorant so that they can help themselves if they forgot anything.
Susan says
My mom has a drawer with things you might forget – toothpaste, razors, etc. Growing up we always were having someone stay with us. My mom has a gift for hospitality and she was the lady to host visiting preachers or others visiting our church.
Jessamyn says
We have tons of overnight guests, from family to a traveling friend of a friend and I always try to have the "what's mine is yours" attitude and make them feel really at home. Also I love letting them try/use out favorite things while here
Tracy says
We often host overnight guests who aren't family, and a tip I picked up from a master hostess was to have a basket of quick snacks like granola bars and crackers in the room for your guests – my friend even had a stocked mini fridge! Family members are usually comfortable raiding the fridge or pantry, but for non-family guests it's nice for them to have some simple snacks in case they're hungry before bed.
I also started leaving Andes mints on the pillows for guests after feeling so special when someone did that for me!
Anonymous says
Hey shay, love this post! I know you live around your parents, but any advice on what to do when you have a baby and people want to visit? Thanks! Kate
Anonymous says
Anyone would love to stay in your gorgeous home! I like your touch of giving them a little something. I have guests ALL the time. Do you give the gent a gift as well or just the lady? I like to find out what their favorite beverage is and keep that handy.
Narci says
Great hosting tips!! I love the little gifts idea! So super fun!!
kimm atwood says
Ummm I'm going to send my guests to your house…lol! Great tips girl!!!
Lauren says
Great tips, Shay! This will be my first holiday season in my new house and I'm sure I'll be using some of these ideas for when I have guests over.
Bianca Catalano says
Hi! Curious where you find your bedding? Thank you!
allisonwest says
Great tips! I also make sure the guest bath has a hair dryer, flat iron, hair spray, a brush or two and extra hair ties. Just more things folks may forget/don't want to pack.
Kimberly says
Don't forget to have a cute way to display your wifi password. These days it seems all our guests need it for their ipad, etc! 🙂
Jen B says
We rarely host overnight guests, which is why our guestroom is currently a playroom. But I love the idea of displaying sample size toiletries in a pretty dish/canister/container in the guest bath for them to pick and choose in case they forget something from home.
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
Your guest room is beautiful! loving these tips!
Michelle says
I always leave a tray on the bed with bottled water, a few magazines, some snacks (if they're staying with me, I typically know their favorites) and a "Welcome" card. I have my kids write little welcome notes for the tray as well. I also have a small luggage rack (purchased at Restoration Hardware) that I keep in the closet but when guests are coming I pull it out. I place clean folded towels and a small basket of toiletries on top. A few little extra things I like to offer that most people appreciate: an alarm clock, a mirror, and plenty of extra hangers in the closet. I also keep room fresheners/plug-ins to a minimum because some people really don't like overly scented spaces. I know I suffer from migraines often triggered by strong scents so when someone has too many candles burning or too many wallflowers plugged in, BAM, headache.
Bonnie says
I leave our wifi name and password in an obvious place in our guest rooms. I also have some extra chargers that I keep in a drawer for our guests–sometimes they forget those!
Laura Fuller says
I LOVE the Pottery Barn bedding. I have a similar pattern on my bed. I also love out-of-town, overnight guests as both of our families live far away from us. It is very hard to say 'no' but it is best sometimes. My advice is to collect toiletries from hotels when you travel and put them in a small basket in the bathroom for their use. With restrictions while flying these days it is just easier for me to provide it. Also, I have a basket in the top of my guest closet for each of our parents. They both just left their toiletry items so they don't have to pack it in the future.
Beth Hoden says
Depending on how long my guests are staying, I like to show them how to use our washer/dryer. I always appreciate going home with clean clothes instead of a suitcase (or with kids, suitcases) full of dirty clothes.
Anonymous says
Here are my top overnight tips!
1. I have a collapsible laundry basket from the dollar store for my guests to put dirty laundry in.
2. I made a cute little first aid kit (Pinterest!) with band aides, little travel Advil, heartburn, and other items in the Target/Walmart travel section. I use a clear bag and a pretty ribbon on the zipper so they can see everything.
3. A non slip mat in the shower for my parents and my in laws
4. Every kind of coffee sweeter that you can get a Starbucks. I put in a glass sugar holder from the Dollar Store.
5. Bottled water in my guest room
6. An adorable nightlight for the hall and the bathroom (Kirklands)
7. I pick up and wash towels every day. I am already doing laundry and wet towels are sloppy looking.
I could go on and on!!!
Kelly says
This is a fun post! I'm also curious about any tips you have when you have a new baby and people want to visit! Also, a cute idea I stole from pinterest is a cute little frame with your wifi name and password in the guest room!
Anonymous says
we Are just getting ready blue prints started and wanted to ask, do younow big your guest room is?.and does it have it's own bathroom? and where is it located within your house??..please help!
nichole says
I keep a basket of travel sized supplies in the bathroom. That way if someone forgot toothpaste or a razor, they can grab one of those. I then replenish from my local Target after the guests leave.
I also ask in advance (or just grab from the store if I know them really well) if there's anything in particular they like to eat or drink. This way I can have those options on hand for them. Recently my brother and his fiance stayed with me and I grabbed a bottle of root beer, tortilla chips, queso, and chips ahoy from the store because I know those are their favorite things to snack on.
And last electronics: I leave instructions in the coffee table drawer on how to work the remotes/tv/dvd player. Since it takes 3 remotes to get the job done sometimes, the instructions mean my guests aren't fiddling around with everything or calling me if they happen to be at my house and I'm not there. I also leave the wifi password in the drawer too.
Mad Wife Skillz says
I love these ideas! We had some friends visit over a long weekend. My husband and I were both working during the day so we created a "Welcome packet" full of places for them to check out-landmarks, shopping, restaurants, hiking, etc. while we were at work. They loved it, and we had a blast preparing it for them!
Laura says
I have a little photo tree that sits on the bedside table of our guest room. When people are visiting, I print pictures of their family and friends and hang them on that photo tree for a touch of home.
Holly Morrison says
Wow! I LOVE your guest bedroom! Where did you get the bed? We are looking for a new bed and this one is gorgeous!
The only tip I have is that I bought a cute little picture frame and made a fun graphic that has our wifi password on it. Our guests have loved that little picture frame and find it very helpful!
Thanks for sharing your tips! I will definitely be using them in the future!
Jessica says
One other tip that my parents (and I'm trying as well) is when they travel, and they travel a lot, they collect and bring home all the shampoo/conditioner/soap/lotion samples and they put them in a pretty basket in the bathroom for guests to use if they want. They also have store-bought brands too. This helps so much because we know we don't have to bring all of our lotions and hair stuff. They'll have it all for us. My step-mom knows the brands we all like so its not like we're having using something we haven't used before.
Kim R @ 1200 Miles Away says
I collect samples of products from birch box, the mail and other places and place them in a glass container on my bathroom counter. It allows guests plenty of options for soap, shampoo, etc and also keeps it organized for me.
I also have a place for guests to place their suitcases. Costco sells suitcase valets like you see in hotels that fold up and I find those are a nice touch too.
Lisa Ambrose says
Love your tips, Shay. This may be a given but I like to have a decorative hook or two in the bathroom to hang your robe on while showering. Sometimes bathrooms are small and the only place to lay your robe is across the sink.
Lynn {A Taste of Country} says
Thank you for the inspiration! I'm slowly working on creating a guest bedroom in my new house, so this post gave me some very helpful advice and ideas!
Allison F says
This is a very small one, but I love to put fresh flowers on their nightstand. Who doesn't LOVE fresh flowers, and much like your B&BW treats, it is kind of the same thing – just a special touch when guests arrive that you KNOW they're going to enjoy! 😉
sonicgal says
Hello! Where was the bed purchased? Thanks !
Anonymous says
Great post idea! We also have a ton of out of town guests with both families visiting frequently. I would add that I keep a power strip in our guest room because my guests have a ton of electronics to charge and there aren't many outlets in our guest room. I also leave the wi-fi password displayed in a frame. Lastly, I clear off most of the horizontal spaces in the room so that guests can put their things on the side tables and dresser without having to deal with my little pictures and trinkets! I think that it also helps to be a guest because then you have an idea of what you like and don't like when visiting!
Kara Janzen says
I loved this post! One thing I really appreciated but didn't realize how great it was until after staying with a friend was snacks in my room. She left some snack bags of gold fish, crackers, cookies, etc in my room so if I was hungry I didn't have to feel awkward about asking if they had anything to eat. It was so thoughtful! Thanks for all the great tips!
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
These are some great tips! The only thing I'd add is that while it's important to do what you can to make your guests' stay a comfortable one, I try not to stress too much over having things perfect for them. I do the best I can to make sure things are clean and picked up, but guests know that when they stay with us, it's not going to be luxury {we live in a small house with 2 little kids so it can be a little tight at times}. When people are coming to stay with us, they are usually coming to visit with us and they don't expect their stay to be like a hotel. I think us women tend to run around stressing about having guests when sometimes it's just not necessary! Great ideas- I love the reading material idea!!
Bri Bliss says
I love that you agree that sometimes you just have to say no! Our guest room is right next to our daughter's room & not at all ideal for hosting my husband's college friends when they're in town for a weekend. I used to oblige, but I've finally had to put my foot down. I'll gladly taxi them around & cook a few meals, but they aren't disrupting our family routines anymore!
MargoStoy says
Looks so cozy! I would love if you dedicated a blog to your whole house! It looks Amazon in the few pics you have posted! 🙂
The Nelson Happenings says
Thanks for sharing ! I love overnight guests 🙂 It's a great idea to leave them with something nice to take home ! I had never thought of that.
Anonymous says
Perfect list! Our family lives far away, so we frequently have overnight guests.
The only thing I'd add is to put some bottled water in their room. (I stole this idea from my mom. 🙂 Many people have commented how much they've appreciated it!
Blessings to you! 🙂
Louise says
Many great tips so far but I will add that it is a good idea to go easy on the guest room accessorizing.
Keep the throw pillows to a minimum -as a guest it is hard to know what to do with a mountain of pillows when turning back the bed at night.
Keep the surfaces free of decor (think hotel instead of country cottage) so that the guest has room to set down their own things – especially in the bathroom.
Also, make sure that the night stands have a tray or coasters to protect surfaces from marks that might be caused by drinks.
If you have a dedicated guest room, try staying in that room for a couple of nights and see what to add or remove to make your guests more comfortable.
Shelley says
I like to leave a basket of goodies on the bed similar to what you metnioned. Magazines, bottled water, mints, chocolate, snacks, etc. They can take the basket home. If it's someone new to the city, I'll include a magazine or newspaper about our particular city. Small things help for sure! Love your ideas!
Anonymous says
In the summer, I keep my house cold so I warn my guests to bring a sweater and I always have soft throws available. I have a dog so I include a lint-brush with the bathroom toiletries. Fresh flowers are always a must – but no/low fragrance.
Alison says
Shay, everything on your list is PERFECT. I'm going to learn from your tip #6! I cannot think of any tips or suggestions that I haven't thought of yet. You're such a wonderful overnight host!!
Anonymous says
Great post & beautiful bedroom! I lived in NYC for several years and since that's a place everyone wants to visit, I had tons & tons of visitors. Here's what I learned :
— I forget who gave me this tip, but everyone should test out your guest room. Stay in there for a night (or even a few) to see what's missing, what drives you crazy, etc… Sometimes you don't think about something until you actually stay in there yourself to realize it's missing.
— A lot of people have trouble sleeping, especially in new places. I can literally sleep anywhere. So, I will always take the couch or air mattress before making a guest sleep there. I'm happy to give up my bed for a few nights. I like everyone to be comfortable and get good sleep!
— Have extra keys! Give your guests their own keys so that they can come & go as need be. You may even mail them ahead of their trip if there is any possibility they could arrive when you can't be home.
— Have plans. Doesn't have to be a set-in-stone plan, but at least a list of options of things to do, see, eat. That way, you're always prepared for an open afternoon or evening if people want to get out of the house.
— Set limits. Like you said, saying no sometimes is more than okay. I had SO many visitors for a while, it became overwhelming and I had to learn to do this. I gave myself 2 rules : no more than 1 visitor/group of visitors each month and no one during the month of December (unless it's family for the Holidays!)….everyone wants to visit NYC at Christmas, but it's just already too busy of a time. And I hated to miss out on Christmas parties and such because I was entertaining visitors.
— And what about when YOU are the visitor? Take a gift…for sure! Or buy flowers once you get there. Doesn't have to be anything big, but it takes a lot of work to host people, and this is just something to let them know you appreciated their hospitality.
Anonymous says
Do you wear shoes in your house and if not how do you let your guests politely know your "policy"?
Anonymous says
So I would love to see a shade of Shay on the volunteer/community involvement things you choose to say yes to. It is such a balance of what works for your family and a agree at times it is smart to say no. Your family is your priority. But there are also things that I think we are led to do as Christians. Intersecting to hear your thoughts. Also such a blessing that you have a beautiful home to host guests. So nice that you get to enjoy your in laws who sound like lovely people
DeWeese Fam of Four says
We use to live Ina tourist town and averaged 80 guests a year. (It was crazy.) this doesn't apply to all hosts, but I left a cute note asking them to strip sheets and towels at end of stay. (We often had back to back visitors). Usually guests want to help at the end, and it saved them from making up the bed before leaving.
Sarah Smith says
This post came at such a perfect time for me! My husbands family is coming to visit us in waves for the next four weeks (really good flight deals) I love the idea of leaving something special for them to take home and layering the beds up! Thanks for the tips!
Bekah says
Hello Mix and Match Mama!! 🙂
I am a college student in Virginia, therefore when I have guests over, girlfriends end up sleeping with me in my bed and guy friends sleep on the couch in the living room. That being said I do what I can to make them still feel welcome! Some small things I do are make sure they have wifi (this is especially crucial for college students who are on their iPhones 24/7). Also I like to provide some calming music for my guests. I have an iHome in my room that I like to put a calming pandora station on so my guests feel relaxed. Thats all I have 🙂
I love reading your blog. It's my dream to meet you one day! I'm inspired by the way you raise your family for Jesus.
God bless!
Alyssa Burnett says
My tip: spend a night in the guest room to see how it really feels to be your guest!
Also, keep a sound machine in there… Especially if you a baby
hillary says
Your guest room is beautiful! We transform our office into a guest room when my mom visits. I like that she can have a room to herself and a bathroom to herself. I think both of those are musts if at all possible. When my dad comes with her they either rent a house in our neighborhood for the weekend (there's one here that does vacation rentals like that) or I check and see which friends might be gone and they pay to stay in their home. It's just SO much nicer than a hotel. My mom likes having her own kitchen and being able to take the baby like he's just over at grandma's house.
But when she does stay under our roof I like having bottled water and granola bars in her room. Sometimes guests don't want to wake anyone or trod downstairs to the kitchen in their pjs, so it's nice to have something to tide them over. I too do the little gifts – good call! And I've also started leaving a card with the guest wifi password on it (as well as the alarm code). You just don't truly feel comfortable sometimes without wifi, ha!
The Doutts says
I love this post and your beautiful guest room. I really like the color of your walls. Do mind sharing what color it is? Thanks!
Tara G. says
We never invite guests without checking with one another first. And we give time limits for our availablity to host.
jenny says
Love this post…and your guest room!
I would advise staying in your guest room for a night or two and see what you think is missing. When we did this we found out we should really have a garbage can in there…among other things!
Also, we have a little book for people to sign in and write a little note. It has been so fun to look back and read people's memories about their time in our home. 🙂
And, I love putting chocolates on their pillows. I use the Ghirardelli filled squares. Yum! If they're stay multiple nights, I usually just put it on the final night or in the morning before they leave. 🙂
Amanda says
I always have extra toothbrushes in my house! Occasionally we will have company and it gets late and someone will stay the night so I keep them on hand.
I am a keurig user but my Dad is weary of it! I keep a regular old coffee pot just for when he comes to visit and I make sure I have coffee for it and powdered creamer, which I don't use.
Leslie says
Hi Shay! Thank you for this post! I am just like you- my entire family lives here and my husband's family is all over the U.S.! I especially liked #8. I'm glad you reminded us all that alone time as a guest is a necessary thing. I feel completely drained when I spend 24/7 with in-laws and no alone time! I look forward to the day that we can have a guest room! For now, I guess it will be couches, air mattresses, and saying no sometimes! 🙂
realmommypreneur.com says
Shay, you provided some great tips. I have another suggestion for bedside table necessities….Make sure there is an outlet available for them to charge their phone or even have a backup charger available if they forget to bring theirs…You know people can't live without their phones these days. 😉 Also, I love those little sachet packages from Kirkland's…they make the room smell so good!
Shoshanah says
One of the best tips I remember reading about overnight guests was leaving a small sign in the guest bedroom with the wifi password. Something I never would have thought of myself, but love the idea. Of course, I've never been able to use it since we don't really have a guest bedroom, but it's definitely something I'd love to do if possible.
Rebecca says
I just bought that bed & love it so much! My entire house is decorated & furnished in French country & shabby chic style! It looks lovely as your guest bed!
Rebecca M says
This is a bizarre one, but I always make sure to leave a plunger underneath the sink in the bathroom. There is nothing more embarrassing than them being in a "situation" and having to ask for a plunger to fix the problem!
Twice Five Miles says
I am guessing these have been mentioned before, but:
– We have a little frame in our guest room with our wifi name and password for guests
– Every time we travel we snag some of the little hotel shampoos, soaps, etc., and we have a drawer full of them plus razors, toothpaste, etc. in case guests forget something
– A clock and reading lamp at each side of the bed!
– Bottles of water plus coasters
Mom to 4 J's says
I saw a great idea on Pinterest where you frame the wi-fi password in your guest room. Ours is pretty long and nothing cutesy, so it might be better on a little card along with commonly needed codes (to the alarm, gate code to the pool, etc). Just a thought!