Erika called me the other day and asked me to help her plan which meals to make when her family comes into town and stays with her. As we started discussing, she said, “Why don’t you just make it a blog post and I’ll do that?”. Ha! Okay! I sure will!
Every year around this time, we have family and/or friends who come and stay with us, so I thought I’d share a few of my tips for hosting overnight guests and then maybe you can share yours too in the comment section. ‘Tis that time of year, right?!
We have a dedicated guest bedroom in our house…
…which I try and make as comfy as possible when we have overnight guests. That being said, every other Christmas, we have so many people spend the night, that not only do we use our guest bedroom, but we use two or three of the kids’ rooms too, so these tips don’t just apply for dedicated guest rooms, I think they apply for all rooms. Here’s what I like to do:
1: Put fresh linens on the bed. I always wash my guest sheets after they’re used, but if it’s been a few months, I’ll wash them again so that they’re super fresh. I also make sure I have lots of blankets and pillows so that they can have as many or as little as they like. I always put fresh linens on the kids’ beds when they’re being used for guests too and remove as many stuffed animals as possible from there 🙂 .
2: I clear out space in the closet for their things. My guest bedroom closet is a catchall for so many random things, but when I know guests are coming, I move that stuff out (shoving it in the most random places around my house), so that my guests have a place to hang their clothes, etc. I do this in the kids’ closets too when people stay in their room. I always make space for their things.
3: I try and leave current magazines by the bedside for them to enjoy, I provide an alarm clock and the WiFi password.
4: In the guest bathroom (or the kids’ bathroom), I leave plenty of guest towels in three sizes (bath, hand and washcloth sizes), toilet paper, brand new bars of soap, loofahs and lotion.
Now, I’ve totally had host fail moments in the past. More than once, I’ve forgotten about our grandfather clock and cuckoo clocks. My family is so used to those clocks that the noise doesn’t disturb us at all. We sleep right through the little sounds they make…but guests do not. Ugh! I always feel SO TERRIBLE when I forget to turn them off!! I also used to forget to leave the WiFi password out for guests, but have learned that it really helps them if it’s located some place easy to find and if the password is simple. I make it a point to leave it in their room.
I try and always buy something for my guests to take home with them. I like to leave new lotions, soaps and such in the bathroom with a note that it’s theirs to enjoy and take home and then sometimes, I leave gifts (like popcorn from our local popcorn shop) in their room as a little parting gift.
When guests are parking cars at our house overnight, we give them remotes to our garage doors so that they can come and go easily.
Also, when I have guests with little ones, I always offer to provide things like high chairs and pack and plays so that they don’t have to worry with bringing them. I have all of this stuff now, but before I did, I would borrow it from friends.
So, those are just a few tips I use when entertaining overnight company. What do you do? I’m sure I could use many more!!!
Here are a few recipes I might make when hosting overnight company too (the real reason Erika called that day!)…
On day one, I will probably make something savory for breakfast. I like breakfast casseroles like this Sausage Migas Breakfast one because I can make it the night before and just pop it in the oven the day of.
I use my slow cooker a lot when hosting people because it gives me more time to hang out with my company and less time prepping dinner. My Best Slow Cooker Brisket is something I would make for dinner one night.
And for dessert? I love trifles because again, they can be made ahead of time! This Chocolate Gingerbread Trifle is t-otally awesome this time of year!
The second morning, I like to make something sweet since we had savory the day before. My Pumpkin Spice Pecan Monkey Bread for the win!
And I’ll use that slow cooker again if I can for another easy (yet yummy!) recipe like Chicken Fajita Soup!
So, cobblers and crisps are my FAVORITE desserts to eat. Period. Without a doubt. My Berry Cherry Rhubarb Cobbler makes this girl’s heart HAPPY!
So, that’s a little bit about how we entertain overnight guests. I’m sure you ladies have some awesome ideas to share!! Please comment and help us all out! xo
Erika Slaughter says
Think you’d mind going ahead and making a complete grocery list? Ha!? #toofar ?
Amy says
That’s hysterical…love the hashtag!!! I’m printing this out ASAP…..major timesaver! Thanks Shay!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Any guest would be lucky to stay in this guest room! I really envy the sizes of your houses in the US. Your guest room is bigger than the master bedroom in my place!
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Jodie says
I don’t have any advice. I just want to ask if can I come stay over at your house!!? You sound like the best hostess ever. You could run an amazing bed and breakfast!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hahahahahaha!
Maman Patate says
Just curious: I would like to know if you enjoy having people staying at your house? I like having people over for a meal but I find overnight guests a burden and disruptive of my children’s schedule. I’m a single mom with a full time job and I’m often stressed out. How can I explain to potential guests that ( even if I have a spare room) , I can only invite them for a meal and not to stay for several days? The subtle way doesn’t seem to work and I don’t want to be unkind ( but I need my privacy and time alone with my daughters).
Mix and Match Mama says
I think some might disagree, but I think there is a season for everything and if this is a season where overnight guests make your life too hard, it’s okay to verbalize that. Let them know it’s a season and you can’t wait until the day when you can open your home to them.
Amy says
I like to keep a little basket in the guest bedroom stocked with goodies; a magazines or crossword puzzle book, nail file, bottled waters, and a few sweet and savory snacks, just in case our guests get hungry during the night or early morning. In the bathroom I keep an apothecary jar filled with extra toothbrush/toothpaste, disposable razors, loofah, soaps and a collection of hotel shampoos, body wash etc.
Kassy says
Love the apothecary filled with necessities!
Patty Anderson says
I do the same…keep bathroom stocked with extras anyone might need and I place a basked of things in the guest room with water bottles, snacks, lotions, reading material, and lip balms. I also try to keep the guest room closet and drawers available for guests so they don’t have to live out of a suitcase while they’re with us.
Elspeth Mizner says
Great suggestions!
Love the idea about a gift when they leave. Super cute
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I love the idea of leaving them with something to take home! That’s a special touch that I haven’t thought about!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Carly says
Shay, you are my hostess hero. Thank you for sharing!
Lindsey says
I don’t have a dedicated guest bathroom. Since my guests have to share with my children I always create a little vanity area with my desk so ladies can get ready without having to use the bathroom for makeup and hair. Oh and also I try to never have overnight guests. Hahahahaha
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
I think new lotions, towels and wifi password are perfect! I like to have extra toothbrushes on hand too. I swear someone always asks for that toothpaste or a hairdryer! Sounds like your setup is so sweet!
Amanda @ Cupcake N dreams
Narci says
If you need me today, I’ll be working from your guest bedroom. Feel free to drop off my coffee around 10 and and again at 2. Haha! 😉 seriously, so cozy!
Alexis deZayas says
These are some awesome tips!! I don’t have any guests coming soon but I may make that fajita soup anyway 🙂 Sounds amazing this time of year!
Beth Knecht says
I think making life convenient and to help them feel at home is the best thing you can do for guests! I, also, love the idea of leaving them a little gift to take with them!
Sheaffer says
Well, being a Shull guest sounds delightful. Do you take reservations?
Sierra says
Beautiful guest room! When I have guest I also leave a basket of goodies for them to take home or use for their stay. Recently, I had a friend from Texas visit me in Ohio so I made sure she had a scarf and some warm socks in her basket (just simple stuff from the wonderful target dollar section). Turns out she underestimated how much cooler it would be up here so she appreciated it. I also like to keep fresh flowers from our local farmer’s market in my guest room. I feel like it makes it more welcoming and homey 🙂 . Love following your blog thanks for the tips!!
Kim Kinney says
I try to put some fresh flowers in the room to brighten it up!
Julie says
I love the idea of scarf and socks! We live in Colorado and the guest room is in the basement! A shocker to our California family for sure. Thanks!
Stacy says
I always stock up on the travel size necessities and even bring all the travel stuff home from hotels. Then I keep all that in pretty glass jars in my guest baths for them to use if they’ve forgotten anything. I’ve been thinking about doing the fresh white robes and slippers in the closets as well what do you think?
Jill Koch says
Love this! I also want to come stay! Everything always looks so cozy. You are mom/wife/home goals for sure! Thanks for sharing 🙂
https://jillcomesclean.com/
Dustie Day says
This post is perfect timing! I love all of your ideas and now I want to come be a guest in your house 😉
Elizabeth says
Wow, I’d like to be a guest at your house! It sounds so lovely! I am definitely going to steal these ideas when my husband and I finally get a house. Have you ever tried slow cooker korean beef? It is one of our favorite recipes ever, and it is so easy and delicious! Maybe you will want to add it to your list.
Laci says
I am ready to book an overnight stay at the Shull House! Great tips!
Lauren Poliski says
Great ideas Shay!! Love the idea of a little gift and leaving out current magazines 🙂
Kelsey K says
I was always asking for the WiFi password when staying with family out of town. Now they have it typed and in a cute little frame on the dresser so it’s there for all of their guests and they never forget to write it down each time!
Whitney says
Would love to know where you got the bedroom furniture from! Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
The bed is from a store called Weir’s and the dresser is from a boutique on our town square.
Francesca says
I’m an Airbnb Host and one thing that also might help guests is some small instructional on how to use the remote control (I see a TV there). Sometimes it’s self explanatory but sometimes not! And they may figure out they want to watch TV when you’ve all gone to bed and they can’t ask you! Cute bedroom by the way!
Amanda Wilson says
Wow….first I feel like I have been more of a hostel then a hostess after this post. Second I also want to check in to Chateau Shull. And lastly great tips I love making people happpy and I am going to try harder next time we have overnight guests!
Tracy says
Great tips! I’ve never had a designated guest room (or many overnight guests) but now that my oldest has a place of his own, his room will be turned into a guest room.
Jill says
Hi Shay! I’m not able to comment on the post from 2013, so I’m commenting here 🙂 Your awesome mushroom risotto – can I double the recipe, following the instructions but doubling each ingredient?! Any tips if I do this? Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Risotto is tricky because the stock gets absorbed and that’s what makes it creamy and soft…so yes, double it, but make extra stock. You might need more/less, so have it ready just in case!
Jill says
Thank you so much! I used to make the recipe years ago, rediscovered it last week and made it. It’s so delicious we’re having it again tonight 🙂 Love your blog and recipes Shay.
Anne says
Can the trifle be made up to 24-hours in advance? Or would it be mushy?
Mix and Match Mama says
It absolutely can!!
Tracy W Doubts says
Great post Shay! Very helpful to read your ideas and have everyone weigh in on their guest ideas. Thanks!!
Julie says
I love your guest room! We have a dedicated guest room but it’s in our basement and I DREAM of having one upstairs with the rest of us. I guess on the bright side, it gives guests privacy and it does have it’s own little fireplace! Anyway, I always leave a small box of chocolates on the guest bed when my mom comes. Just a little tradition we have! I also leave current novels I’ve enjoyed on the bookshelves. We have our back up refrigerator in the guest room so I also try to have some favorite drinks or snacks of whoever is staying down there. I love little glimpses of your house-it is SO amazingly cozy and inspiring!
Hayley M says
My family and friends love my chocolate chip cookies. So I always have fresh chocolate chip cookies waiting in a specific cake stand on my island. My guests know that whatever treat is in the cake stand is free game for them to eat as they please. I also put extra cookie dough in the fridge so I can make another batch when ever we run out while we have guests! I also always try to have fresh flowers- preferably white hydrangea because they are fresh and clean. I just like to make it feel clean and inviting for my guests! Also- sign me up to be a guest at your house! ??♀️
Lisa D says
I have bottled water and fresh flowers in our guest bedroom for overnighters. In the bathroom I have a basket of toiletries for guests to use and take home. Meals are easy… casseroles usually, or we go out. Breakfast is fruit, muffins, and of course coffee. Hosting takes some work to make an overnight guest feel welcome! We don’t have guests often but when we do its a “labor of love” and we all have a great time.
Louise says
I love these ideas. I also leave a channel guide by the television so guests don’t have to endlessly try to find their favorite channel!
Jenna says
These are great posts. I like having all sorts of toiletries and towels ready and available. I also like having bottled water ready for them as well on the bedside tables. I love all of your tips! Your guest room is beautiful!
Amy Broughton says
I do pretty much what you do but I also make sure I have things like my mother in law’s favorite coffee creamer on hand. Also- I’ve found my guests often use Advil pm…so I sometimes add that in to the basket as well. Lastly, a light robe hanging in my guest room has been used by nearly everyone and they’ve said they love having it!
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I love your guest bedroom! So cozy! Great tips!
That Inspired Chick
Susy says
Travelers from the East Coast to the West Coast are often jet-lagged and so up they end up wide awake at 4am. Presetting an early round of coffee to come on along with breakfast pastries and fruit set out allows them to help themselves when they pad down to the kitchen wide awake!
Yes! On always having extra toothbrushes and a hairdryer in the guest bathroom along with small ‘necessities’ like shaving cream, razors and female personals. And. . . . a guestbook in the bedroom allows your guest to note when they stayed with you and remembrances of their stay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yeeees! I love all of this!!
Robin I. says
While we are usually busy doing fun things with our guests, I know everyone needs a little down time. I leave a card of the channels we have available on the TV so that my guests don’t have to scroll over and over to find what they’d like to watch when relaxing in their room.
Kayla A Bruce says
I also like to do fresh flowers, and I think a couple bottles of water go a long way! Guests are often thirsty when they go to bed but don’t want to rummage in kitchen cabinets for a cup. I also just have my WIfi network and password with a cute design in a frame. That way it sits on the dresser and guests can easily see it and log in at their leisure.
Diana says
I have a cute little antique tray that I leave on the guest bed. I like to put a little Welcome note and individually wrapped chocolates like the hotels do on it. Guests seem to always love their chocolate! Shay, your guest room is to die for. Thank you for sharing! This was a great post.
Diane says
Very cozy, Shay! I like to make sure there is a night stand for both sides of the bed, so that if there are two people sleeping in it, there is a place for a water glass and their phone, a watch, etc. I have found it also helpful to make sure there is a chair or bench for guests to sit in to help them get dressed so they don’t have to do the balance on one leg while you put your pants on dance.
Nancy Wempe says
I’m trying to decide how you make that bed (and honestly, really your whole house) look so sophisticated, cozy and chic. My beds never look that way. What is the difference?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, THANK YOU!! I asked the people at Pottery Barn one time what their secret was and they said layer, layer and more layers.
Kelli Purser says
These are all great!
I leave a basket of water bottles and snacks (trail mix, crackers, something sweet). My guests always LOVE this!
I have a frame printed with the WiFi password so it’s easy and cute! Plus, it won’t get lost and I don’t have to print a new one each time.
My mom stayed at a friends house and they had one of those folding luggage racks for her suitcase. She just loved how easy this made things.
And just for fun we started a guest book and leave it on the night stand. We love reading through these and so do our other guests!
RanisaBrletich says
Ah! I love all these tips! One way I make my guest feel at home is by having them make their own bed. Just kidding. Okay, once I really had to do that. I ended up super sick- pregnant and not contagious. We had super close friends visiting and they totally understood. Now we joke around that we know we are close because they made their bed. #framily
stacie says
? for you. With the Sausage Migas Breakfast recipe…You stated you make it the night before. Can you explain? Do you just get all the prep done or do you actually bake it and the just reheat? Thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
I do everything but bake it. I get it all together and then cover it with foil until the next morning when I bake it off.
Ahna @ Hammers N Hugs says
Love all of these suggestions! We also have a dedicated guest room, and I have several small standing wooden-framed chalkboards (like this one https://amzn.to/2SV06tE) scattered throughout the room that have written instructions on with a permanent white chalk marker. One is “Where to Find” – coffee, tea, extra linens, toiletry supplies etc. One is “How to” – use the tv, use the coffee maker, espresso machine, connect to Wi-Fi etc. Another one I wrote the verse from Acts 2:46 on it which says, “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Bottom line, they look super cute scattered throughout the room, and I don’t ever forget to communicate the info with guests!
Catherine says
Guys, it’s true. I’ve spent the night at Shay’s and it’s all true. I’m hosting Christmas this year and am going to revisit this post over and over again so I get it all right! And Shay, since we don’t get your amazing recipes straight from you, I’m making your yummy goat cheese dip for an appetizer and maybe a trifle for one of our desserts! Thanks for all the inspiration!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh! I love you so much!
Mrs B says
Keep a plunger in the guest bathroom . . . So they don’t have to ask for one.
Mix and Match Mama says
Great tip!!!
Heidi says
Where is the reservation link? Sounds like I need a getaway 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I just LOL!
Shavon says
We have recently relocated our guest room to the basement. This way, they have their own private bath which is rarely used by anyone else (and still looks and feels brand new), easy access to the comfy theater room if they want to lounge alone, and bit of extra privacy. One thing I have learned to keep on hand is new contact lens cases and solution. Also a hair dryer and hair products. (For my family, I think they enjoy knowing they don’t have to pack these additional bulky items.)
Sheri says
We often have guest that are in town for a conference or meeting so I make sure that I have disposable ‘to-go’ coffee cups so that they can take the morning coffee with them.
Gail Young says
Gosh, I just love these tips. I also make sure to have a mirror and a little table so they can put their make up on in their room instead of in the steamy bathroom. And earplugs, just in case our daily noise keeps them awake. A set of house keys, and a little note with our daily routine in case they are out and about and wondering when dinner is. Also in our guestroom is where my bookshelf is with all of my favorite books, with a stack of extra blankets on the bottom.
Maria says
In a 5×7 picture frame, I typed out a cute little sign “Welcome! Wi-fi is on the house! Name/password” I keep it on a shelf in our living room right next to our family photos so day or overnight guest have access. If you google it, there are many images. I can’t take credit I saw it online.
I also find a luggage rack is very handy in a guest room. I picked up a nice one from Bed Bath & Beyond.
I like to keep a laminated cable tv channel listings next to the guest remote. It drives me crazy when traveling not knowing the local channels!
Barb says
As my parents get older and have mobility issues, I’ve added a fold up luggage rack like hotels have so they can get their suitcase up off the floor and not have to bend down. Also a bench or chair for them to sit on to put on socks and shoes. The bed is too high and their balance isn’t the best anymore.
Kendra says
What would be your go to breakfast for a group of guests, but can’t involve eggs due to allergy??
Mix and Match Mama says
Sausage balls!!! You can do sausage balls with cinnamon rolls! A little savory and a little sweet 🙂 .
Angela Ellingson says
This is gold! You are the hostess with the mostess!
Lindsay says
Great tips! Where is your mattress and bedding from? Can you share how you made that bed? It looks incredibly comfortable!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have no idea where the mattress is from. Maybe like Sleep Experts??? The bedding is all Pottery Barn!
Steph C says
I try to have something to hold phones/glasses on each side of the bed (nightstand or little shelf). Also, our plug-ins are in awkward places to get to (behind the bed – the other behind a big piece of furniture), so I have a power strip that runs from the awkward location to the bedside so people can charge their phones & still access them at night. I also have extra blankets out in the room so our guests can adjust their sleeping temp. I got several new ideas from your post – thanks for doing it!
Kim says
Great tips! I also like to have a new tooth brush, unused travel size toothpaste, tampons, etc. in a spare drawer in the guest bathroom. It’s always the pits to travel and realize you need to run out to grab something so simple and necessary. Nice little touch for guests that will need it!
Kathryn says
I’ve heard to sleep in your guest room for a night a few days before your guests arrive. That way, you’ll be aware of any noises unique to that room that could be disruptive to guests but that you wouldn’t know about otherwise. Same thing with light. Sometimes the window coverings allow in street lights or morning light that affects sleep. Also, you might learn that the temperature during the night is uncomfortable, etc. Take a shower in the guest bath, too, to check on it. Doing it a few days ahead of the arrival date gives you a little time to make adjustments before company arrives!
Kim says
Your guest room looks magical! I would love to be one of your guests — not necessarily for the room but it would be fantastic to spend a weekend cooking/baking with you!
Stephanie says
All of these things! Plus I have toiletries, flowers, water, snacks and chocolates, robes, and a photo of the guest if I have one. We frequently have family members, so older photos are a fun and personal touch.
Victoria says
For guests, I always place a small box of chocolates and fresh flowers bedside on the fist night, with a little note that reads, “We love having you and hope you have sweet dreams while you are visiting!”
I also place fresh sachets on the closet hangers and in drawers, and leave a night light to use in the basket of toiletries – it helps if your guests wake up in the middle of the night and need a minute to adjust and find their way around the room without waking anyone else up 🙂
Monica says
Thank you so much for posting this blog. We just purchased our first and anticipate overnight guest soon. These tips helped so much. Where did you purchase your guest room furniture?
Mix and Match Mama says
The bed is from a store called Weir’s 🙂 .