| There is no place like home for the holidays and | | | | A tray of extra touches is always welcoming -- include |
| there's a good chance that someone may be staying | | | | flowers, tissues, books, magazines, a candle or sachet |
| at yours! | | | | and a favorite photo from the guest's last visit. |
| The days of going to Grandma's house for | | | | Set up a snack tray if there's room. Include bottles of |
| Thanksgiving dinner and returning home the same day | | | | water, a few pieces of fruit, wrapped crackers, |
| are long gone for many families - Grandma is no | | | | cookies, or candies to fend off the midnight munchies. |
| longer a 5-minute walk away. Now, visiting for the | | | | Place an instant-heat teapot in the guestroom, along |
| holidays sometimes requires family members to travel | | | | with a basket of tea bags and instant coffee. |
| to one another's homes and stay overnight for one or | | | | Make sure the guest bath is spotless. Scrub all the |
| several days. | | | | fixtures, and hang up a fresh shower curtain. |
| If you will be the one hosting this year, there are | | | | Make sure there is a hook or space in the bath for the |
| several things you can do to make the visit as | | | | guest to hang pj's and a robe. |
| pleasurable as possible for you and your guests. Your | | | | Have a candle by the tub for a fragrant, relaxing bath. |
| duty as a host is to provide as many of the comforts | | | | A stack of fluffy towels is essential. To keep track of |
| of home as you reasonably can. | | | | towels and washcloths, provide a different color for |
| Sometimes it's not easy to add the commotion and | | | | each guest so everyone can identify his own. |
| extra work of houseguests to your already busy | | | | Have a welcome basket in the bath; include a bath |
| schedule. Hopefully, these tips on "Holiday | | | | sponge, bath gel and soap, shower cap, razor, |
| Houseguests" may help you from becoming | | | | toothbrush and paste, and lotion, all things a guest might |
| overwhelmed. | | | | forget and leave at home. Sample sizes can be a |
| Try to relax and enjoy your guests. Accept help when | | | | great choice for most items and since they'll be |
| it's volunteered because you don't have to do it all by | | | | opened and used during the stay, encourage the guest |
| yourself. Remember that everything doesn't have to | | | | to take them along when they head home. |
| be perfect to create those long-cherished memories. | | | | Treat guests by leaving an imported chocolate on their |
| Many times it's the little imperfections that nestle into | | | | pillow or a small candy dish with mints on the bedside |
| the warmest spot of your heart. | | | | table. |
| Tips For Holiday Houseguests: | | | | With limited space in a suitcase, a robe is the first thing |
| Make sure the mattress is comfortable. Put a plastic | | | | to be left at home. Provide a kimono style robe, that |
| mattress pad over the mattress. Add a cotton | | | | works well for both men and women. Throw-away |
| mattress pad next, helping to ensure a comfortable | | | | slippers are an added plus for those who don't like to |
| night's sleep. | | | | walk around barefoot. |
| Put fresh, crisp linens on the bed shortly before guests | | | | Make sure the door to the guest quarters has a lock |
| arrive. To keep them clean and crisp in the linen closet, | | | | for privacy. |
| store them in an extra, matching pillow case. | | | | Leave a little dish out. It will hold your guest's jewelry, |
| Offer several pillow choices, among them foam and | | | | watch and change in one place at night. |
| feather. Use zip-on pillow protectors on all the guests | | | | Leave a notepad and pen or pencil by the bed. |
| pillows and have extra, large, fluffy pillows available for | | | | If possible, position a television or radio in the room to |
| guests that like to read in bed. | | | | offer your guest a solo downtime activity. |
| Include blankets that are appropriate for the season. | | | | It's so nice to sit down at the end of the day. Don't |
| Have extra blankets and throws available for reading | | | | make your guests perch on the end of the bed. Set a |
| and quick naps. | | | | small upholstered chair in a corner, next to a table and |
| Have a good reading light by the bed. And don't forget | | | | lamp. |
| an alarm clock, waste basket and a phone. | | | | Place a nightlight in the hall so guests can find their |
| Check the closet to be sure there is room for the | | | | way around. |
| guest's clothing and clear out several drawers for | | | | May this season of thankfulness and goodwill bring you |
| folded clothes. Adding scented drawer liners is a nice | | | | peace and happiness. |
| touch. | | | | |