By Rachael Thompson Bedding 19.12.2023

9 Thoughtful Ways to Prepare Your Home for Overnight Guests This Holiday Season

Ensure your loved ones get the five-star treatment with these easy ideas.

The holiday season is upon us and it's time to start thinking about who we will be hosting this year. If you have family and/or friends coming to stay with you for a period of time it's well worth planning ahead to make sure they feel comfortable and happy in your home.

Playing host can be stressful, but it can also be really enjoyable and fulfilling. It's likely after spending time apart that you want to treat your loved ones to a nice time. From small gestures like flowers to providing quality bedding, there are plenty of things you can do to make your guests feel at home even if they are sleeping on a sofa bed.

Here are 9 simple things you can do to prepare your home for overnight guests to ensure they have a lovely time and that things run smoothly.

1. Ensure you have fresh towels

Having clean and fresh towels is an absolute must for your guests and will also help make your bathroom feel like a five-star hotel. Soft, quick-drying, and luxurious, our ultra-plush waffle bath towels, hand & face towels, and a bath mat are great to lay out for your guests to give them the spa-like treatment. A useful trick is to assign each guest a different coloured towel so they know which one to use.

2. Use quality bedding

Another must-have is good bedding that will make your guests feel comfortable and ensure they get a good night's rest. This is one of the easiest ways to make your loved ones feel that extra bit more cosy and relaxed, especially if they are sleeping on a pull-out sofa or blow-up mattress.

Opt for a nice throw in case guests get cold and a stylish cushion to take things to another level.

3. Hang up a robe

We all love wrapping ourselves in the plush robes provided by hotels and introducing this aspect to your home stay experience is sure to go down a treat with your guests. If you want to go that extra mile, have a pair of slippers or cosy socks laid out as well.

4. Dress the bedside table

Putting some beautiful flowers in a vase on your guest's bedside table is a lovely touch that will make them feel appreciated. If your guest is staying in the living area or another space within the home, popping some flowers nearby will do the trick.

Pop some tissues, a carafe/bottle for water, a phone charger, and your Wi-Fi details on the bedside table as well.

5. Clear some space

Some people love to unpack their luggage so make sure to clear out a bit of space for their things. Even if they like to keep things in their suitcase or if you're pressed for space, just one shelf to put a small bag and some items on is useful.

6. Have extra toiletries on hand

How many times have you or your travel buddy forgotten something or had it leak on the plane? It happens to the best of us, and a good proportion of the time it falls under the toiletries category. It's worth having a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary products, shampoo, conditioner, and plenty of soap on hand and accessible.

If you're feeling extra generous a spare shaver, lotion, and deodorant might come in handy. And if your guest(s) loves to feel pampered, a face mask will be well received.

7. Light a candle

Everyone loves a beautiful-smelling home, and lighting a candle before your friends/family arrive will help set the mood and create a lovely ambience. Our exclusive hand-poured Australian-made candles will transform your space into a calming oasis whether they’re burning or simply sitting still.

8. Make sure you have plenty of snacks

Everyone has different eating habits, and there's nothing worse than getting hangry, especially when you're not in your own home. Everyone is obviously capable of going out to get their own food, but if they don't have a car or they are in a new area it's more tricky.

It's always good to have some snacks and plenty of drinks on hand for when guests get peckish and thirsty or want a little midnight treat. Make sure you are aware of your guest's dietary requirements prior. It's also nice to have a tasty cheeseboard and drinks prepared to serve guests when they arrive and immediately make them feel welcome.

9. Ensure your home is clean

Even though you're likely hosting the people you're closest to, having a clean home is a universally appreciated thing. If you're really pressed for time, prioritise the guest room/sleeping area and whichever bathroom they will be using.

Another thing to consider is the current climate. Make sure to have plenty of sanitiser, spray and wipe, and masks around so everyone feels comfortable at all times.