When a friend or family member moves away, there are often promises to stay in touch and remain close. Unfortunately, this often proves to be incredibly difficult, resulting in once-close members of the relationship drifting apart. But for those bonds that do survive the distance, hosting an overnight visit is a great way to strengthen the ties even further. Here are our favorite tips for being a welcoming host for overnight guests.
Bathroom Essentials
Depending on the length and mode of travel, the first thing many guests want to do after arriving is taking a few moments to freshen up in the bathroom. A good host will have the bathroom stocked with essentials such as towels, spare toothbrushes, shaving kits, and other hygiene products. Be sure to warn them if there are any oddities about the bathtub, sink, or toilet to prevent any potentially embarrassing situations.
Stock the Kitchen
Before your friend arrives, make sure to stock the pantry and refrigerator with favorites foods, especially if the person visiting is the one who moved away. Not only will it make your guests feel more at home, but it will also serve as a reminder of the great things about the area. Use as many of their local favorites as possible, including sauces, chips, and craft beers.
Sleeping Space
When it comes time to turn in for the night, be as considerate as possible to your guests with sleeping arrangements. If you have a spare room, this is preferable because it provides privacy to your visitors. However, this isn’t available in all homes. One of the benefits of having a sleeper sofa is the ability to quickly turn your living room into a comfortable place for your guests to sleep in a matter of moments.
Relax
One thing many people need to learn about being a welcoming host for overnight guests is that not every minute of the visit has to be preplanned. There’s nothing wrong with making plans to visit a favorite restaurant while they’re in town, but you don’t need to have a daily itinerary for the trip either. It’s also important to remember that your guests may want to visit other people or take time for themselves. There’s nothing wrong with taking a step back and just letting the visit happen rather than forcing everything.
