12 Things Every Southerner Needs To Do Before Houseguests Arrive

Hosting houseguests is more than just providing a pillow for them to lay their head on. You want company to feel right at home which starts with ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment. Aside from a general housekeeping to-do list that includes clean sheets and towels, you’ll want to add a few more items to your checklist when preparing for overnight guests from incorporating little luxuries to planning your menu. Here are 12 things you need to do before houseguests arrive.

Anticipate Their Needs

Have you noticed how the most hospitable hosts are always the ones who offer to take your coat before you ask where you can hang it, refill your drink before it’s empty, or incorporate your favorite ingredients into a dinner menu (and avoid those you dislike). They’re always one step ahead and the same goes for hosting houseguests.

The easiest way to make guests feel comfortable and not needy by asking where things are is to be prepared. Lay out fresh towels, write down the wifi password and leave it on the nightstand, provide a house key for them to come and go freely, ensure ample closet and dresser space, and always double check bathroom necessities are fully stocked. It’s also always a good idea to provide makeup towels so guests don’t worry about staining white linens.

Give The Guest Room A Refresh

Since guest rooms are a space used as frequently in the home—and especially if it hasn’t seen a visitor in a while—it’s always important to give the room a good cleaning. Dust, vacuum, check for bathroom essentials, and maybe even put fresh sheets on the bed if they are musty. Lastly, open the curtains and leave a lamp or two on for a more inviting space.

Prep The Bedside Table

Once the full room is clean and guest-ready, it’s time to turn your attention to the smaller details of the room. Check the light bulbs for any lamps, set out a water carafe with glassware or bottled water, and add a little vase of fresh blooms. 

Stock Up On The Essentials

While most people travel with their personal toiletries, it’s always a good idea to have the necessities on hand, plus a few back ups in case something is forgotten: shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, pain relievers, makeup remover, cotton swabs and balls, and razors. Plus extras of items a host is expected to provide including fresh towels and washcloths, toilet paper, and soap.

Incorporate Little Luxuries

The best hosts always go a little above and beyond. Welcome guests with a basket of sweets and snacks in their room (homemade or from local shops is best), add a great candle with your favorite matchbook to the dresser, or stack a few of your favorite reads on the nightstand. Thoughtful touches beyond the basics always delight.

Restock The Bar

While it’s always good to have the essentials on hand, if you know your houseguest has a favorite cocktail or bottle of wine, stocking the bar with it is an extra thoughtful gesture. But keeping a well stocked bar goes beyond just the liquor—ensure you have tonic and soda water, bitters, and citrus etc. on hand too. And double check any lesser-used glassware is clean as well.

Tidy Common Areas

With your houseguest’s personal space in shipshape, it’s time to turn your attention to the rest of the house. Just as you enjoy a tidy space, so do guests. While this doesn’t elicit a house-wide deep clean (unless your guest of honor is a hard to impress mother-in-law), it does mean removing clutter, wiping down all surfaces, attending to the floors, fluffing pillows, and ensuring everything is where it belongs. 

Go To The Grocery Store

Once company rolls into town, you’re in full-time hosting mode so why add a last minute trip to the grocery store into the midst. Minimize stress by taking care of all your errands beforehand, including a trip to the supermarket to ensure all the essentials are accounted for. Don’t forget the coffee!

Revamp The Entryway

Since the front porch and entryway will always be the first thing to greet guests—make sure it’s look its best! Consider swapping out tired potted plants, give the porch a sweep (if it’s summer dust off any pollen or blow off leaves in the fall), and add a tall vase of something green in the foyer.

Plan Your Meals 

By planning the menu ahead of time, you'll take the stress out of any later decision making, allowing you to make the most of time spent with your visitors. Doing so will not only allow you to gather all the groceries and avoid running around town with guests in tow, but also prepare snacks and sweets ahead of time. 

Check The Powder Room 

Just as you would zhoosh it up when hosting a dinner party, check the powder room for clean hand towels, soap, extra toilet paper. Plus, a little bud vase of blooms will help brighten the small space.

Account For Pets And Kids

If little ones and furry friends are visiting too, be sure your home is well suited to their curious hands and sniffing noses. Take precaution to avoid a later incident by tucking away anything you may be worried about being turned into a chew toy or accidentally knocked over.