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August 12, 2008
Posted by: Joan at 4:40 pm
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Our small space doesn’t afford the luxury of a beautiful guest bedroom so we usually sleep a guest or two on the fold-out futon in the office. At the moment, the room looks much more “office” than “guest room”.
I’m on a mission to create a more guest-friendly environment and I started this week by creating this special “Be our Guest” basket to hold our guest towels.
I’m pretty excited about these gorgeous embroidered towels I found at Homegoods — they look “luxury” but were very inexpensive and I love the subtlety of the embroidered bees. Great for guests of either gender.
I also added a little bag tagged: “I remembered in case you forgot“, into which I’ve placed sample “essentials” of things my guest might have forgotten like deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, a disposable razor etc. If you remember to pick up free samples at the store or when staying at a hotel you’ll always have a supply of free goodies on hand.
Since we have company coming this weekend for a “first” visit, I’ve put together a “souvenir for you” bag with a few local momentos. I like the idea of preparing a little gift bag for all my guests in the future. Maybe with some sweets or some special trinket chosen just for them.
My organized side is thrilled that after I replenish it, I can store my guest basket in the linen cupboard all set for even unexpected or last minute arrivals.
I’ve got a few more days before company’s coming so any suggestions on what else should I add to my basket to add to the comfort of my guest?
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1. Cute basket….love the towels!
I live (& work!) in a tourist/destination city and frequently have guests for several days at a time.
Other items I have tucked into my guest basket:
A small travel-type alarm clock and a pretty plug in nightlight. I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of guests who really do appreciate the nightlight!
I also include a small book of local attractions, things to do, and day trip ideas. Even if your city does not have a “book”, you could probably pick up something similar at your local Chamber of Commerce.
I am fortunate enough to have a “HomeGoods” store close by and it iis wonderful for replenishing my basket, and to get new ideas!
by Beth — 8/13/08 at 8:38 am #
2. Hi Joan,
How about a “do not disturb” door hanger, a “how are we doing” survey and a map to the fire exit?
Susan
by susan — 8/13/08 at 8:42 am #
3. Beth: What WONDERFUL ideas, thanks so much for sharing. I’ll add them all.
joan
by joan — 8/13/08 at 11:44 am #
4. Hello Joan.
My mom does the same thing when she has guest over. She puts hers in a gift bag. Its a great idea and your guest appreciate it. I would add a mini word find and/or crossword puzzle with a pen or pencil. Beth, who added to your post regarding a nightlight is absolutly correct. I have had a few guest that ask if we have any. It helps them navigate in the middle of the night (esp. if they have to go to the bathroom). Have fun coming up with new and exciting ideas!
by Michelle — 8/13/08 at 12:40 pm #
5. I love your idea about the local attractions and think it’s also a nice idea to include something locally made, like the honey we buy at our local farmer’s market. I know I’d be thrilled to find something like that as a house guest. I’d even sleep on the floor if it meant I got a fun little basket of goodies!
by Jen @ The Cottage Nest — 8/13/08 at 12:47 pm #
6. Michelle, Susan and Jen, thanks for joining in with your great ideas. The night light sure seems to be a crowd pleaser and I like the gift ideas. My basket will soon be full to overflowing and it doesn’t get much more welcoming than that. Thanks to all for your help.
joan
by joan — 8/13/08 at 6:11 pm #
7. Thank you so much for the idea of a basket or gift bag in the guest room.
Let me give you a little idea that I like to do. After staying at someone’s house, I like to leave a “thank you” card on the pillow or on the dresser in a noticable spot. I tell them how welcomed they made me feel and how much I appreciated their hospitality. You can even get a small token item to leave with it…such as a pretty drawer sachet, etc…from the dollar store. It doesn’t have to cost much…just the thought. Take the item(s) in your suitcase and you’ll have them ready when you leave.
by Cindy — 8/14/08 at 2:37 pm #
8. Cindy, you sound like my kind of guest — appreciative and thoughtful. I’ve no doubt you get welcomed back often. Thanks for sharing this idea with the rest of us — there will be a lot of hosts who’ll be hoping their guests read your commen and do likewise.
by joan — 8/14/08 at 4:08 pm #
9. I have always left a little something sweet on the pillow before my guests arrive with a tag for “sweet dreams,” but I love both the idea of the gift basket and the idea to bring a nice card for a thank you note when I am a guest! Thanks for the ideas!!
by Hydee — 8/15/08 at 5:27 pm #
10. I really love your idea. I’ve been doing something similar for years, but I didn’t think of the basket. I place brandy snifters with shampoos, conditioners, soaps, shower caps etc. that I pick up in hotels. Baskets full of rolled up towels, but guests hesitate to use the towels because they don’t want to mess them up. Where do you get the free essentials?
by sherry — 8/16/08 at 1:18 pm #
11. Hydee and Sherry: Glad you liked this idea and shared your ideas with the rest of us as well. As for the “free essentials”, I collect them throughout the year from all kinds of sources. Sometimes it’s a free sample product in my mailbox, sometimes a “free gift with purchase” from the beauty counter, sometimes a sample of shampoo or deodarant they are passing out on the street (living in a major city we get lots of these opportunities) and I too pick up things when I travel. Once you start collecting these items you’ll start noticing their availability in lots of different places.
You make a good point, Sherry about not getting “too fancy” or folks will be afraid to use your stuff — keep it a little casual and they’ll be helping themselves to your goodies in no time.
by joan k — 8/18/08 at 4:41 pm #
12. If your guests will be visiting for a few days and may be sightseeing or visiting places on their own it would be thoughtful to place your housekey on a key ring in their basket. Be creative with the keyring: your city’s sports team, an interest your guests know you have, etc.
by Linda — 9/3/08 at 8:33 pm #
13. I always include a couple water bottles for my guests in addition to the items you mentioned. I’m always checking the clearance/sale shelfs at HG and other stores for small items to give as gifts and keep them in a plastic underbed storage box. That way, if I need a gift in a hurry I can just chose from my selection.
by Diane — 9/4/08 at 8:24 am #
14. Linda:
A spare housekey is a wonderful addition. I know they didn’t post your last name herefor privacy reasons but I did read your complete post and the fact that your guest keychain reflects your last name is SO clever. Your other ideas are great too – the local sports team or something symbolic of yourself or the area. Thanks for the great idea!
by joan — 9/4/08 at 11:59 am #
15. Diane: Water is a nice touch — you never know if people need to take meds and/or will wake in the night longing for a drink. Storing your gifts under-the-bed is a great organizing tip. thanks so much for joining in the conversation,
joan
by joan — 9/4/08 at 12:01 pm #
16. Lots of great ideas! Having grown up with my Mom, the entertainment and hostess queen I have a few other suggestions that are hits with her guests: She used to collect my father’s shirt cardboards from the cleaners and titled them with the place of interest with directions below. It was the “on your own” information stack. It included the outlet mall, designer wholesale store, antique mall, fishing spots, golf courses, main city mall with all the major stores, public gardens, parks, museums, fabric, furniture and clothing outlets, points of interest etc. She would include possible places to stop on the way to or from and cute restaurants or cafes(with directions and descriptions) to stop to eat or have a refreshing drink and rest the weary feet. If there were any plans for the day she would list them with the information when, where, what and what time so everyone could plan accordingly. Of course now she does all this on the computer at age 81! She is also not a morning person so she stocks the fridge and has the table set in the breakfast room and tells her guests to help themselves and enjoy at the table or on the deck. If the guests are hesitant there is always my Dad who is the resident breakfast cook or knows where to go! It is always so much fun to visit. Everyone has one or two things they want to do and we negotiate for the cars and head out coming back to join the group and share our adventure. It is easy and relaxing with never a dull moment.
by Christine — 2/16/09 at 2:41 pm #
17. Christine: Your mom sure is the hostess queen — wow, I’m ready to book at stay at her place. And what a trooper to still be doing it at her age and with the computer too. Amazing!! Thanks for sharing all the neat ideas she has for making her guests comfortable and for keeping them entertained.
joan
by Joan — 2/16/09 at 10:03 pm #
18. Your basket sounds lovely. I would just add a shower cap, and lotion.
by Marilyn — 4/9/09 at 1:24 am #
19. Marilyn: Thanks for suggesting those two additions. They are both excellent items to have on hand for guests.
joan
by Joan — 4/12/09 at 12:25 pm #