DIY Network

Company's Coming: Hosting Overnight Guests From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-146

	Figure A
	Figure B

When you're hosting overnight guests, you want them to feel really welcome in your home. There are a few things you can do ahead of their arrival to be the perfect host without putting yourself in a cleaning frenzy minutes before the arrive. Then you'll be able to focus on your hospitality, not your housekeeping.

• Look over the guest room they'll be staying in to make sure it is ready for guests (figure A).

• Make sure the mattress is comfortable. Spend a night on it to make sure it isn't lumpy or sagging in the middle. Put a plastic mattress pad over the mattress; if the guest tips over a cup of coffee while reading in bed, no harm is done. Add a cotton mattress pad next, helping to ensure a comfortable night's sleep (figure B).

• Put fresh, crisp linens on the bed shortly before guests arrive. To keep them clean and crisp in the linen closet, store them in an extra, matching pillow case.

• Offer several pillow choices, among them foam and feather. Use zip-on pillow protectors on all the guests pillows and have extra, large, fluffy pillows available for guests that like to read in bed.

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	Figure C
	Figure D

• Include blankets that are appropriate for the season. Have extra blankets and throws available for reading and quick naps.

• Have a good reading light by the bed. And don't forget an alarm clock, waste basket and portable mirror.

• Check the closet to be sure there is room for the guest's clothing and clear out several drawers for folded clothes.

• A tray of extra touches is always welcoming -- include flowers, tissues, books, magazines, a candle or sachet and a favorite photo from the guest's last visit.

• Make sure the guest bath is spotless. Scrub all the fixtures, and hang up a fresh shower curtain (figure C).

• Make sure there is a hook or space in the bath for the guest to hang pj's and a robe.

• Have a candle by the tub for a fragrant, relaxing bath.

• A stack of fluffy towels is essential. If possible, present them in a decorative display (figure D).

• Have a welcome basket in the bath; include a bath sponge, bath gel and soap, shower cap, razor, toothbrush and paste, and lotion, all things a guest might forget and leave at home. Sample sizes can be a great choice for most items and since they'll be opened and used during the stay, encourage the guest to take them along when they head home.

• And, most importantly, make sure the door to the guest quarters has a lock for privacy.