Make guests comfortable for the holidays

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Tips to Keep Your Holiday Guests Comfortable
Christine E Jensen
Utah State University Extension
The holidays are here and this means company for the holidays. For many families this is simply throwing a sleeping bag on the floor or adding sheets to the couch for a bed.
For those with guest rooms I have one question? Have you ever staying a night in that room to see what it’s really like? Here are some tips to make your guests more comfortable during their stay with you. Many times when staying in your own guest room you will find things that are difficult for your guests to speak of and they will not tell you for fear of hurting your feelings. This is for friends and family alike – check out the guest room to make sure it is really ready for guests.
Test out your guest room at least once in the summer and once in the winter. Why? You need to know if the bed is comfortable for guests to sleep in, the temperature of the room, where do guests put their suitcases and hang clothes, light or darkness and noises that may occur that you are either used to or those you don’t know about that may disturb those sleeping in that room.
#1 Check the size of bed. Most people today sleep in a minimum of a queen sized bed. Nothing ruins a holiday visit faster than being irritable because they couldn’t sleep well. Is the mattress a comfortable one? Or is it a reject from someone or somewhere else in the house? Can two people sleep comfortable in the bed?
#2 What is the temperature in your guest room? In the master bedroom it may be nice but very cold or hot in the guest room. Is it upstairs or downstairs? Winter or summer? Do you have a ceiling fan that may help adjust the room temperature or a space heater to warm if necessary? Does the fan make noise? Can it be fixed or replaced?
#3 Bedside tables. Are they crowded with family things and there is no place for guests to place a glass of water, a reading book or their glasses. Is there sufficient light by the bedroom for guests to move around without disturbing others? Adding a clock would be helpful for your guests. Remove clutter from surfaces and leave for guests to use.
#4 Travel bags. Is there somewhere they can place them? The floor is not always a pleasant or reachable place for guests to place bags. Is there a closet or drawer where clothing may be placed, especially if guests will be there for several days. In the closet there should be extra hangars and blankets for those who may require extra for a good night’s sleep. Extra pillows would also be helpful.
#5 Bathroom location. Is it near the guest room, down a dark hall or where? Make sure guests know where it is and how to get there. Nightlights are very helpful for those who may not be as sure of your house as you are. If sharing the bathroom with other family members, do you have a designated space for guests’ toothbrushes, towels, shaving gear, cosmetics etc. Do you have extra toothbrushes in case someone forgot their own? Make sure there is an extra roll of toilet paper and air freshener. You never know what someone will need.
#6 Lights and noise. Is there too little or too much light coming into the room to prevent sleep? Is the guest room located near the furnace which kicks on several times with a lot of noise? Or near a well-used bathroom during the night? If the door is closed, is it too hot or too cold for guests? Is it next to the TV room which may be playing at all times of the day or night?
Think of your guest room like a hotel, with lots of space for your guests to spread out and place their things. Making your guests feel at home with welcoming arms will make a pleasant stay for both your guests and you.