If you watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on repeat each holiday season, like we do, you’re all too familiar with the scene when Cousin Eddie and his family land on the Griswold’s front lawn, ready to celebrate the holidays.
Ellen Griswold begrudgingly ushers her surprise guests, into an already packed house, saying, “Plenty of towels. Plenty of everything.”
As Airbnb Super Hosts, John and I have to be ready for guests at a moments notice. We now have three suites available for rent and are constantly improving our guest experience. But, not every home may be as prepared for guests.
Today, we’re sharing our favorite tips to Ready Your Home For Holiday House Guests:
If you’re just starting out as a Host, we recommend you download our printable:
New Listing Inventory Checklist
Cleaning Checklist
Restocking Checklist
Ensure you’ve prepared each space of your listing for success.
All 3-Checklists are also available as a bundle & ON SALE NOW.
Tip 1: First and foremost, be prepared.
Time is precious during the holiday season. Even the smallest attempt at preparation, prior to your guests arrival, will save you time and energy in the long run. Plus, preparation will make your guests feel welcome and at-home.
Ideally, your guest won’t have to ask you for anything, because you’ve anticipated their needs ahead of time. This preparation equates to more relaxation for you and your guests during their visit.
Tip 2. No new projects.
The holiday season is not the time to start a new organization or renovation project. Chances are, if your friends or family have accepted an invitation (or invited themselves) to stay with in your home, they have a general understanding of the accommodations.
Don’t create added stress cleaning out closets or updating fixtures. Work with what you have, and save those home improvement ideas for the new year.
Tip 3. Know your WiFi password.
Customized WiFi Sign
Needing access to the internet is undeniable. Whether your hosting a college student during winter break, an entrepreneur working from home or a restless toddler who needs YouTube Kids at nap time, access to your internet network and password is bound to be requested.
Having this information readily available can be done in a few simple ways:
Write it on a post-it note, stuck to your fridge
Display the information on a chalkboard and incorporate it into your decor
Take a photo of the information and text it to your guests when they arrive
Tip 4. Nature calls.
Whether your hosting a few friends for coffee or a big dinner party, stocking your bathroom with a few, simple supplies will help mitigate what could otherwise be an embarrassing situation for guests.
We’ve all been there, so giving guests access to control nature’s call will keep the bathroom experience pleasant for everyone throughout their stay. Keep a toilet bowl brush, plunger handy, and air freshener at the ready.
Also, giving your guests the ability to aid in the overall cleanliness of a shared bathroom is hygienic for everyone. During high traffic visits, we opt for disposable hand towels and a waste paper basket with a lid to minimize the sharing of germs.
Especially for Overnight Guests
Tip 5. Water, lots of water.
Quenching your guests thirst is about as basic as needs come. Instead of buying bottled water (btw that’s killing our planet), we use glass, flip-top carafes that are stylish, eco-friendly and refillable.
We place a refillable bottle of filtered water and glasses in our guest rooms, and have a few extra bottles available so guests can swap them out or refill themselves.
Glass Water Carafe
Tip 6. Separate guest linens.
It’s perfectly fine to instruct your guest to pull a towel or extra blanket from the hall closet, but taking a few extra minutes to prep linens, just for your guests, adds another layer of thoughtful hospitality.
In our Airbnb experience, guests are used to receiving multiple towels, like they would in a hotel. We recommend a guest towel set including: (2) large bath sheet, (2) medium towels and (2) wash cloth, per guest. Place these on your guests bed so they know those are just for them!
We also recommend adding makeup removal items such as a black wash cloth and single use makeup removal pads, especially if you’re providing white towels and sheets.
And if you want to avoid an awkward, early morning run-in with Uncle Buck heading to the bathroom in his underwear, offer him a cozy bath rob to use during his visit. It also doubles as a great gift he can take home with him!
Tip 7. Keep Goldilocks just right.
If you’re welcoming multiple people overnight, it’s nearly impossible to address each guest’s temperature needs. One may be a hot sleeper, while another is always cold. Instead of fluctuating your thermostat, give your guests the tools to control their own comfort level!
We recommend adding a blanket,flannel sheets or even a heated blanket to your guest room. It’s the perfect way to make your guest room feel seasonal and extra cozy.
On the other hand, many people are accustom to sleeping with a ceiling fan; but not every home has them. For this consider offering your guests a small stationary fan or a white noise machine.
