Guest Room Essentials

House guests. We all have them at some point whether they're friends visiting from out of town or relatives. But this doesn't have to mean a headache for the host/hostess. Five star hotel service is nice but shouldn't be expected of you from your guests; if that's what they wanted they should go ahead and stay at a hotel. Prepping for guests is as simple as following these four easy steps!

Who doesn't love fresh flowers. No one, unless of course they have pollen allergies or are sensitive to certain fragrances. Presumably you know your house guests to some degree and would be aware of an allergy. If you're unsure, go ahead and prep the flowers and inquire upon their arrival, "I've assembled a bouquet of X. Would you like one in your room? in your room?" To err on the side of caution aim for fresh blooms that do not carry an overwhelming scent. Stay clear of lilies!

A carafe or bottle of fresh water and a clean glass are a must for guest spaces. This saves them having to get up in the middle of the night and search around in an unfamiliar kitchen. These can be places on the nightstand, on a dresser or even next to the sink in a dedicated guest bath. 

Even though I'm hardly ever without my kindle, there are some who choose to travel without reading materials, gasp! It's a lovely consideration to place a few magazines, local guidebooks, or short stories/essays somewhere in your guest space. Insomnia strikes at the oddest times, especially when in a new space. If you have a library and are willing to lend your tomes make sure you let your guests know that they are free to browse the shelves. 

If you have a dedicated guest bathroom {lucky duck, you!} then the following items can obviously be kept within otherwise it is a nice gesture to prepare a small basket to be placed in your guest's room. 

Fresh towels are quite obvious, I like to set out two towels and washcloths per guest. It may seem like a lot but if you guest is a woman with long hair, it's greatly appreciated to have a second towel; I speak from experience!  I also like to keep guest toiletries on hand such as individual soaps, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. 

Toothbrushes are essential, I cannot tell you how many times I've forgotten to pack mine. The most problematic experience was when I spent a week on a tiny island off the coast of Maine. Thankfully my hostess had a spare!

{Images via Pinterest}