TSA checkpoint statistics demonstrate that travel is on the rise, with 1,842,054 traveler throughputs noted on October 4, 2021, compared with 816,838 on that same day last year. Since the CDC has given the go-ahead on domestic travel for individuals who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine, or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization, people feel more optimistic about leaving home and visiting family and friends. In preparation, now is the optimal time to clean up the spare bedroom and make it welcoming to guests once again. Here are three fabulous ways to make houseguests feel at home:
1) Have a warm, welcoming, and positive attitude: Being positive occurs when people focus on the good in life. Per American author and coach Tony Robbins, “Those around you will pick up on the physiological signals you’re sending and will respond with positivity. The more you portray positivity and others see you this way, the easier positive thinking becomes, creating a new feedback loop.” Being around someone who thinks positively and emulates joy makes people feel good. Thus, an upbeat attitude is number one if you want guests to feel comfortable, wanted, and appreciated.
2) Make guests comfortable: Clean and organize the guest room, leaving some empty chest drawers so visitors can unpack needed items and some closet space for guests to hang their clothes. Be sure to have a comfortable chair or set of chairs in the room and consider adding reading material and/or television so that guests have a place of their own to hang out and unwind. Giving guests a private place to escape can often take the pressure off the host and help to avoid too much “togetherness.” Other things to include in the space are an alarm clock, extra blankets and pillows, clean towels and washcloths, a seasonal candle, paper and pen, and a basket of toiletries or a gift basket (see below). You can create a mini bar in the room to mimic that of a hotel, offering guests a variety of snacks and beverages such as coffee, tea, soda, water, wine, beer, or even their favorite liquor. Some clean robes and slippers may also make guests feel at home.
3) Create a basket of toiletries and/or gift basket: These are items that your guest can use on their visit or take home with them for later use. Fill your basket with essentials such as bottled waters, hair combs and shower caps, soaps & mini shampoo samples, toothbrush, toothpaste, mini deodorant, and sealed razor, tissues, hand sanitizer, and sleep spray. You may even go a step further by creating a gift basket for guests to take home, which can include a deck of cards, a map of the area for exploring, local treasures from your region such as honey, jams, and jellies, chocolate, saltwater taffy, regional wines, or special treats like salt water taffy for guests to take home.
Now that the CDC has declared COVID-19 less threatening among the fully vaccinated, it’s a wonderful time to rejoice in being together. After much time apart, it’s important for hosts to let their guests know how much their company is appreciated. Greeting visitors with a happy attitude, making guests feel comfortable in the home environment, and going the extra mile by putting together a welcoming basket reflects the thoughtfulness of the host and lets guests know that their presence is valuable.
