The Guest Guide: 10 things I do when hosting friends overnight

Hosting guests in your home for a party or small gathering is fabulous. Hosting friends for a few days is divine! I love having people over and when loved ones take the time away from their own homes to spend time with us, it's important to me that their stay be as fun and comfortable as possible. Here are ten things I do to prepare for visitors.

Bake cookies We're not talking fancy schmancy from scratch, here (unless you have time). Simply purchase what looks like the most tasty of the break and bake variety and pop them in the oven about 20 minutes before guests arrive. It makes the house smell great and gives everyone a nice treat to munch on while catching up.

Clean sheets This is a must. Heaven is a place on earth when you slip into fresh, clean sheets for the night. Why wouldn't you want that for your guests? Along with feeling great, it's just nice to know that you aren't sleeping in the same sheets that who-knows-who slept in, who-knows-when.

Lack of bedside tables? Pair a cool stool or chair with a tray.

Stock the medicine cabinet As someone who has been a house guest, I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten toothpaste, a toothbrush or other necessities. That's why I like to keep the medicine cabinet and drawers in our guest bathroom well stocked with those items for when we have people over. In doing so, I just let them know they are free to use whatever they need which can alleviate having to ask for some of the more embarrassing products they might have forgotten.

Buy fresh flowers (unless your guests are allergic!) I love fresh flowers so maybe this is just an excuse for me to have them in my house. I really do think that they add a nice pop of color and scent to your home. If your guests have a certain favorite, try to find it. Recently, I knew my girlfriend's favorite color was yellow so I made sure to have yellow flowers in the guest room when she and her husband came to town. I like to think it's  a subtle and meaningful touch!

Bedside flowers

Acquire ample pet distractions I know it's hard to believe, but some guests might not love your pet as much as you do (take a second to deal if you need to....better?). In fact, some people are not dog/cat people in the slightest so having one around can make them tense, which makes you tense, which makes the dog/cat even crazier. Case and point for why I keep a well stocked chew-toy basket for whenever we have people over.

Supply reading material I like to leave a couple magazines, waiting-room-style, in the guest room just in case guests have a hard time sleeping somewhere new or just need a moment to get away. And I'm not offended one bit when people need a little quiet time during their visit. Odds are it's a jam-packed couple of days so I totally understand and want to make sure that their few minutes of alone time are facilitated as comfortably as possible.

Make room in the closet Time to find another spot for all those craft supplies you've been hoarding. Make some room for hanging clothes, and if you can, some floor space for luggage to help keep their clothes looking good and reduce the clutter from the room during their stay.

Find out what they like to drink ahead of time Just because you don't drink carbonated beverages and only have soy milk with your cereal doesn't mean every one does it that way. Find out ahead of time what their drink preference is if you aren't sure. It's as simple as just including a short line in an email confirming their arrival time. This might be a good time to also ask about allergies!

Set out towels  Depending on what time your guests wake up or what their showering schedule is, you might not always be around or awake. Leaving towels, wash-clothes and other shower necessities out in their room when they arrive gives them what they need for whenever they'd like to use it.

Have plenty of snacks Maybe it's my Spanish heritage, but food is a big part of gatherings for me so I like to be prepared. I don't know if it's the same for everyone, but nine out of ten times, if I'm with friends or family- we all end up congregating in the kitchen and usually while snacking. If you know your guests have something in particular that they like to eat, or if there is something they can only have in your corner of the world, this would be the time to make sure you have it in full supply!

There you have it. Ten simple (and hopefully helpful) little tasks to ensure those who visit feel welcome, comfortable, and hopefully eager to return! What's on your to-do list when you have friends over to stay for a couple days?