How to Prep Your Home for the Holidays

The holiday season is just around the corner, and that means a great opportunity to relax and catch up with friends and family. However, this season can also mean stress and lots of frantic last-minute scrambling to get your home ready for overnight guests.
 
Use this list as a guide to make sure those rooms are set up to make your company feel comfortable in your home.

Stock the Bathroom
Many people who travel bring their own toiletries with them, but there’s always something that gets left behind. Save your guests a trip to the store or that awkward conversation about borrowing a toothbrush by having some essentials out and ready to go.
 
A well-stocked guest bathroom should include:
 
●          Toothbrushes
●          Toothpaste
●          Mouthwash
●          Feminine products
●          Razors
●          Shaving cream
 
If the guest bathroom is shared with others, make sure their toiletries are cleared out of the way so your guests have room for their own.

• In the Kitchen

When it comes to the kitchen, guests are unlikely to arrive with their own food and drinks because they don’t want to offend you as a host. However, everyone has their own things that they prefer to eat or drink — and that they might appreciate having around during their stay for a little reminder of home.
 
Once your guests arrive, show them where everything is in the fridge and the pantry, and where to find plates, glasses, and utensils. Let them know your preference for washing dishes (by hand, dishwasher, etc) so they can pitch in and feel like they are being good guests.

• The Bottom Line

The best thing you can do to make your guests feel comfortable is to communicate clearly with them. Set the ground rules ahead of time so there’s no confusion or disagreement during the stay.
 
When you are proactive about communicating, it opens up a line of conversation and encourages your guests to do the same if they need something or if something isn’t working out. You can quickly resolve the issue and get back to enjoying the rest of your holiday.