10 Ways to be the Hostess with the Mostest

Being a great hostess is very important to me. I love having people come to visit, and I want to make sure I do whatever I can to make them feel welcome, comfortable, and at home. Oftentimes, it’s just about putting yourself in your visitor’s place. If you were the guest, what would make you feel more at ease while visiting? Here are the ways I make sure I’m the hostess with the mostest.

10 Tips for Being a Great Hostess

1. Soft, clean towels.

When your guests wake up in the morning, they don’t want to go chasing down a towel to use after they shower. Instead, keep soft, clean towels available either in the guest bathroom or set them out in their bedroom. When they first arrive, let them know the towels are for them to use.

2. Water and candies.

I like to keep a small bowl of candies in my guest bedroom. I chose to go with peppermints, but you can choose a hard candy of your choice. I also like to keep a couple water bottles in the guest bedroom for visitors. I once had a hostess do this for me and I loved it!

3. Comfortable bedding.

This could be the most important part of being a great hostess! No one wants a bad night’s sleep. Most people have a hard time sleeping in a new place anyway, so it’s important to make it as easy as possible for your guests to sleep good. Have clean, comfortable bedding available for your visitors, including pillows. I also keep a fan in the guest room in case my visitors get too hot during the night or need the soft noise to be able to sleep. I’m one of those people who needs the noise of a fan to fall asleep.

4. Assortment of toiletries.

In our guest bathroom, I keep a small bucket full of toiletries for my guests. I bought travel-size shampoos, conditioners and soaps. They are less than a dollar each at Walmart or Target. I have two types of soaps — men’s and women’s, two types of shampoos and conditioners, two kinds of toothpaste, lotion and face wipes. It’s like going to a hotel! My guests don’t have to bring those things with them, or if they forget something I have it available.

5. Kleenex, cotton balls, and Q-tips.

This goes along with the toiletries. I just want my guests to have anything they need. I keep cotton balls and Q-tips in a glass jar with a votive candle holder inside. I also have a Kleenex box in the guest bedroom.

6. Drinks.

When your guests first arrive, offer them a drink. Let them know what you have available and get them a drink. I think it’s a great idea to show your guests where you keep your glasses and what drinks you have available. It’s great to say something like, “I want you to feel at home, so feel free to get yourself a drink anytime. The glasses are in this cabinet, and we have water, tea, and milk in the fridge.”

7. Snacks.

In the same way as the drinks, let your guests know you have snacks available for them. It’s no fun when your guests are hungry in the middle of the afternoon and they feel awkward or uncomfortable asking for a snack. To keep that from happening, show your guests where some snacks are when they first arrive. You can tell them, “Anytime you are hungry, feel free to eat one of these snacks. We have applesauce, goldfish, chips, and fruit snacks. There’s also ice cream in the freezer.”

8. Finance accommodation.

When you have visitors, it’s a great idea to find out if they are expecting you to cook most meals or if they want to eat out a lot. My brother and his girlfriend are coming to visit soon, and when I asked my brother what types of things they wanted to do while they were here he said anything that’s free. Being in college, they don’t have extra money to spend, so my husband and I plan to accommodate those needs. We are planning activities that are free, and I plan to cook the meals while they are here. I’m so excited they are coming to visit that I want to accommodate them as best I can. At the same time, my grandparents are coming to visit in a few months. My grandmother has already told me that she wants to eat out a lot. Everyone has different preferences, so find out what your guests are wanting and expecting so you can accommodate them.

9. Diet accommodation.

If you do plan to cook for your guests, remember different diets or allergies they may have. If someone is on a specific diet, try to accommodate those needs by making meals that fit into their diet. Your guest will definitely appreciate your effort. In the same way, if one of your guests has allergies, be sure to accommodate their needs. This is definitely important so you don’t send your guest to the hospital! One of our nephews might have a dairy allergy – it’s still in question. But if he comes to visit, I want to be sure to not to serve ice cream for dessert! Too bad, because this ice cream flavor is delicious!

10. Activity planning.

Ask your guests if there is anything specific they want to do while they are in your area. Most of our guests have never been to this area or even our state, so it’s a great opportunity for them to explore the area or see the sights. My mom is a beach-lover! So she is all about visiting the beach while she’s here, which is fine by me! We are planning to take her to two separate beaches when she visits. See what your guests want to do most but keep #8 in mind and don’t plan anything too expensive unless they specifically request it. Also, keep in mind that your guests are there to visit you. You don’t have to constantly go go go. You can also stay home, talk, play games, have a jam session, or take a walk through the park. Simple but enjoyable activities are just as great as anything else.

The most important aspect of being a great hostess is to not put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t get too worked up about cleaning, cooking, planning, etc. I’m a perfectionist and I like to impress people, which can make having visitors a stressful time.

I have to focus on the fact that these are people I love who love me, whether my house is clean, my meals are delicious, or if I have enough toilet paper! Keep in mind that hospitality is not about impressing others, it’s about serving others — that’s something I’ve been working on!

Laugh off the mistakes. Savor each moment. Enjoy the time with loved ones. Before you know it, they will be leaving so make each minute count.

What other tips do you have for being a great hostess and making your guests feel welcome?

You may also want to read:

• Hospitality: From the Heart, Not the Home
• Dinner Party Menu Ideas
• The Strive for Hospitality

Be sure you follow my Pinterest board Hospitality & Kindness for other great tips and ideas!