November, 2004
Source: Pioneer Press
Guest Room Readiness
Holiday Guests – Be Ready
Many people will be hosting out of town guests during the upcoming holiday season. If that includes you, make a list now of the things you would to have for your guests. This list should include necessary bedding as well as toiletries to have on hand.
Bedding
A review of guest bedding will force you to consider whether you need to send blankets and comforters out to be cleaned. If done now, there is plenty of time to get them out and back without a panic. Look at the condition of the pillow covers and mattress pads for your guest bed(s). Wash any of these and add a brightener like an Oxi-Clean, to freshen them up. Consider the guest bed sheets, their condition and quality. High quality sheets with a high thread count along with a nicely weighted blanket are at least as important to a comfortable bed and good night’s sleep as a great mattress. Often there are pre-holiday white sales so if you need to buy or upgrade any bedding items, this is a good time. Your guests will appreciate it.
Toiletries
This is where an actual list is critical. Sit down and make a list of items you would like to have available to you when you are a guest in someone else’s home. Make the list before you go into the guest bath and see what’s left over. Think about the best, most essential items to have on hand in your guest bath. The list might include a plush guest robe, slippers and thick bath sheet sized towels. Hair products including shampoo and conditioner, and body products of shower gel and possibly others are also a must. Many hair and body care products are packaged together which can be very nice and helpful.
Other toiletries you might want to include are a razor, shaving cream, body and hand lotion, hand soap, shower cap, hair dryer, hair brush/comb, extra toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, nail clippers and nail file. Be sure there is facial tissue (commonly known as Kleenex), extra bathroom tissue and cotton balls are a bonus. Finally, no bathroom is complete without a waste basket, however small.
Extras
Additional touches for your guest would be an alarm clock and an extra blanket. Chances are you will know the kind of special touches your particular holiday guests would appreciate. Think about some small welcomed treat for your guest to discover on the night stand. It’s often surprising what a big impact a small gesture can make.