How can I be a good host?

[LidlDonkey]

We're having some of DH's relatives to stay in a couple of weeks' time, and I want to make sure that they have everything they need.

We have two guest rooms, which will obviously be clean and tidy. I thought I would leave a bath sheet each (different colours) on their beds. I have thought of a glass/bottle of water/tissues beside the bed. There is a bedside lamp and plenty of plug sockets in both rooms. They will also have a TV and mirror.

What haven't I thought of?

We don't often have guests, and as I don't know them well I would like them to feel comfortable. Thanks for any tips!

Wifi code!

Other than that sound lovely.

I tend to also say here's the tea coffee mugs etc help yourself.

What haven't I thought of?

Getting DH to take the lead on the leg work of hosting his family...

Your plans sound fine.

A good breakfast in the morning or making sure they’re comfortable enough to help themselves.
I wake up absolutely starving and have stayed at many a house where breakfast doesn’t seem to be acknowledged.

Spare toothpaste and toiletries in then bathroom in case they forget anything

Thanks for all your suggestions. WiFi code good idea. Also I get hungry so thought some kind of food in their rooms, but maybe just suggesting they're welcome to make tea/coffee/snacks as they wish will do.

@AnneLovesGilbert DH is working away until the day before they arrive so there's not much he can help with. He'll certainly do his share while they're here, have no fear!

Will put a basket of toiletries in each room too - good idea.

Smaller towel too. My aunt always left a nightlife and bathrobe out - bever had to use them though. Hot water bottle or the offer of one? She always did that too (she'd be 97 if still alive). But yes tell them your routine and if you are happy to let them make their own breakfast show them where you keep stuff/how things work.

Fair enough

I hope it’s a happy visit, they’re lucky you’re being so thoughtful and I hope they’re lovely guests.

Tell them whether to flush the loo at night or not. This always confuses me at other people’s houses.

Somewhere to hang clothes(over door hook) or a chair in the room.

We always leave the downstairs hall light on in case guests go wandering in the night for water/bathroom

Excellent username!
Show them where the tea/coffee/ mugs etc. are and urge them to help themselves whenever and if they wake up early in the morning.
Alternatively, if you have a travel kettle, do a tea tray for them in the room.
It’s awkward waking up early in someone else’s house feeling parched after wine with dinner.

Ask what they do/don’t like to eat.

Tell them what you’re planning each day so they know way to wear, when lunch will be etc.

Make sure there is a bin in one of the rooms - nothing worse than trailing your rubbish round your hosts establishment in search of a waste receptacle- and yes clear instructions on the toilet flushing at night procedure. I wouldn't worry about baskets of toiletries or a personal tea tray, unless they are paying you for the stay.

...people don't flush the toilet at night?!

Check what they drink, and if needs be, get in some decaf tea/coffee, sweeteners, juice, etc.

Check for any food allergies, intolerances, dislikes.

I wouldn’t leave bottles of water or food in the rooms, just let people know where to get water, tea, cheese, whatever.

Make sure the heating is on in the bedrooms, but tell/show them how to turn off the radiator if it’s too warm for them.

Leave out a bath towel, hand towel and face cloth for each guest.

Agree re toilet flushing (or not) in the night.

If you have an alarm, show them how to turn it off if they’re up first.

If we have friends with children visiting, I download a few family films, and some shorter programs for pre-bedtime winding down.

Relax. A chilled host really puts guests at ease.

You’ll be a grand host, I’m sure.

Please don't ask your guests not to flush the toilet at night!

An extra blanket in the bedroom in case they're cold at night

I wouldn’t bother with food/drink or toiletries in room but I always leave a few glossy mags and maybe a National Geographic

I have to admit if I was asked not to flush the toilet at night I probably wouldn't stay again. But generally it sounds like you are a good host already. As long as I am not hungry and can flush the loo, I am generally happy.

Oh, one thing. A lot of the time people only provide one pillow each. I can only sleep on two, so it may be nice to have an option of this if possible.

I never used to put a tea tray out but really appreciated it when I visited my aunt, and it dawned on me that it might gain me precious minutes in my own house before my guests descend. I’m not a great morning person so that is a real gain.

I need a cold bedroom to sleep well, so check your guests can control the temperature by being able to turn off radiators and open windows, if your house is warm, and that there are enough bedclothes. And an extra pillow. Other than that, and instructions on any quirks to do with the shower, I’m happy.

I think baskets of toiletries and tea trays in bedrooms are overkill. Next people will be suggesting making those freaky towel swans you get in some hotels. Or a turndown with chocolates on the pillows.

I change the bed sheets, give the room a clean, provide a clean towel and show guests where food, coffee, tea, heating controls etc are. No need to do too much, they're staying in your home - not in a hotel.

I do think its nice to provide extra bits if they're coming from overseas though (SIM card, travel card, etc).

Tea tray and shortbread or Danish biscuits in the room. Bin. Towels. Carafe or bottle of water. Tissues.

Basic toiletries in the bathroom, Waitrose essentials are nice. Put some spare loo roll out.

Glass of sherry before lunch/dinner. Hot chocolate or Ovaltine before bed. Hot water bottle if liked.

Well I think that's covered pretty much everything! Thanks so much for all your suggestions.

You sound like a lovely host! Id love to stay at yours!

Bedside lamps.