13 Simple Ideas for a Warm Welcome

There is nothing like a distant friend or family stays there. Hosting overnight guests will help you slow down, connect and see the space through fresh eyes. It is one of the quiet indulgences of life sharing your home, your rituals, and morning coffee routines. And often these simple moments create the most meaningful memories.

That being said, if you’ve ever spiraled into a deep cleaning frenzy, and if you question whether your room feels “ends” then you’re not alone. We all want our homes to feel warm and intentional, but our goal is not to create a 5-star hotel. It’s about providing comfort, care and just enough polish to make your guests feel truly welcoming. And, in my experience, the magic is in detail: a soft blanket covered in the foot of the bed, a well-placed reading lamp, a carafe of water on a nightstand. These thoughtful room essentials will turn your stay from appropriate to exceptional.

Special image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Sanetra Nere Longno.

13 ways to welcome guests from town to your home

Over the years I have discovered that the best hosts are not necessarily the most experienced or design-savvy. Who would think of something that will make your friends look at, care for, and feel at ease? Such intuitive hospitality begins before the guests arrive. With a little preparation (and many minds), you can create a home that invites people to exhale.

Read 13 Simple and Impact Ways to Prepare Spaces. And stock room essentials that make everyone feel like they’re at home.

1. A beautiful, attractive space

Use your future hosting obligations to tackle prolonged piles of laundry, clean up your “chairs” and use it as an incentive to refresh high-traffic areas. Quick vacuum, tidying, reorganized throw pillows instantly enhance the atmosphere and show care.

2. Fully stored refrigerator

Are there any special snacks or drinks that your guests know will love? Get it in the store and if guests get hungry you can easily access and munch on them. When family and friends come to town, I always have some simple breakfast items like rosé, sparkling water, cheese and crackers, berries and yogurt, and usually eggs, bacon and avocados. Don’t forget about the coffee, filters, creamers and sweeteners in your morning kappa. If your guests aren’t coffee drinkers, you can get other things like herbal tea or fresh juices and enjoy them when they wake up.

3. Space for your belongings

We want to provide an area where guests can place their items and don’t feel like they’re in the way. Clean up some drawers and closets. I don’t like to leave my suitcase. The same applies to the bathroom. Empty the drawers or create plenty of space on the shelves for toiletries to live on the weekend.

4. Cozy bedding and extra blankets

Clean and clear sheets cannot be negotiated. Wash them a few days before arrival, then layer with a fluffy pillow and throw assortment. Test the temperature and pillow placement yourself. Planning comfort is the ultimate guestroom.

5. Hotel style toiletries

Lay out shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion. In many cases, you forget about essentials. Nothing is more thoughtful than a bottle on a fresh towel.

6. Towel in front of you

Instead of hiding in the closet, fold the bath towel and tenugui neatly on the bed or open shelf. Guests don’t have to hide and watch for bath towels.

7. Home “secret” cheat sheet

Once guests arrive, take a tour of their home so they can help themselves with anything during their stay. Show them if they can store their own, find essential items, and make coffee in the morning. Leave a print card with a Wi-Fi password, alarm code and quirky house tips (“Press this button into hot water”). Include a spare key in the keychain to allow you to enter and exit freely. Your guests appreciate your efforts to make them feel welcome.

8. Night Light & Easy Control

Soft night lights will be installed to guide guests from bed to bathroom. Please show how the lamp, ceiling fan and thermostat work.

9. Spare toiletries and emergency kits

Push excess toilet paper under the sink to make sure you have access to the bathroom plunger and keep painkillers or allergy medications on hand. These small room essentials will save you the day.

10. Child-friendly corner (if necessary)

Does your guests bring children? Please deal with them too. To keep your kids busy or plan simple crafts, kids love games, love two games, pick up and stock up on healthy snacks. If you and your parents want to go out for the night, find some fun and reliable babysitter names and numbers in the area you can give to your parents. Don’t feel like you need to arrange a babysitter. But it’s always great that it becomes an option for visiting parents. That’s their vacation too!

11. Fresh flower vase

A small bouquet of flowers on the nightstand will brighten up the room quickly and add a personal, welcoming touch. DIY Perfect Trader Joe Arrangement – They are inspired by extra effort.

12. Personalized City Guide

Edit a list of your favorite places in your hometown (Coffee Shop, Brunch Haunts, Walking Trails, Cocktail Bars). Your guests will feel excited to explore your city for themselves and see your favorite spots. (If you’re visiting Austin, check out all of our favorite things, from hiking to hiking and everything in between.)

13. Mood setting extras

Light seasonal candles to calm your mind Playlistand layout a comfortable throw. Pour in a welcome drink, such as sparkling water, iced tea or a bubbly glass to begin your stylish stay.

This post was last updated on May 19, 2025 to include new insights.