It’s great to catch up with family and friends over drinks and nibbles, but having them come to your home allows you to spend more time together. It can be a great way to connect with people from out of town, especially if they choose to stay at your home over a hotel. If you have a spare bedroom and feel like a host, you can provide all the preparations you need. You can improve your overnight hosting skills by adding a few items to your home. Your guests will be grateful (with gifts and future visits).
We spoke to professionals to learn how to welcome overnight guests. Matthew Powell and George Trinovitch from The Pentagoet Bed and Breakfast, Castine, Maine, say, “Put yourself in your guest’s shoes and try to anticipate their needs before they ask.” “The little things make a difference. Extra toiletries, chargers and perhaps a glass of wine or a favorite cocktail are all good touches.
CB2 Acrylic and leather luggage rack
$299 at CB2
Relaxation can be hindered by clutter. Bella Mancini, of Bella Mancini Design, believes that guests can be more relaxed if they have a place to put their bags and purses. She has hosted many guests in her home in the Hamptons and New York City over the years.
Winsome Luggage Rack
Amazon: $60-50.51
This version is more affordable and can be folded up and stored in the closet, or in the trunk of your car for your own trips.
Mawa Handcrafted Beechwood Hangers
Food52: Starting at $80
Mancini loves these beechwood, handcrafted hangers that transform a closet into a true experience.
Amazon Basics Slim Clothes Hangers Pack of 30
Amazon: $20.24 $17.99
Even simple slim hangers will keep your guests’ stuff from being forgotten when they are away from home.
South Shore Evane Desk
Wayfair – $119.99
Mancini recommends that you have a small desk to do light work or use as a vanity, especially if you work from anywhere. This one is a bargain, folds up and can be stored in smaller rooms.
Clip Lamp W-Lite 6W LED USB Clip Lamp
Amazon: $18.99 $12.61
This clip-on light is not only useful for illuminating Zoom calls, but also makes it easy to read late at night.
Wrought Studio Kenton Tall 1-Drawer Nightstand
Wayfair: Starting at $39.99
Mancini suggests that you have a nightstand so your guests can keep their phones, chargers, and other essentials safe and secure.
Chimamanda Adichie, ‘We Should All be Feminists’
Amazon: Starting at $4.99
Mancini also recommends a few light reads to guests at the evening table. Among the favorites are “We Should All Be Feminists”, “How To Relax” or “Bicycle Diaries”.
NeuType Full-Length mirror
Amazon: $59.99
Guests might want to ensure that their weekend away look is perfected with a full-length mirror.
Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towel
Frontgate starting at $25.20
Trinovitch says, “Get some fluffy, good-sized towels.” “People should feel like they are being wrapped in a cloud and not having to dry their bodies. These are the most luxurious plush bath towels available.
Target Threshold Performance Bath Towel
Target: $9
You can also stock your linen closet with more affordable towels a la carte, such as these, which we named our top affordable bath towels.
Threshold Performance Texture Washedcloth Set, 4-Pack
Target: $10
For quick touch-ups, extra washcloths can be handy. They are affordable so you won’t be bothered when they take off your makeup.
Malin + Goetz Essential Starter Kit
Amazon: $34
Powell says that when we think about must-haves for a space, our minds immediately turn to Malin + Goetz soaps and shampoos, conditioners, and body lotions. They are a little more expensive, but they instantly tell guests that they are here for a spa-like experience. You’re going to be able to relax and luxuriate!
Toiletry Travel Convenience kit
Amazon: $32.99 $28.99
“Don’t forget extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss,” adds Trinovitch. “It’s not the worst thing to be in unfamiliar surroundings and have corn stuck in your teeth…without floss!” This is the stuff of nightmares.
Frette Hotel Classic Sheets
Bloomingdale’s starting at $140
Frette has been our dream brand for bed linens,” shared the Maine B&B owners. It is the ultimate luxury bedding. It makes such an impact, especially the first day after you travel. When you get into bed and feel the sheets, your first thought is “OMG, these SHEETS!” Then you fall into a blissful sleep world.
L.L.Bean 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
L.L. Bean, $119
These sheets were voted the best cotton sheets available. These sheets are crisp and breathable, great at regulating temperature during the night, and the eyelet edge hem along the top and pillowcases gave them a hotel-like feel.
Parachute Linen Sheet Set
Parachute starting at $189
Linen sheets are the perfect choice if you want something a little more luxurious. These linen sheets are the best because of their luxurious feel and wide variety of color options.
Coop Home Goods Eden Pillow
Amazon: $96
Powell says that a good place to rest your head is essential for a guest bedroom. This Coop pillow is a great place to start. It can be adjusted to your preference for firmness and height, making it one of the most versatile pillows we tested.
L.L.Bean Organic Cotton Blanket
L.L. Bean, $139
Extra blankets are a must-have for Powell and Trinovitch, especially Maine.
King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
Amazon: $129.95 Starting at $119.95
To elevate your sleeping position on the floor if you don’t own a spare bed, keep an air mattress in a closet. This air mattress was voted the best of the year due to its built-in pump that allows for quick and easy inflation and the raised pillow that mimics the feel of a real bed.
3M Disposable Earplugs
$7.90 $6.92 on Amazon
Mancini suggests that you keep earplugs and disposable masks (either from business-class flights or Amazon) in the drawer near the guest bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Mavogel Sleep Eye Mask
Amazon: $19.99 $9.98
The Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask is our pick for best sleep mask. It features a genius nosewire that blocks all light. The mask is soft on your eyes and comfortable on your head. It doesn’t even move during the night, regardless of where you sleep.
Fluted Water Carafe from Bee & Willow Home
$15 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Everyone needs a little water before bed. A carafe makes it easy for guests to have water before bed.
Riedel O Water glasses, set of 2
Amazon $35 $25.97
“Your guest rooms need glassware,” reminds Powell. You can use it for water, wine, cocktails or anything else! It’s a great way to show off your style and find something unique. Many of our teaware and glassware are sourced from antique shops in Maine. Riedel glasses are lighter than air and great for wine and water.
Belkin 6-Outlet Power Strip
$7.79 at Staples
So they can keep their phone/camera/earbuds/laptop/everything electric at full charge.
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Best Buy: $149.99 $129.99
Powell says that being able to create your own music makes it feel like you are at home. These speakers were originally purchased for our home, but we love them so much that we plan to make them available for guests rooms. We plan to hide the Bluetooth-enabled speaker in vintage radio tables, which would be a wonderful scenario. “A little old-meets–new moment.”
Aioneus iPhone Charger Cord, 4-Pack
Amazon: $12.99
Spare chargers Enough said.
Courant Catch:3 Essentials
Amazon: $99.99, Courant: $100
Mancini keeps one of these in her guest room. Even guest wires shouldn’t be all tangled for their stay.
Kind Nut Bars Favorites Variety Pack
Amazon: Starting at $15.99
Trinovitch and Powell leave a few breakfast bars in each guest’s room, along with some portable, easy-to eat snacks, in case they are in a rush to get up in the morning. It’s a minibar that guests don’t need to pay extra for.
Happy Hoos Notebook Journal, 8-Pack
Amazon: $19.99 $16.99
“We once stayed at a B&B, and each room contained its own collection notebooks that held the memories of previous guests. It was so personal and lovely and gave us ideas for things to do in the area. It inspired us to continue the tradition.
Junior Mints
Target: $1.69
Everyone knows the classic mint/chocolate pillow you find in your bedroom. Trinovitch says that they have given a Maine twist to this tradition. “We are working with Cape Whoopie (anartisanal whoopie pie baker in Portland) to create mini whoopettes that we can use as pillows for our guests.” It’s quirky and Maine-y! It adds personality to your space and enhances the experience. Your guest won’t forget it.” You can make your own little treat, or you can use our classics.
Vita Bone Artisan-Inspired Dog Biscuits
Amazon: $19.90 $18.97
“We’ve been inns that offer special treats for dogs in the past: custom “pupcones”, ice cream cones with peanut butter and bacon bits,” Maine B&B owners who love dogs say. “If your guest has pets, you should consider including them in the experience!”
Wildsam Field Guides Maine Coast
Amazon: $20
Trinovitch says, “We like to include in our rooms a guidebook and map.” A guidebook and map can be helpful, whether you hand-write a guide or buy a book. It will help you really enjoy yourself. You are the host and have the inside scoop.
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