Preparing your home for festive season guests

So, how to play host to guests this Christmas without losing your privacy or tripping over their stuffed suitcases…

Make a place for their suitcase

We’re not suggesting your guests will fully unpack if they’re only coming for a night or two, but why not make like a hotel and invest in a folding suitcase rack so they can at least have their case open with-out it cluttering the floor.

Clear spare hanging space

Visitors will feel so much more at home if they’ve got some hanging space of their own, especially if they’ve brought glam Christmas outfits, so consider making a little room for at least a few hangers and a few pairs of shoes.

Gift them the essentials

Remember those hotel miniatures that you always chuck in the bottom of your suitcase but never use? This is where you can put them to good use, by arranging a little basket of toiletries for your visitors to find on their bed.

Don’t hide the towels

Unless your guests are making a stand against Christmas hygiene, they’re going to need towels. Don’t make it a challenge akin to the Crystal Maze for them to find them – just pop them on the bed.

Assess the sofa bed situation

Do you have one? How long was it since you used it? Check it a few days in advance and make sure the springs haven’t croaked.

Let there be light

If you normally rely on a main ceiling light, which won’t be much good for bedtime reading, bring out a smaller lamp or desk light that can be turned off from the bed. It will make a world of difference for your guests to have a bit of clarity for the midnight journey to an unfamiliar bathroom too!