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There’s nothing quite like having faraway friends or family come to stay. Hosting overnight guests invites you to slow down, connect, and see your space through fresh eyes. It’s one of life’s quiet luxuries—sharing your home, your rituals, your morning coffee routine—with people you love. And often, it’s in these simple moments that the most meaningful memories are made.
That said, if you’ve ever spiraled into a deep-cleaning frenzy or questioned whether your guest room feels “finished,” you’re not alone. We all want our homes to feel warm and intentional, but the goal isn’t to create a five-star hotel. It’s to offer comfort, care, and just enough polish to make your guests feel truly welcomed. And in my experience, the magic lies in the details: a soft blanket draped at the foot of the bed, a well-placed reading lamp, a carafe of water on the nightstand. These thoughtful guest room essentials transform a stay from adequate to exceptional.
Featured image from our interview with Sanetra Nere Longno by Michelle Nash.
13 Ways to Welcome Out of Town Guests Into Your Home
Over the years, I’ve found that the best hosts aren’t necessarily the most experienced or design-savvy—they’re the ones who think a step ahead. Who consider what would make a friend feel seen, cared for, and at ease. That kind of intuitive hospitality starts before your guests even arrive. With a little prep (and a lot of heart), you can create a home that invites people to exhale.
Read on for 13 simple yet impactful ways to get your space ready—and stock up on guest room essentials that will have everyone feeling right at home.
1. A Spotless, Inviting Space
Use your upcoming hosting duties as motivation to tackle that lingering pile of laundry, clear off “the chair,” and refresh high-traffic areas. A quick vacuum, decluttering, and a realigned throw pillow instantly elevate the vibe—and show you care.
The ultimate Sunday reset.
2. A Fully-Stocked Fridge
Is there a special snack or beverage you know your guests love? Get it at the store, along with some essentials your guests can easily access and munch on if they get hungry. When I have family or friends come to town, I always stock up on rosé, sparkling water, cheese and crackers, berries and yogurt, and a few easy things for breakfast—usually eggs, bacon, and avocados. Don’t forget coffee, filters, creamer, and sweetener for their morning cuppa. If your guests aren’t coffee drinkers, get something else, like herbal tea or fresh-squeezed juice for them to enjoy right when they wake up.
3. Space for Their Belongings
You want to make sure to provide an area where your guests can put their things and not feel like they’re in the way. Clear out a drawer or a portion of the closet—no one likes to live out of a suitcase. The same goes for the bathroom. Empty a drawer or create enough space on a shelf for their toiletries to live for the weekend.
4. Cozy Bedding and Extra Blankets
Clean, crisp sheets are non-negotiable. Wash them a few days before arrival, then layer on fluffy pillows and an assortment of throws. Test the temperature and pillow arrangement yourself—anticipating comfort is the ultimate guest room essential.
5. Hotel-Style Toiletries
Lay out shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion—guests often forget essentials, and nothing feels more thoughtful than bottles resting on fresh towels.
6. Towels in Plain Sight
Fold bath towels and washcloths neatly on the bed or an open shelf rather than hiding them in a closet. Guests shouldn’t have to play hide-and-seek for a bath towel.
7. House “Secrets” Cheat Sheet
When guests arrive, give them a tour of the house so they can help themselves to anything throughout their stay. Show them where they can store their things, find essential items, and how to make coffee in the morning. Leave a printed card with Wi-Fi password, alarm code, and any quirky house tips (e.g., “press this button for hot water”). Include a spare key on a keychain so they can come and go freely. Your guests will appreciate your effort to make them feel welcome.
8. Nightlight & Easy Controls
Install a soft nightlight guiding guests from bed to bathroom. Show them how lamps, ceiling fans, and the thermostat work—little walkthroughs remove awkward fumbling in the dark.
9. Spare Toiletries & Emergency Kit
Tuck extra toilet paper under the sink, check that they have access to a plunger in the bathroom, and have pain relievers or allergy meds on hand. These small guest room essentials save the day.
10. Kid-Friendly Corner (If Needed)
Are your guests bringing children? Be sure to accommodate them, too. Stock up on some healthy snacks kids love and pick up a game or two to keep them busy or plan an easy craft. If you and the parents want a night out, find the names and numbers of a few fun and trustworthy babysitters in the area you can give the parents. Don’t feel like you need to arrange for the babysitter, but having it be an option for visiting parents is always nice. It’s their vacation, too!
11. A Vase of Fresh Flowers
A small bouquet on the nightstand instantly brightens the room and adds a personal, welcoming touch. DIY the perfect Trader Joe’s arrangement—they’ll be inspired by the extra effort.
12. A Personalized City Guide
Compile a list of some of your favorite places in your hometown—coffee shops, brunch haunts, walking trails, cocktail bars—so guests can explore on their own or join you for a curated adventure. Your guests will feel more comfortable to explore your city on their own and be excited to see your favorite spots. (If you’re visiting Austin, check out all of our favorite things to do in the city from hiking to restaurants and everything in between.)
13. Mood-Setting Extras
Light a seasonally scented candle, cue a calming playlist, and lay out a cozy throw. Pour a welcome drink—sparkling water, iced tea, or a glass of bubbly—to kick off their stay in style.
This post was last updated on May 19, 2025 to include new insights.
