Determine the Number of Linens Needed for Visitors: Insight Provided
If you've got guests arriving soon and your linen stash feels a tad insufficient, this guide will steer you clear before you dash off to the store. We've compiled a checklist to aid you in figuring out the optimal quantity of linens for each visitor. Fact: You mightn't require as many as you assume.
Guest Bathroom Towels
Towels are the linens that will require the biggest excess inventory. Given that towels need to be washed every 3 to 4 days, make sure you're equipped for visitors who'll stay longer than that. For one-night guests, one set of towels per person will suffice, comprising of a regular bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. However, for weekend guests, plump for two complete sets of towels per individual. Although they might not use all the towels you provide, it's safer to err on the side of plenty, ensuring your guests' comfort.
For guests who will stay more than 4 days, up the towel count by one or two sets, bringing your total sets to four. Consider having a midweek refresh too. Politely request your guests to leave their dirty towels outside their bedroom door or at the laundry room. Upon washing, return the fresh ones to the guest bedroom or bathroom.
Guest Bedroom Bed Linens
Even for overnight guests, keeping an extra set of bed linens on hand is prudent. This set should include a mattress pad, fitted sheet, flat sheet, and quilt or comforter. While it's recommended to clean sheets weekly, if guests stay for a night or over the weekend, you're good to go as long as you've got this spare set.
For stays beyond a week, plan to refresh the sheets. Consult your guests and determine their preferences about changing the sheets and the best time to do so. They might prefer swapping things on their own or insist that there's no need for laundering. Be mindful of their choices, as entering their room uninvited to exchange the linens could be seen as an invasion of privacy.
Where to Store the Extras
Keep your surplus linens easily accessible for guests. The ideal spot is in the guest bedroom or bathroom. Linen closets or wardrobes work well for neater stacks of extra towels and sheets, while a chest at the foot of the bed can serve as an ideal space for larger items such as blankets and comforters.
Wherever you place your extra linens, make your guests aware of their location upon arrival. Reinforce that you'll be glad to provide more linens if they're needed. This is also a great time to ask about their preferences on a midweek linen refresh or laundry.
Items to Have at Hand
Besides sheets and towels, there are additional items you'll want to have readily available for your guests.
Pillows
Keep at least two extra pillows stored with your bulkier linens. Avoid overflowing if you have more than two guests with you, but have a few extras hidden throughout the home to ensure everyone has a comfortable night's sleep.
Blankets
Plan one extra blanket per sleeping arrangement (including couches). Regard these as complements to a quilt, coverlet, duvet, or comforter. The specific configuration of your bed-making formula should depend on the weather and the climate of your home.
Mattress Protectors
In addition to extra bed sheets and blankets, include another mattress pad and protector in your stock of surplus guest linens. This can be important if you need to quickly remake a bed or change it halfway through a visit for longer stays.
Bath Mats
Don't neglect bath mats. If you plan to refresh and replace towels or linens for long-term visitors, invest in extra bath mats for easy swaps.
Hand Towels
You can never have too many hand towels. Stock your guest bathroom with paper hand towels for parties, but maintain an extra stack of soft cotton or terry towels in your linen closet for guests to replenish when needed.
After reviewing the guide for guest linens, I found BHG's tips on entertaining essential for my upcoming holiday gatherings. With their advice, I'm well-prepared for various lengths of guest stays, ensuring I have the right amount of linens for every visitor.
For instance, BHG suggests having two sets of towels for weekend guests, which will be useful during my holiday entertaining events. Furthermore, storing extra linens in the guest bedroom or bathroom, as suggested by BHG, ensures easy access for my guests and keeps everything organized during the festivities.
