Strategies to Create a Comfortable Retreat for Overnight Visitors during Vacations
Strategies to Create a Comfortable Retreat for Overnight Visitors during Vacations
A good host makes their visitors feel comfortable by inviting them to relax, while a great host offers cheese straws and a signature drink. However, the best hosts are the ones who go the extra mile in thoughtfulness, predicting even the smallest needs of their guests and designing delightful surprises. Here, five Southern hospitality experts share their thoughtful practices for hosting overnight guests, from offering a sound machine to personalizing the guest room decor.
Add a Surprise Element
Dallas designer Javier Burkle sets up a miniature artificial tree for a festive touch. He likes to leave a wrapped present under the tree along with a welcome package in the bathroom filled with extra toiletries, a nice soap bar, and water bottles. These unexpected gifts and personal touches help friends and family feel special.
Consider Guests of All Ages
Beyond providing a fresh duvet and essentials on the nightstand, Maddy Howey, cofounder of the bedding line Pippen House, also considers young guests. For families with children, she offers a portable crib, baby monitor, sleep sack, a lovey, and children's books.
Give Control Over Environment
Atlanta interior designer Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis emphasizes the importance of offering options to her guests. She has a bowl of disposable earplugs along with a sound machine ready in case they want to sleep in silence. Moreover, she provides pillows with varying levels of firmness to help guests feel comfortable in their environment.
Focus on the Small Details
Atlanta decorator Mallory Mathison Glenn believes in filling the room with small touches that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. She suggests placing a bloom-filled bud vase on the nightstand and using a piece of Christmas china to serve snacks. These thoughtful details help guests feel at ease and put them in the holiday spirit.
Make it Personal
Annemarie Dillard Jazic, a vice president at Dillard's, advises framing a picture of herself with her guests and displaying it in their room. Seeing this thoughtful detail is a welcoming and personal touch that makes guests feel valued.
During Christmas Planning, Javier Burkle adds a surprise element to his guest rooms by setting up a miniature artificial tree and leaving a wrapped present beneath it, along with a welcome package in the bathroom. SouthernLiving experts emphasize the importance of personalization in hosting, such as Annemarie Dillard Jazic who frames a picture of herself with her guests and displays it in their room.