How do you prepare for houseguests in a NYC apartment? If you are hosting out of town guests this holiday season, a little advanced planning will go a long way. Start early so when your guests arrive you are organized and can enjoy quality time together.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for houseguests:
Declutter – Create space for your guests by getting rid of stuff you no longer want or need. This is true whether you have a separate guest bedroom or just the corner of the living room to work with. Also, declutter your schedule. Allow plenty of time to enjoy your guests and help them feel comfortable, especially if the city is new to them.
Create closet space – Free up some closet space for hanging clothing. If you are short on closet space, pick up a garment rack. I like the Brushed Chrome Garment Rack shown here from the Container Store. It is just 35 bucks and you can put it together in minutes!
The base of the garment rack is perfect for resting a suitcase for easy access to folded clothing. You can also tuck shoes neatly underneath. As a bonus, if your guest will be sleeping on the couch in the living room, the garment rack can act as a divider to create a sense of privacy!
Gather Sheets, Towels and Blankets – Have fresh linens, towels and blankets for your houseguest. If your guest will be staying on the couch, use a large basket to put linens away in the morning and have easy access to in the evening. This will keep them neat and organized yet easily accessible for your guest. We like the size of these Light Twist and Knot Baskets from Pottery Barn.
Add Some Hotel Flair – Use a tray or basket to gather small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer. Roll towels for some stylish hotel flair. Create some counter-space for your guest’s toiletry bag if you will be sharing the bathroom. Make sure there is always lots of toilet paper available!
Use a simple over-door hook like the York Over-Door Hook for your guest to hang his or her towels. If the bathroom is crowded, have your guest use the end of the garment rack for towels!
Plan for Breakfast – One sure-fire way to make your guests feel at home is to find out what they enjoy for breakfast. Create a basket on your kitchen counter with their favorite cereal and an assortment of teas or coffees. Pick up fresh fruits and yogurts or eggs for fluffy omelets.
Make sure to find out if they have any food allergies. You don’t want to plan for muffins and bagels only to find out your guest has a gluten sensitivity.
Coordinate Schedules – Be clear with your guest about what times you will be available to do things together and when you have other commitments, especially during work hours. This will create order and clarity so you both know what to expect. Your guest can plan to meet with other friends, explore the city or attend an event during the times you are not available.
Gather Local Magazines and Maps – Have a guide book and map handy. Use a map to orient your guests to the city and to the transit system if this is their first time here. You might want to have the latest issue of Time Out, The New Yorker or the Times available, so your guests can check out all the latest plays, concerts and events happening around town.
When it comes to preparing for houseguests some advanced planning will go a long way. Use the tips above to prepare for your next houseguest with confidence.
Do you have a great tip on hosting out of town guests? Leave a comment below and let us know!
