Fall is here and the holidays are on our heels. In addition to good times and good food with good people, ‘tis the season for impromptu house guests. Whether it be answering the surprise ding-dong of your doorbell or hosting the family member who crashes overnight, we’ve pulled together the go-to list of items to survive surprise house guests!
- Fresh Linens
Whether you have a guest room, an air mattress or a couch, the key to a comfortable night’s rest is fresh linen. After it’s cleaned, store your bed linen and pillows with 1-2 unused dryer sheets between them. Doing this will ensure the fresh-washed scent will last for weeks to come!
![Photo credit: [Untitled photo of King Guest Room] (N.D.). Retrieved October 18, 2015 from http://www.lumieretelluride.com/2014/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/king-guest-room.jpg](http://everythinggl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/king-guest-room-1024x682.jpg)
Photo credit: [Untitled photo of King Guest Room] (N.D.). Retrieved October 18, 2015 from http://www.lumieretelluride.com/2014/wp-content/uploads
- Extra Toiletries
If their visit is unplanned, it is likely your guests won’t have necessary toiletries. Purchase a multi-pack of toothbrushes, feminine products, razors, deodorant, small soaps, single-use shampoo and conditioner, and small lotions. Place a basket or decorative jar of these items in your bathroom and you’ll instantly make your guests feel welcome while eliminating the common awkward questions!
![Photo credit: [Untitled photo of Guest Welcome Basket] (N.D.). Retrieved October 18, 2015 from http://lovepastatoolbelt.com/2015/10/guest-bathroom-welcome-basket/](http://everythinggl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Guest-Bathroom-Welcome-Basket1-1024x683.jpg)
Photo credit: [Untitled photo of Guest Welcome Basket] (N.D.). Retrieved October 18, 2015 from http://lovepastatoolbelt.com/2015/10/guest-bathroom-welcome-basket/
- Wi-Fi Access
Everyone lives on mobile devices these days! If your password is anything like most, it can be a tongue twisting mix of letters, numbers and special characters. Write or print your Wi-Fi password and have it readily available for guests when they arrive.
![Photo credit: [Untitled photo of Wi-Fi Printable] (N.D.). Retrieved October 18, 2015 from https://www.etsy.com/listing/245723912/](http://everythinggl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/WIFIPrintable.jpg)
Photo credit: [Untitled photo of Wi-Fi Printable] (N.D.). Retrieved October 18, 2015 from https://www.etsy.com/listing/245723912/
- Clutter-Free Spaces
Your place is your home. There is a huge difference between dirty and lived-in. Impromptu guests do not expect perfection when they show up to your home unannounced. To ensure your home is always ready for guests, take a few minutes each day to tackle the common areas. Focus on the kitchen, the bathroom, and the main living area. Spending 10-15 minutes in each room can make your spaces perfect for entertaining. In addition to cleaning, burn your favorite candle. The ambient lighting and smell will help your guests feel right at home!
![Photo credit: [Untitled photo of Family Room] (N.D.). Retrieved October 18, 2015 from https://www.pinterest.com/lessyoung/living-room/](http://everythinggl.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/familyroom-1024x682.jpg)
Photo credit: [Untitled photo of Family Room] (N.D.). Retrieved October 18, 2015 from https://www.pinterest.com/lessyoung/living-room/
Don’t let the pressure to be perfect ruin your time with family. Your home will serve as the perfect backdrop for memories and, following these easy tips, you’ll be sure to WOW your guests!
Written by Tabitha Keese, Staff Writer, Modern Domestic, Founder of Shipwrecked on Fabulous Island Blog.