www.selifestyle.com · DecemBeR 2009 · soUTHeAsT Lifestyle 3 o o When Guests Arrive Tips for a Pleasant Stay by Denise H. Osborne, AIDP, IDS kay, it's Christmas time and your folks are coming to visit. What do you need to think about to make it a pleasant, relaxed stay? This can bring on panic mode for some people, but it really comes down to common sense decorating. What do you need to set up a comfortable guest room? Let's start with a good mattress for your guests. Besides clean bedding, think about adding cozy bed linens, like a mattress topper, fresh pillows, and extra blankets. Have a fresh set things they might need. House guests love to have snacks in the evening. Do you have a place for them to make a small pot of hot water with packets of coffee, tea, or cider with cream and sugar? It is nice to have an assortment of magazines, books, or the local paper for them to flip through. If your guests are not familiar with the area, a set of maps and things to do would allow them to discover the area, without you. Take a break with them at your favorite coffee or ice cream shop. Plan some one-on-one time to engage them in conversation and discuss fun things they did that day. In today's world, a TV in the guest room is appreciated, or maybe a DVD or CD player where they can listen to music in the comfort of the guest room. Does your guest travel with a lap-top? Many people would love to be able to check their emails when away from home. A desk area that is available for them could be a consideration. One important thing is that you plan to make their stay comfortable without you doing all the work and cleaning up. Let them pitch in when they can. Plan your time to do the enjoyable things that you like to do as well. Keep it easy and don't overbook your holidays. Plan your events with some quiet time in between. Give your guests a chance to relax. Trust me, no one will really care if your house is immaculate or not. One more thing: always keep a date in mind for when your guests will be departing, because otherwise, they may never leave. Your time with your guest should be memorable, and allow you to have a good time as well. u of linens on hand. Have a place for them to set their suitcase, such as a luggage rack, small bench or drawer space. Next would be a comfy place to sit down. I suggest you have a good lamp so that they can find their way in the dark. Provide your guests hanging space for their clothes. An alarm clock, hair dryer and a glass for something to drink are always a plus. Fresh flowers for them to enjoy adds a special treat to the room. If they are a trusted guest, an extra set of keys is helpful so that they can come and go with ease. Give them a tour of the house, where they can find