On Preparing For Guests July 30, 2014 | Hi friends! How is it already Wednesday? We had a great weekend away in Nashville and are still recovering. We have our sweet family from TX coming in today and I thought that I’d share how I prepare for guests coming to stay at our home. Definitely not re-inventing the wheel here, but a few fun tips and tricks to make your friends and family more comfortable. To be honest, having guests over (even if they were our family), used to REALLY stress me out. Like really. I’d make sure every single thing was perfect and it would take me hours and hours and hours. Now that we live away and we are fortunate enough to have guests semi-often, I have a few go-to moves that I really love. Instead of pouring my time and energy into making sure that my floors are perfectly polished, I opt to put a few fun things together that will add value (and a little fun) to their stay with us. That being said, I am signing off for the week and will be enjoying my sweet nieces! First, I always love setting up a coffee bar. In my humble opinion, no one should have to wait for coffee, so regardless of when you wake up you can come downstairs and fix yourself a cup of joe and don’t have to search for a thing. I love the disposable cups in this case, so that you don’t have to worry about waking anyone up digging through the cabinets for mugs. Next, I love doing a big shopping trip ahead of time and buying lots of fresh options so that we can whip up dinners, lunches and desserts. hj Whats on the menu this week: -Oven Nachos with Ground Beef -Chicken Quesadillas -Italian Sausage + Pasta Soup -BBQ Chicken Pizza -Asian Chopped Salad -Cinnamon Raisin French Toast -Crockpot Breakfast Casserole -Chocolate Chip Cookie + Ice Cream Sandwiches (with sprinkles) -Fresh peach cobbler …and S’mores…duh Next, since 2 of our guests are kiddos + 1 teenager, there’s really not an option to forget plenty of snacks. I love having them out, so that they can help themselves when they are hungry and don’t feel like they have to ask anyone. Admittedly not the healthiest selection, but they are on vacation, so it’s okay right?! And I might will definitely sneak in a Cosmic Brownie just because they’re delicious! I love having a stocked bathroom with everything you need toiletries wise, because honestly who wants to pack them?! It never fails, mine always end up leaking and it’s just such a mess. There’s nothing better than fresh towels and I always have them laid out on the bed so that, again, you don’t need to ask for any. Lastly, fresh flowers in the guest room are a must. They make me so super happy! How do you get your home ready for overnight guests? Did I miss anything? Do share, I love to hear what other people do in their homes!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says July 30, 2014 at 12:12 PM Lovely 🙂 You are a girl after my own heart! Preparing for guests is one of my fave things to do. So fun to give them a lovely place to stay and feel loved 🙂 Have fun with them! xo Kristin
charmingincharlotte@gmail.com says July 30, 2014 at 8:30 PM Isn't it so much fun?? I love a full house!
Elise @ Cheers Yall says July 30, 2014 at 12:45 PM Yes! The basket of snacks is crucial! Makes them grab-able without anyone having to ask, "hey, is anyone else hungry?!" My mama taught me that one! I think I might have to add the chalkboard accent next though…:)xx
charmingincharlotte@gmail.com says July 30, 2014 at 8:30 PM So crucial, right? I've already snuck in a few too, which is bad! lol
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says July 30, 2014 at 1:17 PM Look like you have thought of everything. I love the coffee station, so pretty and I am sure your guests will have a wonderful time.
charmingincharlotte@gmail.com says July 30, 2014 at 8:30 PM Thanks Marty! The coffee station was put to great use this morning!
charmingincharlotte@gmail.com says July 30, 2014 at 8:31 PM Thanks Marty! The coffee station went to great use this morning!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says July 30, 2014 at 1:23 PM You are one wonderful host! I'm sure all of your guests feel welcome, I know I would! 🙂
charmingincharlotte@gmail.com says July 30, 2014 at 8:32 PM Thanks Elizabeth! My house surely isn't spotless but I have food and coffee for all…that has to make up for it right?!
ElevenGables says July 30, 2014 at 2:46 PM Mallory!!! I absolutely love this post! I am sharing it on Facebook now! xo, Emily @ 11gables.blogspot.com
pam {simple details} says July 30, 2014 at 6:22 PM I'm sure your thoughtful details are such a treat, Mallory!! I like to put a current magazine on the nightstand, and a little chocolate on the pillow. 🙂
charmingincharlotte@gmail.com says July 30, 2014 at 8:33 PM Pam, I should have known you had some great tips…so using the chocolate one!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ashley {Word on the Streets} says July 31, 2014 at 4:17 AM I love this post – you've thought of everything! So pretty
kekekerr says July 31, 2014 at 1:54 PM When can I come to visit!?! haha a perfect hostess…just how every southern girl should be 🙂
Krystine @ www.KrystineEdwards.com says August 1, 2014 at 2:51 AM You're an amazing host! I'm visiting next if your guests get that spoiled!
Bethany DeVore says August 1, 2014 at 6:53 PM Can I come stay at your house? 😉 You are such a great hostess! Thanks for the great ideas!
