Six Extra Items Guests Always Need
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
We all do a lot for our guests, but as you know, the devil is in the details. So what are the best extras you can leave a guest? Those little things that you never knew you needed, until you actually needed it and then… THANK GOD someone thought of that.
Batteries
Whether it’s for the remote, a smoke detector or a flashlight, having backup batteries onsite when you need it is one of the nicest things you can do for your guests. Two bottles of wine in, 10 miles from town and now you can’t watch your favorite show? Guests surprisingly don’t take these, but they will hunt and find them when they absolutely need them.
Makeup Wipes
Do yourself and your towels and your bed linens all one big favor and provide makeup wipes. Eye makeup can destroy towels and pillowcases, so help out your guests and yourself with these inexpensive wipes. It’s just the right thing to do. :)
Lanterns
Better than a flashlight if the power goes out and a way to provide outdoor lights where you may not have one, lanterns are a lifesaver for guests and hosts alike. Hoping to have a dinner party but it’s too dark? The lanterns can travel anywhere.
Space Heaters
At some point, you’re going to have issues with the heat and probably the air conditioning. Having backup space heaters and ideally a backup air conditioner can be a lifesaver for a guest who needs it. Or if you have an HVAC and one guest is getting blasted with heat so they turn the thermostat down, this can be a huge help for the guest in the bigger bedroom who needs a little more warmth.
Outdoor Blankets
Let’s face it. If you’re on vacation, you probably didn’t pack properly and even if you did, there’s nothing more cozy than sitting outside with an outdoor blanket. If they get smokey from campfires or cigarettes, just throw them in the dryer with a dryer sheet and they’re fresh smelling in no time.
Tea Kettle
This may seem obvious, until you’ve stayed in a home without one. Don’t just assume your guests will want to drink coffee out of the coffee maker. From tea to pour over to french press, give your guests the homey option of pouring hot water out of kettle rather than a pot with a lid. Day three of making your morning tea out of a pot and you no longer feel like you’re on vacation, you feel like you’re camping.
What are your MUST HAVE non-essentials for guests that can make all the difference? We wanna know! Drop us a line in the comments puh-lease!