If you’re anything like me, you always seem to have company—and trust me, I’m not complaining! I love having guests over. Whether they’re sleeping on the sofa or settling into the guest bedroom, I’ve got a list to set you up for success. Creating a warm, inviting space for your guests is all about the thoughtful details, so I’ve pulled together some easy tips to ensure your guests feel perfectly at home.
1. A Warm Welcome with Dinner
If your guests are arriving in the evening, what better way to welcome them than with a comforting dinner? I love making a big pot of bolognese and tossing it with my favourite pasta (usually a pappardelle or spaghetti). Serve it with a simple green salad, warm crusty bread, and a good bottle of wine (or two). It’s unfussy but feels incredibly special. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s comfort and hospitality, and man, the house is going to smell fabulous!
2. Creating a Cozy Guest Room
Fresh, clean bedding is non-negotiable. I always spritz the sheets with a beautifully scented linen spray before guests arrive too—there’s something so luxurious about slipping into fragrant, crisp sheets. I also leave a handwritten note on the bed with the Wi-Fi information and a little message encouraging my guests to help themselves to whatever they fancy while they’re over. We’ve all been a little peckish once while staying over at a friends, how nice is it to know you can sneak into the fridge for a slice of salami and cheese?
Set a gorgeous carafe of water on the nightstand, along with a small vase of fresh scented flowers, a softly scented candle, and if you want to go the extra mile, fill the bedside drawer with a few treats… I like to include my personal favourite chocolate bars, a small bag of chips (why not?), an eye mask, ear plugs, and of course, a cute box of matches for the candle. Fold a few freshly laundered towels on the bed to complete the setup. Make the space cozy—like a fabulous retreat, not just a guest room!
3. Sparkling Bathrooms with Luxurious Touches
Whether your guests are sharing your bathroom or have their own, you’ll want the space to sparkle. Give everything a thorough cleaning. If you don’t already have salon-quality shampoo and conditioner, this is a wonderful detail to splurge on—it makes a world of difference, I personally use Kevin Murphy and Oribe products and love them. Add a plush bath mat for cozy toes, stock plenty of toilet paper, and place another candle with matches on the counter. Finish with a lovely hand soap and lotion for that hotel-worthy touch.
4. Breakfast Made Easy
I like to set myself up for a stress-free morning by prepping “breakfast” the night before. Cinnamon buns are my go-to: I let them proof in the fridge overnight so they’re ready to pop into a cold oven in the morning. A cream cheese frosting (made ahead and waiting in the fridge) makes them utterly irresistible. And don’t forget the coffee—have it ready to go so your guests wake up to the smell of fresh coffee brewing. You can find my cinnamon bun recipe here.
5. The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Fresh Flowers: Sprinkle small arrangements throughout your home. They bring instant cheer and warmth.
- Candles: Light one by the entryway before your guests arrive—it creates the most welcoming atmosphere.
- Snacks in the fridge! Chopped vegetables, fruit, cheese & cured meats.
- Clean House, Clean Dogs: Give your pups a good scrub the night before. They may not smell to you, but your guests will appreciate the fresh-smelling fur babies!
- Pick a Jazzy Playlist: Play some soft cozy jazz on low to really set the tone for a cozy weekend.
6. A Sweet Send-Off
I always like to send my overnight guests home with a little something homemade. It could be a bag of cookies for the flight home, a jar of the sauce you served at dinner, or some pickled vegetables you pickled in the summer or purchased at your local farmers market. It’s a simple gesture that makes guests feel cared for and remembered.
These few simple steps will ensure your guests feel like family—and to me, there’s nothing better than that. A freshly cleaned house, a welcoming meal, thoughtful details, and a cozy bed to sink into—it’s really that easy. Happy hosting!
JJH xx
