The holidays can bring snow, lights, presents -- and overnight guests.
In a season that's loaded with activities and pressure, playing host can become very stressful.
Yet, if you have a plan, being a good host can be easy.
SBlt Treat the guest room like a hotel room. The goal is to make your home environment feel welcoming to overnighters, said Arlette Michaelson, owner of the Seasons at Riter Mansion bed and breakfast in Logan.
A clean house will help, and it starts as soon as you open the door. "A clean entryway," Michaelson said, "because then your guests know right when they walk in that this is the stage for the rest of their stay."
One of the notable rooms to focus on is the bathroom, said Amanda Horrocks, family and consumer science agent at the Utah State University Extension in Morgan. Have extra towels and linens close at hand.
The bedroom itself, Michaelson said, should look like a fancy hotel room. Have extra linens, toilet paper, alarm clock and periodicals.
Tone down the decorations and furniture in the room. Michaelson noticed this in her own business -- she needed to declutter the space.
"(Guests) are in a strange place," Michaelson said, "so comfort and space is more soothing than a clutter of unfamiliar space."
SBlt Make them feel at home. Place a chocolate on the pillow and fresh-cut flowers on the nightstand, Horrocks said. Michaelson puts homemade cookies and water bottles next to the bed. These are small tokens that help them relax after a long trip by plane or car.
Sending along another small token when they leave will help them remember their holidays at your house.
"Especially if they have kids with them, send them home with a book or something of the local area so they remember their say," Michaelson said.
When guests first arrive, give them a tour of the house and point out where essential items are and even how to operate the TVs and DVD players.
"It helps both of you feel more comfortable to have them at your home," Horrocks said.
SBlt Be an activity planner. You got the place clean, family's in town, now you might have to play the role of activity planner.
"The main thing is, if you do plan activities, let them know beforehand," Michaelson said. If you plan to eat at a fine restaurant, tell them in advance so they can bring dress clothes. Or, if you plan swimming activities, tell them to bring their bathing suits.
The schedule doesn't need to be planned out for every minute.
"It's also equally important not to have it scheduled out the whole time," Michaelson said, "because when people are on vacation, they do want a certain amount of time to themselves and just to relax."
SBlt Host with the most ... choices. Give choices when helping with their entertainment schedule. If you have to leave guests on their own, make sure they know as much about the town as possible.
In fact, offer choices with every intricacy that's being planned -- including the food.
"Another thing is to have a couple of options for breakfast," Horrocks said. The meal doesn't need to be extravagant with crepes or eggs Benedict. Keep it simple with a choice of granola or yogurt, and offer to cook eggs and pancakes on request.
SBlt Don't forget your own family. Understand that your regular life must still continue -- and don't forget about family members who live locally, and the kids.
"Make sure that you don't ignore your immediate family. They always come first -- even if you have guests that you love with all your heart," said Horrocks.
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