Holiday Company Tips ( What You Want To Know Wednesdays )

Christmas is right around the corner. That means it’s time for last minute gift buying, and getting the house together for company. If you’re going to be hosting guests here are some tips to make sure your home is comfortable:

Keep them informed – Guests will appreciate knowing the Wi-Fi password. Create a little sign that you can leave in the guest room with the Wi-Fi password so they have access to it. They will not have to ask for it, and you will make them feel welcomed with this small touch.  You can also leave them any alarm codes, or even a spare key if they will be doing any sight-seeing!

Night-lights – You know your house so well that you can easily navigate your hallways in the dark, however, your guests may not. You can purchase night-lights that plug into electric sockets at any store. These will go a long way to make your guest feel comfortable at night.   Bonus tip: use night-lights that also double as air fresheners.

Make extra bathroom supplies easy to find – Make sure you store the extra toiletries in an easy to access or visible place. Bonus tip: stock up on basic travel sized products for your guests, especially if they have travelled a far distance.

Deodorize your home – Have you heard the term, “nose blind?” We often go “nose blind” to odors in our homes. We get used to smell of pets, smoke, in our homes because we are exposed to it daily. Our guess may not be so lucky. A few days before you guests arrive, fill 2 – 4 shallow bowls with coffee grounds depending on the size of the room.  Leave the bowls in the room and shut the door overnight. The odor should be gone in the morning. 

For particularly stubborn odors, you can repeat the process or try vinegar. According to Lifehacker.com, you can pour about a cup of white vinegar in a saucepan on your stovetop and bring it to a simmer. "The simmering vinegar will release more odor-fighting power into the air, and if you let it go for a while, it will deodorize your whole house. It might smell a little vinegary at first, but after a little while it won't smell like anything at all."

Keep their toesies comfortable – Everybody has an ideal temperature that makes them comfortable. Make your guest comfortable by leaving extra blankets in the guestroom in case they get cold in the middle of the night. Also, if you have an extra fan, leave it in the closet in the guestroom so they can cool off if they get a little too warm.  

 

**southernliving.com // lifehacker.com

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.