6 Must Have Items Before Your Holiday Guests Arrive

The holidays are almost here, and if your home is playing host to guests this year, you may be in a whirlwind trying to get everything festive and guest ready. It can be a bit overwhelming to play host, making sure that everyone has what they need and that their time in your home is unique. If this is your first time having people over this holiday season, you may be wondering the best way to prepare and what you can do to make their stay feel welcomed.

Here are the six must-have items you should make sure you have before your guests arrive.

Toilet Paper

While this may seem like a given, ensure that you have a good supply of it. No one wants to run out of toilet paper, especially if you realize that you are ready to use it and … where is it? Go to all the bathrooms and make sure you have an extra large supply of it. Make sure it is easily accessible, especially if your guest needs a refill. No one wants to run out of toilet paper and yell for help. 

Paper Towels

I feel like paper towels are the most useful multipurpose object in the house. It’s inexpensive and easily cleans any mess without any additional prep. The trick is to have a good roll around. I strong and stretchy paper towels that can be rinsed, squeezed and used again. My personal favorite is the choose-a-sheet type for big and little messes. 

Pick the durable kind with a cloth-like texture, and can tackle the job when wet or dry.

Facial Tissues

Most likely, the winter season brings on the sniffles and runny noses. Having facial tissues available in every room is very appreciated by your guests. Especially if these guests have small kids. Not only is it handy and easily accessible to keep in every room, but you will also appreciate that they can get there quickly when their precious little one sneezes on their hands and their parents catch them with some tissues right before they wipe them on your decorative pillows. Don’t just keep a box in a bathroom, get a few decorative boxes like Kleenex Holiday Ovals or Kleenex Perfect Fit. Keep them around the house. Festive packaging will add a decorative element to your house and will be ready to serve whenever it’s needed. They are still strong, and absorbent – just more festive looking these days and fit any decor.

Prepared Guest Bed

Whether your guests are staying the night or not, having, at least, one available bed in your home is great to have – especially in a case of emergencies. There are several reasons why. Typically when people are celebrating the holidays with friends or family, they are there for quite some time. Parents of younger children may need a place to put their child down for a nap when they get cranky, or someone may have over did it on the fruit cakes and needed to lie down. Having a place handy will make your guests feel welcomed and at home. If you don’t have a spare bedroom, have one of house beds guest ready.

Tea and Coffee

A beautiful touch for your guests is finding out what tea or coffee that they prefer before they arrive. Some people are tea drinkers, and some are coffee drinkers. These drinks are great to have as people are winding down the night and it is a special touch to have their favorite. It is especially nice to have if they are staying for the long holiday week.

Enough Dishes and Utensils

You never want to run out of these items because then how will everyone eat their food! If you are planning a large party, you may wish to think about getting some disposable wear. Not only do you not have to worry about continuously doing dishes but there is some fancy disposable ware out on the market today that is just as festive. If you want to use real plates and silverware, make sure you purchase enough sets. Enough to have a full set in the dishwasher while your guests can use the other set.