I try to give my overnight guests a room that makes them feel as comfortable and welcoming as possible. A few years ago I started putting water in their rooms, just in case they needed it and from there I have ended up with quite a few items. This can be done as simply or as over-the-top as you wish.
Here is a list of items I try to have in the bedroom when they arrive:
bottled water
carafe and glass for water
snack (little packages of crackers, cookies or chocolates) current magazines Kleenex alarm clock telephone list of local and cable channels (if you have a television in the room) bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths (since I have white towels, I usually include a dark blue or black wash cloth for removing makeup) fresh flowers in room and bathroom, if possible scented candle and matches or lighter extra blankets or throws for chilly nights basket of goodies and necessaries
In this mentioned basket, I will put small containers of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion. I usually gather these at different hotels I have visited. My husband gets frustrated when I make him use my shampoos, etc. when we're traveling because I'm saving the hotel stuff for my guests at home! You can also gather travel size items at the grocery store just in case your guests forget something from home. These items can include:
shampoo
conditioner
lotion
deodorant
toothbrushes
toothpaste
floss
small first aid kit
body sponges
I will also include a few items that I make myself. I think this adds an extra somethin'-somethin' because it shows a little more effort to make them feel special. The essential oils I use are usually lavender or some other well-known scent unless I know what my female guest enjoys the most and will then make that one. I try to make up a sugar scrub, bath soak and an air mist. Again, the essential oil blend is entirely up to you. And you don't have to make all of the items. Just one quick one will go over real big!
Another thing is I try to take the time to put the dry sheets in the dryer for about 10 minutes along with an unscented dryer sheet with a couple of drops of lavender on it. Then I make the bed up right away.
This makes the bed smell so nice when they turn down the sheets.
One more thing: Try hard not to make guests feel TOO welcomed! Like fish, after three days they can get kinda stinky!!!!
Bath Soak Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup Epsom salts
20 drops of your favorite essential oil (or a blend equaling 20 drops)
Sugar Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar, white or brown
2 Tbsp. almond oil, or jojoba, avocado
2 tsp.honey
10 drops essential oil, own personal choice
Instructions:
Mix ingredients thoroughly in a bowl. Store in air-tight container. It is easier for the essential oils to mix in with other ingredients if you add them to the oil and then mix everything together.
Lavender Sheets
Ingredients:
1 scent-free dryer sheet
2-3 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
Put cloth in dryer with dry sheets and leave in for around 10 minutes.
Put sheets on bed immediately. Lavender is nice but you can use whichever suits you best.
Air Mist Recipe
Ingredients:
1 oz. witch hazel
4 oz. water
35 drops essential oil (if combining different oils, add enough drops of each to equal 35 drops)
Instructions:
Put ingredients in spray bottle. Shake before each use.
