Signora Sheila

We’ve had fun and adventure, traveled the world, learned new skills and experienced other cultures! And we did all on a shoestring budget, right from our home! “How is this possible?” you ask. Through our guests who shared the love they have for their homeland, or their passion for things like painting, making balsamic vinegar, or cooking.

And we have received such lovely gifts over the years. Hand-woven fabric from Ghana and Nepal, a beautiful hand-dyed shawl from Zambia, a beautiful oil painting, and Russian nesting dolls. But the greatest gifts are the joy they’ve left in our hearts. And the blessing of meeting so many wonderful, kind, and caring people!

That’s why we consider guests a privilege, not extra work. Think about it: someone cared enough to take time out of their busy lives to visit you! That makes them worthy of honor and a royal welcome!

12 easy ways to make guests feel special

1. 🚪 Lay out the welcome mat

Not just a welcome mat at the door. But make, or have your kids make, a creative welcome poster for your front door or the guest room door.

2. 🚿 Show guests where their bedroom and bath are

After a long trip, a chance to freshen up and a bite to eat can be so refreshing. So let them know that drinks and snacks will be served right away.

3. 🥤 Have drinks and snacks ready

Nothing creates a welcoming atmosphere or breaks the ice like food. So if mealtime is a long way off, invite them to the living room or patio for snacks, drinks, and a chance to unwind.

4. 🏠 Give them the grand tour

This will help them know their way around and where to find things like the iron and hair dryer. Show them how things work too. Things like fans, air conditioners, the shower, TV, and the Internet.

5. 🍬 Put snacks in their room

Include a thermos carafe of cold water and glasses. And a basket filled with goodies like fruit, juice, snack bars, crackers, mints, chocolates, and napkins. This can be especially important if they’re dealing with jet lag, so they can have a midnight snack without having to worry about disturbing you – or going hungry!

6. 👚 Stock their room with necessities

Provide some storage space, including coat hangers and a power strip for their phones and devices. And don’t forget to put extra blankets, throws, and pillows where they can find them.

7. 💐 Add special touches

Make your guests feel special by adding special touches to their room. Things like candles, flowers, and mints on their pillows. And set an elegant table, at least for their first meal with you!

8. 🪥 Stock their bath or bedroom with toiletries

Put a basket of toiletries in their room or bath, along with a bath mitt, shower cap, toothbrushes, and disposable razors. Along with a first-aid kit, pain relievers, and the like.

9. 🛏️ Use your best towels, linens, and pillows

Give guests your best to make their stay more comfortable! After all, who wants to use lumpy pillows, rough towels, or sheets with your stains on them?

10. 📚 Make the room comfortable

Provide a fan or heater. And because many people have trouble sleeping in a strange bed, put a lamp and reading material on the nightstand. Be sure to include brochures about things to see and do in your area once they’re rested up!

11. ☕ Keep a coffee tray on the kitchen counter

Keep a beverage tray on the kitchen counter stocked with coffee, tea, cocoa, cups and spoons. Many guests won’t feel comfortable rummaging through your cupboards.

12. 🖍️ Be a super host with extra amenities

Provide a soft bathrobe and washable slippers. And if your guests have children, pick up some inexpensive toys or crayons and coloring books for them. Or even offer to babysit for an evening!

Guests are a blessing

Scripture tells us not to neglect hospitality, even to strangers, for they may be angels. So it is important that we treat them like the blessing that they are! And with a little planning it’s not hard to also give them a truly royal welcome!

What little things do you do to lay out the welcome mat? Share them with us!

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 4:8-9

📷 Image credits: welcome sign; snacks; toiletries