It is Freaky Friday here at At Home with Kayla Price!  So, you will get a double take on today’s topic of overnight guests.

At 5 a.m., my take on the topic will be published.  At noon, I will post etiquette blogger Emily Glass’ take on overnight guests.  So, you won’t want to miss the double shot of fun as Emily and I take over each other’s blog!

Watch each month for Freaky Fridays when Etiquette by Emily and At Home with Kayla Price tackle topics that you won’t want to miss!  If you have a topic on which you would like to read our views, please let me know through the comment section.

I love to have overnight guests! It always feels like a slumber party to me. It is in those late and early hours that you have the most interesting and fun conversations.

In order to get to take time to enjoy your guests, you must do some pre-planning. Here are the things I always like to do in advance:

1. Set-up a guest room that is comfortable and private. For me, I have a dedicated guest room, which makes it easy for last minute guests.

If your guest will be using one of your children’s rooms, make sure that anything that child might need has been removed from the room. If you or your child are continually going into the room to get something, your guest might feel like they are in the way.

If you only have one bedroom, I would give up that space for the guest. To me, that provides them with the most comfort and shows your respect for them.

2. Make sure there is space for the guest’s clothes in the closet and hangers to accommodate those clothes. Also have a convenient and empty drawer available to them, especially if they are staying for a while.

3. Just like a hotel, it is great to provide a place for your guest to unpack their luggage. I don’t like luggage on my beds, so I make sure I have a window seat, chair, tabletop, or luggage rack that will easily accommodate large luggage.

4. Provide a bedside table for glasses, a book and a glass of water. I keep a crystal glass and carafe by the bedside for those who take medicine or like a drink of water during the night. An available and easy to get to plug is a must these days with cell phones that need charging. Set a small vase of flowers in the room, spray some air freshener and fluff the pillows; make the room feel special upon your guest’s arrival.

5. If you will be away from home during the time you have a guest, leave them notes on how to operate anything that is tricky or unusual (and you know we all have the strange appliances or weird sounds in our homes). It will make things easier for them and you, since they won’t have to contact you for help.

6. When the guest arrives, greet them with a huge smile and hug. Take their luggage and help them to their room. Briefly show the guest through the room, pointing out the closet space, drawer, area for unpacking their luggage. Show them the bath and their towels. Ask if they need anything. Provide them with a cold drink. Let them have some time alone to settle in. Meet them back in the living room or kitchen with a snack. Show them where they can find sodas, coffee, water, etc.

7. Depending on the type of guest (family, friends, business acquaintance) you have visiting, make a plan for the time they will be with you. Maybe show them some local points of interest. Provide them with a Chamber of Commerce map. Drive them around town. Whatever you plan, always consult your guest on what they prefer. Do they want to relax, sleep, stay calm? Or maybe they want to see it all and do it all.

8. Before your guest arrives, spend the night in the guest room. We have all heard this before, but it really does help. See and experience what they will see and experience. Maybe you have cobwebs in your light fixture. Maybe the pool pump outside is loud and startling. Maybe you need another blanket on the foot of the bed or plumper pillows.

9. If you have any expectations, share them with your guest. Such as, “I have to be at work at 8 a.m. in the morning, so I will need the bathroom from 7-7:30 a.m. Will that work with your schedule?”

10. If you plan to cook while your guest is visiting, plan the menu, shop for the groceries and do any possible prep-work in advance. This will leave you more time to enjoy your visitor!

The goal is make to your guest feel comfortable, relaxed and at home. The more welcoming, gracious and accommodating you can be, the more fun you and your guest will have. It all starts with planning! Enjoy!

Don’t forget to check back in a few hours for Etiquette by Emily’s thoughts on overnight guests.