Planning a party or hosting overnight guests? I have some genius hosting tips that will add that special touch guests always notice. After all, it’s all about the details and how you make people feel when they spend time in your home. These small things make all the difference.
Genius Simple Hosting Touches Guests Always Notice
Individual Hand Towels in the Bathroom
If you’re hosting a big party, consider offering individual hand towels in the bathroom instead of a communal towel.
Buy a package of reusable towels (opt for something simple and elegant like these towels) and place them on a pretty tray by the sink.
Guests will appreciate the gesture. Just make sure you provide a basket to toss the used towels in and that they know that’s what the basket is for.
Related: 17+ No-Cook Dinner Ideas to Try This Week
Thoughtful Table Decor and Music
Are you hosting a dinner party? A few thoughtful touches can make all the difference, such as:
- Placecards with each guest’s name
- Votive candles to create a relaxed ambiance
- Seasonal floral centerpieces to add a touch of beauty
- A playlist that matches the vibe you want to create
Guests will appreciate you going out of your way to make them feel special during your event.
WiFi Password Card and Charging Cord
Here’s one of my favorite hosting tips if your guests are spending the night. On the nightstand next to the bed, place a pretty bowl or tray with a card that has the WiFi password.
Add a charging cord, too, so that they have everything they need to connect to the internet and charge their devices.
You can even get fancy and use a ribbon to tie the card and cord together.
Fresh Flowers on Tables or in Entryways
There’s something about fresh flowers that makes a space feel elevated and elegant. Placing vases of seasonal floral arrangements in entryways, on tables and even in guest bedrooms is a detail that everyone will appreciate.
Here are some ideas to inspire you:
1. Make Fancy Arrangements with Grocery Store Flowers
Yes, even grocery store flowers can look and feel fancy for your guests (and you won’t have to spend a fortune).
- Start with a wide and shallow vase
- Use painter’s tape to create a grid pattern
- Cut your greenery at an angle and remove any leaves at the bottom
- Place the greenery along the edges
- Place the florals in the center
Keep experimenting with the florals and the pattern at the center to create the look and feel you want.
2. Incorporate Candles and Fresh Fruit
Here’s a fresh idea that’s great for spring and summer. Use small and narrow vases and display a flower or two in each one. Add whole and halved lemons along the center of the table and in between the vases. Don’t forget the candlesticks. Choose colorful ones that match your flowers and table linens.
3. Add Flowers to Guest Bedrooms
A bouquet of fresh flowers makes a guest bedroom feel more elegant and luxurious. Arrangements that include roses, lavender and other fragrant blooms also act as an air freshener (just make sure that your guests appreciate these scents!).
Use a clear vase or one that matches the aesthetic of the space.
Related: 25+ Best Side Dishes for Chicken That Are So Easy to Make
Elegant Servingware and Centerpieces
One of the best hosting tips I’ve found is to focus on your servingware and table centerpieces. It may seem obvious, but it can often be an aspect that hosts overlook. How you serve your guests matters, and if you choose elegant and upscale options, they will notice and appreciate it.
Not sure what to use. Here are some ideas.
4. Simple Clear Glass Pitchers and Matching Glasses
You don’t need anything extraordinary. A simple, tall glass clear pitcher works perfectly. Try adding fresh slices of fruit and herbs in the pitcher for color and that extra-special touch that really impresses guests.
5. Dramatic Floral Centerpieces with Silver Serving Platters
Nothing says elegance like a table fit for royalty. If you’re serving a buffet-style dinner, serve your food on silver serving platters and add tall, dramatic floral arrangements at the center of the table.
Tall silver candlestick holders and candlesticks will add to the drama and make your table even more special.
6. Printed Menu and Fabric Napkins
Putting effort into your place settings will make your table more impressive, and your guests will notice your attention to detail.
With each setting, add a printed menu, name card, bundles of herbs or flowers and fabric napkins with rings.
7. Cottage Vibe Centerpieces
Small details don’t have to be fancy to be noticeable. Laid-back floral centerpieces can give that welcoming, cottage vibe that makes guests feel right at home.
Try adding herbal centerpieces in baskets or vases of flowers cut right from your own garden.
Incorporate earthy and neutral tones into your table design to bring this whole look together.
Welcome Baskets in Guest Bedrooms
Nothing makes overnight guests feel more special and at home than a welcome basket. They’re easy to put together and show your guests that you care about their comfort and needs.
8. Snacks and Mini Toiletries
Here’s a simple basket filled with travel-sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap), bottles of water, bags of snacks and hand towels.
You’re giving your guests everything they need to enjoy their stay.
9. Wifi, Snacks and More
Make your guest room feel like a hotel. Set up a basket on the nightstand with a framed print-out of the Wifi password.
Add a little vase of fresh flowers, a few bottles of water, some candy, clean towels and a candle to create a cozy space.
10. Guest Bedroom Cart
Want to take the guest room experience to the next level? Fill a rolling cart (you can find them on Amazon) with essentials like:
- Towels
- Toiletries
- A basket full of fruit and snacks
- Charging cords and a wall plug
- A vase of flowers
- A coffee maker and coffee pods
- Disposable coffee cups and lids
- Mini fridge with drinks and candy
11. Breakfast and Essentials
I love this basket idea because it also includes some foods they can eat for breakfast. It also includes cans of nuts to snack on, travel-sized toothbrushes and toothpaste, water bottles, hand towels, loofahs, candles and other essentials to help your guests feel at home.
Related: 19+ Fun And Creative 80s Party Food Ideas To Wow Your Guests
Next-Level Take-Home Favors
One of my go-to hosting tips for parties is to send your guests home with unforgettable favors to say thanks for coming.
Here are some ideas to try.
12. Potted Plants
For the right type of party and guests, potted plants or even tree saplings to plant can be really great favors.
Choose plants that are native to the area and generally easy to care for.
13. Summer Simmer Pot Mixes
I love this idea because it will make your guests’ homes smell amazing. And you can customize the contents however you want.
You’ll need simmering pots and your simmering ingredients. A great blend is whole lemons, sprigs of rosemary and dried lavender.
14. Rosemary Plants
It’s hard to beat the aroma and flavor of fresh rosemary when cooking. But rosemary is also just a wonderful plant to add greenery to your home, even if you don’t want to cook with it, and it’s very hardy.
You can buy small plants at your local garden store at affordable prices. Wrap their pots in brown paper bags. Add ribbons and a thank you tag to complete the favor.
15. Jars of Honey
Here’s a sweet favor that your guests will appreciate. Send them home with small jars of honey. Include a honey dipper and a customized label thanking them for their presence.
If possible, buy local honey.
Add Guest Room Essentials
A welcome guest basket is just one way to add a personal touch when hosting. It’s also important to set up your guest room so that guests feel comfortable.
16. Essentials that Feel Like Home
Fill your space with a few luxurious items that will elevate your guests’ stay. For example, a luggage rack will give your guests somewhere to store their luggage, their shoes and accessories.
You can also go the extra mile by investing in luxury pillows, sheets and blankets. Be sure to clean out the closet and add spare hangers so that your guests can unpack.
Other thoughtful items include a lamp with a charging outlet, an alarm clock and tissues.
17. A Stocked Nightstand
Make sure your guests have the little things they need, and store them in their nightstand. You can include wall plugs, chargers, a mini flashlight, Band-Aids, breath mints, Tylenol and Advil, sunscreen and batteries.
In a separate drawer, you can supply scissors and a notebook and pens for their use.
18. Luxury Upgrades
Go the extra mile to offer little luxuries to overnight guests. Instead of water bottles, for example, place a full water carafe on the dresser. Supply them with luxurious hand lotion, body wash and essentials that are easy to forget (like toothpaste).
You can add fresh flowers, a scented candle, a box of chocolates and a spa robe.
These hosting tips will make your guests feel special and their stay (no matter how short) memorable. You don’t have to spend a fortune. You just need to be thoughtful and intentional about the little details.
