Having guests this summer?

In this post I'll share some tips on what it

really takes to welcome guests to your home.

{For me, this means a welcoming bed with a pretty pillow or two, some flowers,

a candle, and some treats in a little basket.}

Linen Ruffled Pillow

Having guests for an evening or a weekend is something we all look forward to.

Worrying about our guest rooms? Not so much.

The key to welcoming guests for a stay is actually really simple -

understanding your guest's needs.

Ma Petite Cherie Floral Accent

A clean house, a pitcher of lemonade or iced-tea when they arrive,

a coffee maker, nice sheets and simple but delicious meals are the best place to start!

Antique Aubusson Verdure Pillow

So what does it really take to be a thoughtful host or hostess for guests?

HERE ARE MY BEST TIPS FOR TAKING THE GUESS OUT OF HAVING GUESTS.

1. COMFORTABLE BEDROOM. Simple comfort is the key. Make sure the mattress is comfortable, dress the bed in beautiful sheets, and add two pillows for each guest. Make sure to vacuum and dust, and put away anything that doesn't belong {things that you stored there "just for now" for instance.} Add an extra blanket at the foot of the bed {s}, and a stack of fluffy towels. Ensure that there is a place to hang a few clothes. I like to add a small vase of fresh flowers, and a FrenchGardenHouse scented candle {they are not over powering}, as well as a small stack of current magazines and a book or two.

Antique Aubusson Verdure Pillow

2. SPARKLING BATHROOM. Whether you have a bathroom just for your guests, or one that is shared with family members, c l e a n is the key. Sparkling surfaces are always beautiful. Think of your favorite hotel and channel that look. It doesn't have to be opulent, but fresh clean towels, another scented candle with matches, and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, a first aid kit all add to the comfort level. In our guest bathroom, I offer guest some of our luscious bath "ice" - lavender buds, hibiscus flowers from the garden and a mixture of epsom salt and French grey sea salt for their bath to scoop into their bath with a silver spoon.

French Lavande et Fleur Bath Ice

3. TOUR OF YOUR HOME. When your guests arrive, it's so helpful to give them a tour of your home. Point out how to use the radio and tv. remote, where the snacks are, how the windows open, and leave a sheet with information about your wifi passcode etc. I think giving guests their own front door key is nice, that way they can come and go as they please. {I like to attach mine to a French tassel! Obviously this tassel has an armoire key.}

Trianon Tassel

4. TIME SCHEDULE. Some homes run on a tight meal schedule {especially those with little kids} so it's nice to write out a simple meal schedule. If you can eat "whenever" this isn't necessary, but it does give your guests an idea what time they should be home after they venture out on their own if they want to eat with you.

Linen Canvas Weekend Bag

5. TRIED AND TRUE DINNERS. Plan a few tried and true meals for the time your guests are with you. This may not be the time to try out a five course meal you've never made before. Simple, easy meals are the perfect thing. My favorite is to have a few slow-cooker meals at the ready so that we can actually enjoy time with guests instead of cooking for a long time. A fresh, crisp salad, a delicious but easy dessert, maybe coffee and tea, and voila! Dinner is done. At FrenchGardenHouse, I rely on runners and matching napkins to elevate any meal. These fresh neutral linens with the Country Hares are my favorite right now.

Country Hares Runner and Napkins

6. SPECIAL TOUCHES. Once the basics are in place, it's nice to add a few extra touches. A small bouquet of fresh flowers, a candle {matches} and a few current magazines and books on the nightstand. Sweet smelling sachets in the drawer and/or closet, a little basket of useful items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, sunscreen, and a few snacks for late night snacking.

Luxury French Floral Candles

The best welcome for guests is a relaxed host or hostess.

You know what makes you feel welcomed in someone else's home, so go with your instincts!

DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR GUESTS FEEL WELCOME?

à bientôt

If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.