Hosting friends and family for dinners, game nights, brunches, and overnights is a big part of our lives. I learned from years of watching my mom play hostess that things don’t need to be perfect to be a wonderful, memorable gathering.

Because having people at our home is such an important part of our lives, I thought I’d start sharing some of my favorites tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way for making gatherings simple, stress-free, and most importantly, a celebration of being together! Today, I’m starting with what you can have on hand to be sure your houseguests are comfortable.

At our apartment in DC, hosting overnight guests meant them sleeping on our sectional and sharing our one little bathroom. It was always lots of fun in a slumber party sort of way, but now that we live in a house with a guest room and bathroom, hosting friends and family is simpler. They have a dedicated, private space, and I have the peace of mind knowing they (probably) have everything they should need.

On top of the usual clean sheets and fresh towels, these are the things I’ve found most valuable:

1. Plunger

I’m starting with the least glamorous item because, if we’re being real, not having one of these has the biggest potential to create an embarrassing moment for guests. No one wants to be in a situation where they have to go asking or searching for one of these. Leave one in your guest bath and save your guests the awkward ask. While you’re at it, put a bunch of extra rolls of toilet paper under the sink.

2. Wifi password

Get Pinteresty with it by putting it in a cute frame or just do what I do and just leave it on a note on the bedside table. 

3. Somewhere to set their luggage/bag

A spare chair, a bench, a dresser, a luggage rack… it doesn’t really matter what it is, but somewhere to set their stuff instead of tripping over it and rummaging around on the floor is a nice touch.

4. Extra pillows and blankets

Stored in the closet just in case.

5. Hotel minis

Whenever I travel, if I like the hotel stuff I’ll bring home a set of the shampoo, conditioner, soaps, and lotions and stash them in the guest bathroom closet. I keep a normal size shampoo and conditioner in the shower, but think it might be fun if guests open the closet and get to pick something different that looks/smells good. I also leave travel size toothpaste because I’ve forgotten toothpaste too many times to count (why?!) and a couple extra toothbrushes. 

I hope these are helpful if you’re hosting overnight guests soon! What do you do to prepare? I’d love to know…