Company's Coming? A 6-Point Checklist for Holiday Hospitality

Are you happily preparing for holiday houseguests at your Springs luxury apartment home? Welcoming family members or close friends is no excuse to completely put your manners aside and leave your guests to fend for themselves.  We've put together a checklist of guidelines for being a gracious host and creating a memorable visit for everyone.

1. Do a Thorough Cleaning

No one will expect your home to pass a white-glove test (except your mother), but your guests shouldn't have to put up with dust and clutter. Pay special attention to the bathroom and guest bedroom.

2. Prepare the Bedding

Of course, clean sheets are a must. Pick up some pillows if you don't already have them, and make sure you have extra blankets. Everyone has their own internal thermostat and your guests will find it hard to enjoy themselves if they're freezing all night.

3. Clear Out Some Clothing Space

Make room in the closet for your guests to hang some clothes. If there's no guest dresser, perhaps you could clear a little space in the linen closet. Setting up a stool or folding table as a luggage stand is a nice touch.

4. Stock Up on Bathroom Supplies

Let's face it: running out of toilet paper would be embarrassing for both of you. Beyond that, don't forget to have extra toiletries and grooming products on hand. These items are frequently forgotten during packing, so your guests will appreciate a hotel-style assortment of travel-size products such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and extra toothbrush, too.

5. Fill the Pantry

You and your guests will probably have plans for lunch and dinner, either together or separately, but mornings should be leisurely. Have coffee, tea and juices on hand as well as muffins, bagels, pastries and other easy breakfast favorites.

6. Make Your Guests Feel at Home

No matter how close you and your guests are, no one wants to be attached 24/7. Make sure they're comfortable whether or not you're around.

• Have a spare key ready and put it on its own keychain.
• Place a set of clean towels on the bed.
• Write down the WiFi password, emergency contact numbers and instructions for TV/DVD player/Netflix, coffee maker and any other difficult-to-navigate items.
• Put a few interesting books and magazines in the guest bedroom.
• Set up a power strip in a convenient outlet to charge cell phones, tablets and other devices.
• Keep an assortment of grab-and-go snacks such as string cheese, granola bars and fresh fruit. (Ask ahead of time about food allergies or sensitivities.)

What's your favorite activity to share with out-of-town guests? Let us know in the comments!