A few years back, having overnight guests just meant getting out some spare blankets to lay on the couch and researching what trendy, “Chicago-esque” spot for dinner. As I get older, I’ve realized that hosting guests in your home is a lot more than that! Now that I finally have a space of my own, it’s been a lot more fun having guests than before! Living in a big city especially, there always seems to be a never-ending cycling of people in and out wanting to visit! (Is it just me, or does everyone you know always seemingly want to do New Years Eve in Chicago?) Here are my tips to hosting a happy house guest!

Create a designated space for extra guest towels

Don’t make your guests go rifling through your cabinets trying to find towels! (So awkward.) Make sure to set out freshly washed, wrinkle-free towels in their bedroom, bedside, or in a designated area specifically for guests. (And don’t forget to tell them about it!) Also, if you can, set out some travel-sized samples of shampoo, conditioner, soap, and so on. Sometimes going the extra mile for little things makes all the difference!

Test the Air Mattress

This is one I learned the hard way the last time my mom came to visit. We don’t have a spare bedroom, so had to create a makeshift one with an air mattress in our living room. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to test out the air mattress we had borrowed beforehand, and the first night, my poor mom woke up at 1am on the hardwood floor and a deflated air mattress! On the other hand, you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable enough for your friends as well. I always stay on this air mattress when I go visit my friend Tasha, and it’s so comfortable, I can’t tell it’s not a regular bed! Plus, it folds up into a suitcase-like contraption all by itself. It’s not cheap, but totally worth it if you have guests on a regular basis!

Create a cheat sheet for wifi passwords, alarm codes, remotes, and TV instructions

There’s nothing worse than having a guest walk into your home when you aren’t there and not know the alarm code. Or need to check an urgent email, but can’t find the wifi password. Make sure to create a cheat sheet with all the information they need to make everything in your house work properly, especially if you won’t be with them 24/7 during their stay!

Light some candles

Every home has a particular scent–often, we don’t notice things like this ourselves, because, you know. We live there! Making sure your home smells fresh and inviting is key when entertaining as well as having overnight guests. My favorite ever candle (that I just recently discovered) is P.F. Candle Co’s Sweet Grapefruit candle. I cannot even express to you how good this candle smells. It’s like an addiction. Sometimes I just pick it up to smell it when it isn’t lit. (Ask Neal. He’s come home to find me unknowingly with candle soot on my nose having to ask, “Were you sniffing that candle again??” ) Another scent which has evoked constant sniffing has been Capri Blue Volcano.

Stock up on drinks and snacks

For both overnight guests and drop-in visitors, it’s always a great idea to keep a little something special on hand for people to much on. I love PopWorks & Company because their popcorn is both salty and sweet, with drizzles of fudge and caramel over salty popcorn! It’s a little treat your guests will love! (Plus, who has time to bake while you’re furiously cleaning your house before guests arrive? Not me!) You can get it exclusively online, and they’re offering free shipping through New Years! You can also get a party pack of three sweet flavors, and send your guests home with a bag as well!

It’s also a nice gesture to find out what beverages your guests like and stock the fridge–but if you’re not sure, I like to stock up on sparkling water–it feels extra indulgent and fancy!