I just got done re-painting our guest room downstairs and I want to add some fun touches. We're having our first overnight guests this weekend - my brother and his wife. It's hard to get them to come and stay overnight, so I told them we'd be pampering them! I was thinking I'd leave mints on their pillows and leave out some magazines they might be interested in. I also bought a new set of towels for them to use. Any other ideas?

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I also do the magazines, but also add a few books as well. In our guestroom there is a TV with vcr/dvd player, so I include some videos and DVD's as well as a TV guide/channel listing.

I put out towels and then in the armoir I have a basket with toiletries in it like a new toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, travel size deodarant, razor etc in case they forgot anything.

I also like to put out some snacks...

I'd add a couple of candles, maybe?

Snacks for sure

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I love to "do up" our guest room.

I put out candles and matches, so they can light candles if they want.

I leave linen spray on the bedside table in case they want to spritz the sheets before going to bed.

I have a basket full of books, current (within the past 2-3 weeks) magazines and scrapbooks I've worked on.

A box of tissues, hand lotion.

Make sure there is clear space in the closet with hangers.

Have a drawer or two empty and line it with linen paper or tuck in a sachet.

I usually do magazines, an assortment of books, spare toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, a couple of those bath puffs (my sister ALWAYS forgets hers), razors, etc. At Christmas I usually put out a stack of those pretty childrens Christmas books as well as goodies like candy, Christmas cookies, nuts, etc. I always put a couple of bottles of water on the bedside table for MIL, she lives in Arizona and drinks water 24 hours a day. You can also do a map of the area or one of those "interesting places to visit" guides for your area. This is useful if your guests will be there during the day while you work. I always appreciate a listing and map of area antique stores, most areas have an antiques guild that provides them. Maybe a nice fluffy pair of socks to wear around the house (I never remember my slippers when I travel so this is something I would LOVE). Sometimes I leave a little surprise gift on their pillow for them to open when they arrive. SIL loves trashy suspense novels so I like to have a current one ready for her along with a small gift for our nephew.

I LOVE having overnight guests! It is so fun to pamper them!

Almost forgot! Don't forget LOTS of pillows and extra blankets in plain view so they don't have to search for them if they need them.:D

I use many of the ideas above and the one thing I add is a welcome to our home card from the kids. A day or two before guests arrive my dsd will create a welcome card. She uses construction paper, glitter, stickers, etc....this is fun for her and guest seem to like it.

ITA with everything here - and, I also make sure there's a working alarm clock with a radio/CD player. Our guest room does not have a phone, but you may want one in there with the ringer turned off?

I also LOVE having guests! And, we have them here often! LOVE to play hostess!

All of the other ideas plus fresh flowers! Either from your own yard (the best!) or from somewhere like Costco - you can get a dozen roses for $14. I always have fresh flowers when having overnight guests.