How do I thoroughly prepare for an out-of-town-overnight guest?

Question

I have just over a month to prepare for a seven night staying guest. I hate those situations where it is too late and you think to yourself, "I forgot to this; I should have done that." I'm looking to avoid that situation at all costs. Besides the vague, "dust, organize, and revamp", I'm looking for details and steps. Also, I would appreciate if you could suggest some entertaining activities to pass the time. Thank you.

Answer 1

If possible, provide a bedroom and bathroom just for them.  Stock the bathroom with plenty of nice, fluffy towels and washcloths, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, mouthwash, extra toilet tissue, kleenex and room spray.  This room must be immaculate, also.

Make sure their bedroom is immaculate!  Clean sheets, blankets, bedspread, closet, rug, windows, curtains!  Leave plenty of room in the closet for them to hang their clothes, and leave at least one large drawer in the dresser in that room for them to use.  Having a luggage rack (the folding type) is also a nice touch, too. A small desk in their bedroom is a thoughtful item, they may want to write postcards or notes to themselves, or use their laptop.  Providing a computer outlet is almost a necessity these days.

What are their interests?  What are the best attractions in your area?  What would they like to see?  What types of food do they enjoy?  Do they have preferences or special needs that need to be addressed?

Plan on one night going out to dinner.  Be sure to make reservations.

For at home times, do they like to play board games? If so, have a good supply of popular games on hand.

Supply them with a daily paper and any magazines that may be indigenous to your area.

Try to put yourself in their shoes.  If you were them, what would you need/want?  

Make sure you have plenty of food and supplies well stocked, before they arrive.  You don't want to spend time shopping.

Treat your guest as you would wish to be treated, if you visited their home.

Edit:

One last thing:  Clear your calender.  Try to take vacation days when your friend is there.  You might want to introduce your visitor to a few of your friends, but do not let your friends monopolize your time.  You be in charge.

Answer 2

Load the guest bathroom with lots of clean towels and washcloths and a hamper to put the used ones in, at least 1 extra bar of soap, plenty of toilet paper, toothpaste, mouthwash, a new toothbrush, kleenex, air freshener.  The person will probably bring their own stuff like that, but its nice to have it there in case they forget something.  Make sure that the guest bedroom is thoroughly cleaned, vacuumed-including under the bed and the bare mattress, drapes vacuumed or laundered/dry cleaned.  If the room is large enough, have a nice easy chair with a small table and a reading light so that the person can relax quietly if they wish.  A clock radio or a clock and a radio and a small TV in case the person wants some alone time or enjoys listening to the radio when getting ready in the morning.  As far as activities, what does the person like to do?  You could have a movie night where you sit and watch whatever types of movies you like to watch with popcorn, snacks etc.  You could also have a game night, board games can be a fun alternative to TV or a movie.  If there are some spots of interest in your town, that would be a way to pass the time.  

Answer 3

I try to have a fresh bar of soap (still in the package), a new disposable razor, small tube of tooth paste, and  several clean towels and wash cloths.  Also a can of air freshener within easy reach.  If I know the person well, I try to have at least some of the toiletries in the brand that he/she prefers.  A candle with some matches in the bathroom is a nice touch. For the bedroom, nice hangers and one or two empty drawers in the bureau maybe with some sachet.  I also check to find out if there are food allergies and what they like to snack on.  For entertainment, local museums are often a hit as well as outdoor fun at the local lake.  Take a picnic lunch and relax with your friend.  I try to go to at least one nice restaurant (how nice depends on my budget).  There are many local places that you probably have never gone to that a guest might find interesting.  Get some info from the Chamber of Commerce to locate some likely local fun.  

Answer 4

Awesome suggestions from folks!

Indeed the ubiquitous clean linens and other personal hygiene products is essential. Most importantly: for someone staying a week, don't feel like you have to do turn-down service with a box of chocolates on the pillow each night.  Your friend should feel at home but absolutely attended to.  

Here's some ideas/considerations that might help the growing list:

-- A small or portable bottle of water (and a glass) on the bedside table. So he can take it if he wants.

-- I put a good candle in the room instead of spray.  Personal choice.

-- I like to put a small basket with travel-sized versions of soap or shower gel, shampoo, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc. in the guest bedroom, along with the towels.

-- I have a few books about the neighborhood and city, subway map, in there in case they go out on their own.

-- I have an old laptop in there too! (to check email)

-- Any specific likes that you may not share.  I have one friend who LOVES a certain iced tea, so I buy a couple bottles for her when she comes

-- A phone

For entertainment:  Think about where your guest is coming from to decide (i.e. rural area, out of the country, a similarly-sized or larger city) and offer up things they may not get there or activities they love like art house movies/drive-in, museum, "touristy" or popular places, bars, go to a game, staying in or going to a club/dancing.  Show them the local flavor -- or stay clear of it if you think that's better.

EDIT:  Thanks for the addt'l info!