Hosting overnight guests for Thanksgiving

Photo by SlowMama

Make waffles ahead of time and freeze for easy breakfast.  Photo by Lakehouselyn.

Easy to make vegetable tray for mid afternoon snacking. Photo by Lakehouselyn.

Always my favorite is the make your own sandwich.  Offer baskets of breads, rolls, condiments along with sliced tomatoes or lettuce. Photo by Lakehouselyn.

I bought this welcome basket from a local repurpose shop I love called Angeluslife. Photo by Lakehouselyn.

My basket was used at one time for collecting fresh cranberries in upper Wisconsin.  I love things with a history. Photo by Lakehouselyn.

Thanksgiving is around the corner. You might be hosting an overnight guest or two.

I love when we have family and friends staying with us but I will admit it takes a lot of organization and planning ahead.  I have had as many as 16 for  overnight stays. Long ago I began writing down tips I found helpful in making sure the overnights were as stress free as possible for our guests and my husband and myself.  The key is even if things don't go as you planned, just flow with it and enjoy having everyone together. 

First on the checklist is to make sure you have enough linens, linens and more linens.  Don't forget the towels, blankets and pillows. 

Make the guest room as inviting as possible .  Provide guests with a carafe of fresh water on their nightstand, recent magazines, a small basket of chocolates, cookies or trail mix, and a selection of small toiletries..shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sewing kit, toothbrush and toothpaste, and deodorant.   

Our lake house has its share of large screen flat screens, dvr's, and sling boxes.  and of course  Wifi.  I have learned the past couple of years to keep a notebook containing Wifi passwords , and instructions on how to turn on and off our latest technology.  When we bought the lake house 20 years ago, we had a silly notion we would keep the house simple.  That rule has obviously been forgotten and we have caught it up with the times...and way beyond!  

Everyone doesn't have to spend every minute together.  If someone prefers to grab a book , turn on the fireplace, find a comfy spot on the couch with a favorite mug of coffee, let them indulge.   If our guests want to watch a movie or check their email, they can check out the how-to in the notebook.  

Keep an outlet or two free so our guests can charge their electronics.  

Set out coffee supplies and easy breakfast choices like fruit, cereals, muffins, oatmeal the night before so early risers can feel at home and help themselves.  

Make room for guests clothing and suitcases and provide them with extra hangers.

I keep a large basket filled with menus from local restaurants,, coffee shops, as well as stores, shops and seasonal activities going on in the area for everyone to browse through. (see above photo)

Have a great weekend:)