Searching for the best way to elevate your hospitality game and ensure your guests feel cherished and welcomed throughout their stay? Look no further.
Creating a guest welcome box or basket – with just a few essential amenities or a luxurious and comprehensive selection of items – is the perfect way to make a guest room feel more homey. This thoughtful gesture speaks volumes about your attention to detail and can ensure your guest's entire stay is comfortable and enjoyable.
From self-care and nighttime essentials to luxurious additions that make their stay feel spa-like, we've got you covered with nine tips to guide you in creating a personalized welcome box for your guest bedroom.
How to curate the perfect guest welcome box
The best way to curate the perfect guest welcome box is to put yourself in your guest's shoes.
Consider what they will enjoy having during their stay, as well as more practical items that will make them feel at home and independent. You can also add a personal touch by tailoring the box to their specific likes and needs during their visit.
1. Consider the duration of their stay
When creating the welcome box, the first thing to do is consider how long your guests will be staying. If it is for a shorter period of time, keep your basket to a simple selection of a few high-quality essentials and luxury items that will make your guests feel at home. Remember that less is often more.
If they stay for an extended period, you can get more creative with the ideas in their welcome box. Consider including some items they can use throughout their stay, such as a stylish tote bag or a reusable water bottle, a customized guidebook or brochure detailing nearby restaurants, attractions, and any other hidden gems you think they might like to visit in their spare time.
The duration of their visit will also help you determine the type and size of welcome box or hamper you want to purchase/use.
These elegant rattan boxes are perfect for displaying a small selection of items.
Your welcome gifts needn't be contained within a box, these hexagonal trays from West Elm would work nicely.
We like these sturdy baskets because they are available in a range of different sizes depending on your needs.
2. Consider their preferences
A welcome box is the perfect opportunity to add some personal touches
for your guests, tailored to their preferences and needs. These thoughtful touches will make your guests feel appreciated and cared for during their stay.
You could start by including items that cater to their interests or hobbies, such as a book from their favorite author or a small pack of cards. Similarly, you could include items that will improve their stay and routine. For instance, maybe they like to sleep with a mask or do a face pack before bed. Do they have an Android or iPhone charger? Do they have a diffuser or scented candle that they like to use before bed?
Including personalized items will demonstrate to your guests that you've taken the time to consider their needs and you want to make their stay feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
3. Include essential information
Providing some essential information for your guest within the welcome box can help guests feel more independant and at home, and prevent them from needing to ask you a number of admin questions upon their arrival.
This could include:
- Wifi name and password
- Information about schedules and meals
- Local recommendations
- Instructions on how to use appliances and electronic devices (such as the TV or shower)
- Contact numbers
- The location of spare pillows, blankets, and towels
4. Assemble a personal care basket
When creating a welcome box for your house guests, it's important to include essential items that they may have forgotten or didn't have room to pack.
This could include basic toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap, or more luxurious items, such as locally made hand soaps, face wash, face masks, and hair oils.
You should also make sure that items like soft fresh towels, a wash cloth and hair dryer are available.
5. Include nighttime essentials
Be sure to equip your welcome box with the guest bedroom essentials for a comfortable night's sleep. It might be a good idea to ask guests what they need ahead of their arrival.
This can include:
- A sleeping mask (we like this PMD silversilk Sleep Mask from QVC)
- A water carafe and glasses
- A soft, lightweight throw blanket for guests who may feel chilly at night
- A few snacks
- Fragrant bed spray (choose one with the best bedroom scents for sleep, such as lavender)
- A small flashlight or nightlight to help guests navigate unfamiliar surroundings at night
- A white noise machine for guests who need sound to fall asleep comfortably
6. Include luxury items
In addition to the essentials, consider adding some little luxuries to the welcome box. These thoughtful touches will make your guests feel pampered and add an extra touch of comfort and indulgence to their stay.
Treats: Providing a snack for guests will always be a treat after a long tip, but why not go above and beyond with a selection of gourmet goodies? Think artisanal chocolates, local treats, coffee beans from a nearby roastery, or a small bottle of wine.
Sensory pleasures: 'Engage their senses with carefully curated scents, making sure the fragrance isn't overpowering; subtlety is key,' advises Robin Aebischer, founder of BUYnBLUE. 'For instance, a delicate lavender sachet or a luxurious candle can transform the room into a haven of relaxation.'
Spa-like accessories: Consider adding some spa-like additions, such as new slippers and a robe. You can even add a 'pillow menu' and offer a range of pillow options for your guest to choose from (depending on their preferences, you might offer them a soft pillow, a hard one, or a memory foam pillow).
7. Include entertainment
For quiet moments, your welcome box can also serve as a mini entertainment center for your guests. Consider including some reading materials such as magazines or books, a deck of cards, or even a streaming service login for them to use during their stay.
Another small detail that guests may greatly appreciate, especially if they have forgotten their own, is providing adapters and chargers for phones, laptops, and toothbrushes.
8. Keep it replenished
If your house guests are staying for more than a few days, make sure to check and replenish the welcome box as needed. Replace towels and glasses, refill their water, and provide new snacks. This shows that you are attentive to their needs and ensures their stay remains delightful the whole way through.
Finally, a handwritten welcome note can be a great final touch to enhance the sense of warmth and personal attention, making guests feel truly appreciated and welcomed into your home.
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