Sea Salted Bee: Hosting house guests...

Last week we hosted our very first house-guest since we moved into our new home.
It wasn't just any guest though, it was a VIP: My Momma!

We had a wonderful 5 day visit, touring our 'hood, the famous Mag Mile, and the best of what Chi-town has to offer. Here are my tips for hosting house guests flawlessly and without stress!

Tip #1 - Transportation
If you have the means and the availability, pick up your nearest and dearest at the airport, train station or bus terminal. It's a lovely gesture that makes their journey that much sweeter! If you don't, make sure to give them your exact address and cross streets so their taxi driver is clear.

Tip #2 - Bedding
You want to make sure that your house guests have a comfortable place to rest and relax while staying with you. Freshly laundered sheets, fluffed pillows and a warm fresh comforter will do the trick. I usually leave an extra blanket at the end of the bed in case guests get a chill at night. I usually spray a touch of lavender linen spray too, it adds a lil sumthin' extra!

Lavender Linen Spray

Our sweet guest bedroom

Tip#3 - Towels
I always want my guests to have the best of what my home has to offer, so I save the fluffiest, whitest, freshly laundered spa towels for them. The magic number seems to be 2 bath sheets and a wash cloth. Home Goods has a fantastic selection available for under $8 a towel!

Fresh Mineral Water for the Room is a nice amenity for guests!

Tip#4 - The Room
If you're fortunate enough to have a guest room (like we do) you probably use it as an office/storage unit/gym/whatever when there's nobody staying with you (Ours is my dressing room and our office!). Before your guests arrive make sure that you clear any clutter, clean/dust the room. In addition to that, I always put a fresh new scented candle (candle below is a current fave) as well as freshly cut flowers (you can never go wrong with hydrangeas). You'll also want to make sure that you have adequate heating/AC depending on the season, so that guests rest comfortably.

Bella by Illume- Beechwood & Bergamot (available at Target)

Tip#5 - The Fridge
Now, I know all of my mom's favorite foods and drinks, so this one was very simple. Similarly, if my girlfriends were planning a visit, I would have Veuve Clicquot, peanut M&Ms and pizza ready to go (ahem...you know who you are).

However, if you don't know all of the tastes+dietary requirements of your incoming visitors, it is safe to assume some things. Coffee & tea, simple savory snacks (cheese, crackers, nuts), light breakfast options (fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, toast and jams) and a sweet morsel (chocolates) are stocked. This way you can tide over hungry house-guests until meal time!

Tip #6 - The Plan
Before your guests arrive, chat with them regarding their plans. If they have other people to visit with or work obligations during their stay, help them navigate public transportation, as well as get their schedule. This way you set expectations for your time and there aren't any surprises.

Find out if your guests have any must-see attractions for their visit. If so, look into tickets/schedules etc. If not, make suggestions. Since my mom hadn't been to Chicago since the 70's, she left the activity selection up to me which I love (shocking, I love to be in charge...I'm bossy, I know).

Some highlights included:
Visits to our 2 favorite local haunts: Home Slice and Athenian Room
Wendella Boat Tours for an architectural tour of the Chicago River
A stroll and shopping along the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue)
Spirit Family Reunion Show (seriously, if you haven't listened to these guys, DO IT NOW!)
A visit to Millennium Park (where we happened upon the Symphony rehearsing!)
A walk to The Lincoln Park Conservatory, The Lincoln Park Zoo and Lake Michigan Beaches
Summer Garden Walk, Farmer's Marker & Sidewalk sale
Day trip to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

It was a really wonderful trip, with a lot of walking, exploration and quality time with my Momma!
Here's a few more snap-shots from our visit: