8 Tips for Making Overnight Guests Feel at Home, According to Martha

There’s an art to hosting overnight visitors. A well-prepared guest room, a well-stocked kitchen, and a few intentional details can transform a simple stay into something warm and memorable. On the other hand, overlooking key comforts can leave guests feeling more like an afterthought.

The good news? Avoiding the most common pitfalls doesn’t require extravagant gestures. Instead, it's all about foresight, care, and those thoughtful touches that make guests feel both cared for and at ease—three things Martha, of course, knows all about. "Whomever you'll be hosting, whether it's for just one night or an extended holiday weekend (or even longer), you'll want to make your home hospitable—and your company as comfortable as can be," she says in The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything―Expert Strategies For Organizing, Celebrating, Cleaning, Decorating, and More. "That's not at all difficult to do," she adds. "Pay attention to the little details that add up to a welcoming environment."

Below, see the most important mistakes to avoid when hosting overnight guests, according to Martha.

01 of 08

Don't Let Guests Search for the Essentials

Few things are more awkward than rummaging through someone else’s bathroom drawers in search of toilet paper. "Put toilet paper and other bathroom essentials (hand soap, Q-tips, cotton balls) in plain view so guests don't have to go searching for them," says Martha. Consider creating a small "just in case" basket, too, with toiletries like toothpaste, a toothbrush, lotion, everyday medicines, and a spare phone charger. It’s a gracious touch that saves guests the awkwardness of asking.

02 of 08

Don't Keep Guests in the (Literal) Dark

Lighting is about more than ambiance: A pitch-black hallway or a guest room without a bedside lamp can leave visitors fumbling in unfamiliar surroundings. "Outfit bathrooms and hallways with nightlights," says Martha, and "replace any burned-out light bulbs." Ensuring every guest bed also has a lamp within reach adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness. These details show foresight, helping your guests still feel looked-after when the sun goes down.

03 of 08

Never Neglect Dietary Restrictions

A plate with broiled fish and a summer salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn — Credit:
Jake Sternquist

You want everyone to feel welcome at your table, and nothing makes guests feel cared for like a menu planned with them in mind. Before their arrival, ask about dietary restrictions, preferences, or allergies. Making space for options that fit their needs demonstrates thoughtfulness and ensures everyone feels comfortable and accommodated.

04 of 08

Don't Forget Child-Proofing and/or Pet-Proofing

If your guests are bringing children or pets, a few safety tweaks go a long way. "If there will be little ones in tow (of the two-or four-legged variety), you may need to put safety gates at the top or bottom of stairs and to make sure any potentially hazardous items are well out of reach, indoors and out," shares Martha. Such efforts help parents relax and make children feel like honored guests in their own right.

05 of 08

Don't Forget to Consider Seasonality

blankets in basket — Credit:
Serhiy Stakhnyk / Getty Images

Guest comfort often comes down to climate—so think seasonally, Martha encourages in The Martha Manual. In the winter, provide extra blankets and slippers. In summer, a small fan, light linens, and extra towels to keep things comfortable. Anticipating these seasonal needs ensures that guests aren’t left shivering (or tossing and turning in the heat).

06 of 08

Never Skip the Tour

"Starting off on the right foot will help set the tone for the rest of the stay," says Martha. So even if your guests have visited your home before, don't skip the tour. From the Wi-Fi password to the coffee maker, little household mysteries can leave them frustrated.

"Do a walk-through," Martha says. "Demonstrate how to use the TV and remotes (and provide passwords for streaming their favorite shows). Ditto the fireplace and any special kitchen gear."

Place a small card in the guest room with the Wi-Fi details, and walk them through any quirks in your home, like the tricky back door lock or the shower’s finicky temperature controls. It’s also worth pointing out essentials like the fire extinguisher or first-aid kit.

07 of 08

Don't Forgo Group Time

"Some guests are more self-sufficient than others," Martha reminds us. And while it’s important to give guests their space, hosting is also about shared experiences. It doesn’t need to be elaborate; even a simple activity can become the highlight of the visit.

"While you are not expected to go on all outings with your guests, you'll want to plan at least one or two for the whole group," she says. "Attend an outdoor concert in the summer, go apple picking in the fall, or hit the slopes in the winter. Or visit a museum anytime of the year."

08 of 08

Don't Pass Up Cooking at Least One Meal

simple table setting with flowers — Credit: Linda Raymond / Getty Images

Even if your weekend itinerary includes plenty of dining out, cooking at least one meal at home is a hallmark of good hosting. "It's fine to treat your guests to lunch or dinner at a local hot spot," says Martha, "but you'll want to spend an enjoyable evening at home at least one night during their stay—preferably the day they arrive, when they may be tired from traveling." Sharing a home-cooked meal adds intimacy and warmth that no restaurant reservation can ever quite replicate.