Are you hosting guests this Holiday season? Although hosting family and friends is fun and exciting, there usually is a little stress mixed in. The cleaning, cooking and organizing can be overwhelming if you don’t have a laid out plan. In order to combat the stress that hosting guests can bring, Hampton Hotels has partnered with entertaining expert, Jenny Steffens Hobick. Whether staying at one of 1,900 Hampton locations or with family and friends, Hampton and Jenny are here to help hosts create those lasting memories.
Here are just a few of Jenny’s holiday hosting tips for this holiday season, which will help hosts create lasting moments for their guests and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Tip 1: Surprise your guests with welcome treats
I always like to make sure my guests know how excited we are to have them for a visit by surprising them with a little treat when they arrive. One of my favorite ways to greet them is with something personalized with their name on it, like a decorated sugar cookie or a festive welcome sign. I love staying at Hampton Hotels because they take a similar approach. They often add a personal touch for a guest’s stay by offering a favorite local snack or fun local item when guests check in.
Tip 2: Be prepared with lots of snacks
We all get a little grouchy when we’re hungry – adults and kids alike! Anticipate those moments by having snacks planned for afternoons and before dinner to keep everyone happy. Be sure to include fresh options like fruit and crunchy veggies, along with filling cheeses and more decadent treats so you have something for everyone!
Tip 3: Make time for exercise and fresh air
We all feel better with some fresh air in our lungs. I’d be lost without my daily exercise to clear my head and invigorate my spirit. Invite your guests on a walk with hot coffee (or hot cocoa!) and everyone will feel refreshed! Suggest an evening stroll through your local neighborhood to check out the holiday decorations. Guests at Hampton can also get energized and make time for a workout as most locations boast fitness centers and swimming pools.
Tip 4: Stock up on extras
Don’t forget to stock up on extra necessities like shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, contact solution, and other toiletries that guests tend to forget! Take a cue from your local Hampton and anticipate everything that your guests may need and put a basket chock full of products right in their bathroom or bedroom.
Tip 5: Prepare!
Do as much preparation in advance as you can. Plan menus around recipes that can be made ahead of time – freezer-friendly, one-dish meals like lasagna, or a hearty-braised beef stew are great options when serving a crowd. Run a supermarket sweep a few days before for toiletries. Do your own laundry before guests arrive, so that the washer and dryer can be available for them, if necessary. The ultimate holiday hosts know that being prepared is the absolute best way to make your guests feel welcome in your home because you can actually enjoy them while they are there!
Tip 6: Be the best OFF-SITE host ever…
Let’s be honest. You love your friends and family, but cramming everyone into your house for days at a time can be stressful and add to your already lengthy holiday host to-do list! If you simply don’t have enough room to host all of your holiday guests or you just think everyone would be happier with their own, comfortable space, consider booking them at your local Hampton. With more than 1,900 locations, Hampton is the perfect place to stay no matter where your guests may be traveling from.
Hampton Hotels is all about celebrating the little moments that make a big difference through what the brand refers to as Hamptonality.
Some fun facts about Hampton:
- There are 1,900 Hampton locations
- Free, hot breakfast with our fresh-baked waffles.
- Free wired or wireless high-speed internet access in all guest rooms, so you can post about your holiday travels while visiting family in other towns.
- Hampton Hotels consists of Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton hotels.
MomTrends and Hampton Hotels are having a “Holiday Hosting” Twitter party on 12/17 at 1 p.m. EST.Make sure to register to attend the twitter party for a chance to win a one night stay at a Hampton Hotel.
Follow Hampton on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Giveaway
One How to Have it All reader will win a free night stays at Hampton Hotel located in the United States! Hampton Hotels will mail the winner a “Be My Guest” card that can be used at Hampton locations.
How to Enter
Enter by leaving a comment on this post. If you are reading this via email or RSS Feed, you will need to click over to the post HERE. There are THREE entries per person. You must leave a separate comment for each entry. The winner will be drawn at random on December 22, 2013.
- 1st Entry: Which Hampton location would you like to visit?
- 2nd Entry: Tweet this and then leave a comment letting me know you did: Checkout these hosting tips & enter to win a night stay at
@Hampton@Renae_Chiovaro#HamptomHolidays bit.ly/1hVhOH6 - 3rd Entry: Follow me on facebook, twitter, Google+ or Pinterest. If you already do, just leave a comment saying so.
Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by Hampton Hotel via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hampton or Momtrends.
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