GABRIELLA BIEDINGER - HER LIFE Magazine

Since airplane travel doesn’t providemuch in the way of sustenancethese days, it’s a nice idea to havesome snacks awaiting the arrival ofyour visitors. A simple cheese andfruit tray, or a plate of fresh-bakedcookies, will instantly make themglad they came.touch) on the nightstand. Gone are the times when people traveled bywagon for days on end and arrived weary, dusty and starving. Sinceairplane travel doesn’t provide much in the way of sustenance thesedays, it’s a nice idea to have some snacks awaiting the arrival ofyour visitors. A simple cheese and fruit tray, or a plate of fresh-bakedcookies, will instantly make them glad they came. As valiantly as ahost may strive to make a guest feel at home, it’s harder to convincea guest’s psyche that it’s at home, and psyches tend to cause insomnia.In that event, supplying a variety of magazines is always nice,if only because it keeps sleepless guests entertained sufficiently toavoid waking you up at 2:00 a.m. to play Crazy Eights.Puttin’ on the Ritz (For the Stay-Awhile Host)If you so love having houseguests that people affectionatelycall you “Five-Star,” you’ve got luxury linens, fluffy pillows and cozyatmosphere down pat. But here are a few additional ideas to keepyour guests coming back. Though humankind has bravely soldieredthrough the last decade’s crackdown on carry-on liquids, even the mostseasoned traveler surely harbors occasional fantasies about arrivingat a magical place where all grooming needs are anticipated. You canmake those dreams come true by assembling a basket of bathing andhand washing supplies that will keep your guests feeling clean, happyand loved. Nothing says “I’m glad you’re here” like loungewear. A cozyrobe awaiting your guest’s arrival is the ultimate in VIP treatment—thatis, unless you’re willing to throw in a massage and a pedicure. Take yourwelcome snacks to the next level by equipping your guest room witha fridge full of goodies for a midnight snackstravaganza (drinks, fruits,sandwiches and bon bons) without the exorbitant fees of a hotel fridge.Although your guests will probably sleep like babies in the comfort ofyour luxurious accommodations, it never hurts to ensure a peacefulnight with the soothing sounds of a rainforest, babbling brook or rollingsea using a white noise machine. Throw in a sleep mask and bedtimetea/hot chocolate service, and your houseguests may turn into roommates.Lastly, don’t forget a comment card because how else will youimprove your service?Happy Hosting! ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 57