The Love List On Houseguests

My 23rd birthday is coming up, and to celebrate, a number of my out-of-town friends will be coming to stay with me for a few days. Obviously, things like these require some preparation. Even though the visits are casual and a lot of formal pomp and circumstance isn't necessary, I'm lucky enough to have a guest bedroom in my town house set up for just these kinds of stays.

Amanda Peet's lovely, informal guest room. Photo by Coliena Rentmeester.

In the bedroom, of course there are the standards - fresh sheets, a well-made bed, a clean room. On the night stand, bottled water, a box of tissues, a candle, fresh flowers, and some reading material. Eventually I'd like to add a nice desk (like Katie Lee Joel's, below), but for now an empty bureau with a small TV and DVD player on top will have to hold their own.

Katie Lee Joel's spare but beautiful guest room was designed with her mother in mind. Photo by Paul Costello.

I also like to have a small guest basket in my bathroom (since it is shared with the guest) with spare travel-size toiletries - an extra toothbrush, a spare razor and shaving bar, face wipes, lotion, toothpaste, and of course shampoo and conditioner. I drag it out when guests come and stick it conspicuously next to two fresh, fluffy towels.

Sephora has a fantastic "airplane-approved beauty" section of their website, chock full of high-end products in miniature sizes, perfect for guests, travel, or making sure you love it before you go for the full-size.

For the evening of my birthday, I'm cooking everyone a big pot of my Mom's chilli (maybe some of you remember the recipe?); maybe I'll throw in some venison if Ken, my sportsman neighbor will let me bum some. A small assortment of toppings, some beer and red velvet cupcakes baked by a friend will round out a simple, easy, and inexpensive way to feed lots of friends before a night of celebration.

How do you prepare for houseguests? What do you like to cook for them? Leave me your tips in the comments!

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