Whether you're having company for one night or one month, a little pre-visit prep guarantees a great experience for everyone.
These Are Our Most Essential Etiquette Tips for Hosting Overnight Guests
Updated on Jan. 21, 2023
Have friends or relatives coming to town? I know the feeling. Between scouting out all the spots you want to visit, making reservations for a restaurant downtown and brainstorming all the tasty homemade meals you’ll share, it’s easy to forget about getting the house in tiptop shape. Never fear! Follow these four steps to hosting overnight guests, and you’ll be ready to roll out the welcome mat in no time.
(Psst…have a last-minute guest? Whip up one of these dinners quick!)
1. Create a comfy guest room
If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room for overnight stays, perfect! But even if you have to boot Junior out of his bedroom or turn the living room into a dormitory, it’s important to set up a place for your guests to crash. A few small touches go a long way toward helping visitors feel welcome.
- Refresh the linens
There’s no need for a formal turn-down service, but scope out the bedding situation before visitors arrive. Wash guests’ sheets and pillowcases to eliminate any mustiness. (Who remembers the last time they were used?) Set out extra pillows and blankets in case the room gets chilly at night.
- Don’t forget the tech
It seems everyone travels with a suitcase full of gadgets these days. Help out by plugging in a power strip to accommodate your guests’ phone chargers and laptops. Then, go one step further: Place a note card with the Wi-Fi password, TV remote instructions, household phone number and emergency contact info in a pretty frame, and leave it on the nightstand or dresser. Your guest will be impressed.
- Provide space to unpack
No one ever really rocks the “living out of a suitcase” look, so leave several empty hangers in the closet. Show guests where they can find the iron and ironing board. A handheld or wall mirror is also a thoughtful touch.
- Set out extra goodies
Place a small table or nightstand near the bed with an alarm clock (set to the correct time, please!), tissues, a notepad and pen and a bottle of water. A small vase of flowers is always nice, as is a short welcome note. If guests will be sightseeing, provide guides to the city and area attractions, and stack a few magazines or books nearby for downtime. You might also want to pop a flashlight into the drawer or plug in a night-light for unexpected nighttime trips down the hallway.
2. Stock up on bathroom essentials
Company will feel more comfortable with daily routines if you’ve anticipated their needs. A separate guest bathroom is ideal, but if that’s not an option, set aside designated space for them on the bathroom counter. Low on space? Go college dorm-style by gathering products into a nice basket they can carry between bed and bath. If you’ve been hoarding little bottles of lotion and shampoo from your hotel stays, now’s the time to use them. Some other things to consider:
- Find that extra towel set
Freshly washed bath towels, hand towels and washcloths are a must. If possible, try to give each guest a different-colored set so they know whose is whose. Lay the towels out before guests arrive. (Swan sculptures are optional.)
- Provide the essentials
Many people don’t mind sharing their own shampoo with friends and family. But let’s say you have a super expensive conditioner or prescription product you don’t want meddled with. Avoid that awkward talk by setting out a special set of toiletries for your guests to use. Think shampoo, conditioner and lotion, as well as toothpaste, unopened toothbrushes, disposable razors and a fresh bar of soap. Extra bottles of contact solution and aspirin, sunscreen, tampons, pads and Q-tips or cotton balls are always appreciated.
- Point out those semi-embarrassing emergency items
Make sure guests know where to find extra toilet paper and the garbage can. And to prevent potential embarrassment, don’t forget to point out the plunger if it isn’t in plain sight. No one wants to have to ask for that.
- Coordinate bathroom schedules
When you’re winding down for the night, remember to ask who needs to shower when; this will help prevent bathroom pileups. If your hot water heater is the size of a bucket, let guests know, and be respectful of those showering after you.
3. Make the kitchen cozy
Coordinating meals for company can be a challenge, especially if you have different eating schedules. But time spent together around the table can be the most precious part of a trip. A little advance planning will ensure an awesome meal.
- Check for allergies
Ask ahead of time if anyone has food allergies or aversions you should be aware of. While you shouldn’t be expected to change your family’s eating habits, you’ll want to know if someone is lactose intolerant, vegetarian, allergic to peanuts or refuses to eat peas. (Check out these recipes for allergy-free treats.)
- Make a coffee station
If you have extra-early risers, help them help themselves in the morning. Set up coffee and tea the night before. Put out mugs and glasses, and make sure you have plenty of water, milk and juice on hand. (Remember to point out where they can find the garbage and recycling bins!) And if someone’s heading to the airport at the crack of dawn, leave grab-and-go breakfast goodies on the counter to make the morning less chaotic.
- Prepare meals in advance
If you’re out all day sightseeing with guests, it can be hard to get dinner on the table. Prepare a few slow cooker or make-ahead dinners, and whip up an overnight breakfast casserole or two in advance so you can pull meals out of the fridge or freezer to pop in the oven when you’re pressed for time. Set out some fruit or premade snack mix to tide guests over until dinner is served.
- Let guests help out
Most guests want to feel useful. If you hear the phrase, “Can I help with anything?”, feel free to put them to work. Have them set the table, chop vegetables or dry dishes. They’ll feel more like part of the family, and you’ll benefit from the help.
4. Keep calm and communicate
Your guests and your family will have a good time if everyone’s on the same page. There’s no need to print out an agenda, but it’s helpful to have a quick discussion before guests roll into the driveway. Discuss flight schedules, arrival times and departure dates in advance so you know what to plan for. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
- Talk to the kids beforehand
If you have young children, talk to them about your expectations for the visit ahead of time. Remind them of the need to respect others’ belongings and guests’ right to privacy.
- Share schedules
Let guests know in advance about any prior commitments you have during their stay so you can manage expectations. Discuss children’s bedtimes and mealtimes with guests so there’s a clear understanding of what works best for everyone.
- It’s OK to let guests be independent
Don’t plan every second of the visit. Guests and family alike can benefit from some downtime and a little space. If it’s an extended stay, get extra keys made so guests can come and go as desired, and coordinate transportation needs ahead of time. Lay a few ground rules at the start, and don’t forget that your own family needs attention, too.
Remember, being a perfect host doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. If you’re relaxed, your guests will be, too. Taking the time for a little advance prep makes your guests feel special, and makes you feel good about saying, “Come and stay awhile!” And if the holidays are around the corner, worry not! All you need to do is follow these holiday cleaning tips.
Check Out These Make-Ahead Brunch Recipes That'll Feed the Entire Household
Easy Breakfast StrataThis easy make-ahead brunch recipe is a classic for a reason. A savory mix of eggs and sausage gets tossed with cubed bread in a trusty 13x9 pan. Left in the fridge overnight, the bread absorbs some of the liquid, becoming almost melty and custardy. It only needs to bake 30 minutes in the morning, and breakfast is served.
Hash Brown Egg BakeThis recipe is just about as easy as tearing open a package of frozen hash browns! The savory, cheesy casserole is quick to put together. If you look for gluten-free hash browns, this recipe is an easy gluten-free breakfast, too!
Brunch Ham EnchiladasThese saucy, eggy enchiladas are a zippy twist on the usual plate of ham and eggs. Assemble the enchiladas the night before, and they're quick to bake in the morning.
Breakfast Egg MuffinsWhile it's easy to make scrambled eggs for one or two, it gets tricky when cooking for a crowd. These egg muffins are a perfect solution, serving up individual portions of egg and sausage from a muffin tin.
Spicy Breakfast LasagnaEven a die-hard pasta aficionado may not have tried working noodles into breakfast—but this lasagna finally makes it possible! Slightly spicy, seriously cheesy and top-rated, this recipe is admittedly a labor of love. But, once it's assembled, brunch is a cinch! Serve with cooling fruit, like sliced watermelon.
Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast BakeWhat's even easier than a make-ahead meal? One that uses up leftover ingredients! This brunch bake calls for leftover biscuits, cooked ham and apple butter, making it ideal for baking after a holiday dinner. It's one of our favorite Christmas casseroles.
Fruity Croissant PuffDo you have a sweet tooth in the morning? Try this baked casserole, which transforms torn-up croissants, berries and cream cheese into a tender, delicious treat that tastes just like a fancy Danish.
The Best Ever PancakesReady for a brilliant trick? You can make any pancake batter ahead of time: simple stir it together and leave in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pre-heat the skillet, give the batter a quick stir and fry up the 'cakes.
Pecan Chocolate WafflesThe same make-ahead trick works for waffle batter! Set it up the night before, and you're only a quick visit to the waffle iron away from hot, lofty waffles. This waffle recipe is a chocolate lover's dream.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight OatsThis yummy oatmeal recipe tastes like peanut butter banana bread! The trick to making oatmeal ahead is to prep it at night: the oats soften in the liquid, turning almost creamy. It's a filling and healthy brunch recipe.
Breakfast Biscuit CupsThese savory biscuit cups are easy-peasy to set up ahead of time. Make sure you have enough room in the fridge to store the muffin tray, or just refrigerate the prepped biscuit mix in the bowl and scoop in the morning. Leftovers freeze nicely.
Mushroom Asparagus QuicheQuiche is the perfect brunch food: savory, rich and just as good served early in the morning as later in the day. Preparing the quiche ahead of time ensures a rich, savory flavor and a perfectly set filling. Serve cold or gently warmed up.
Italian Apricot-Pancetta StrataThis top-rated brunch recipe is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. A classic strata (an Italian bread-and-egg casserole) is jazzed up with an array of delicious fillings (totally customizable, of course). Think pancetta, mushrooms, apricot preserves, three kinds of cheese and a sprinkle of nuts.
Make-Ahead Biscuits & Gravy BakeAh, biscuits and gravy, the ultimate Southern comfort food! Making delicious homemade gravy is simple, but does take careful timing, which can be tricky before the coffee kicks in. Prep the recipe the day before and that's no longer an issue!
Farmer’s CasseroleFeeding a crowd for brunch? Serve this delicious, hearty breakfast casserole—it's one of our most popular breakfast recipes ever!
Cheesy Bacon and Grits CasseroleThe warm, savory flavor of grits is the backbone of this hearty brunch casserole. While bacon, cheese and corn add ample flavor to the dish, you can also add chopped peppers, chives or spinach. This is another naturally gluten-free brunch recipe.
Bananas Foster Baked French ToastIs it a dessert or breakfast? It's both, and it's delicious! Setting up the French toast ahead of time gives the bread plenty of time to soak up the yummy spiced milk.
Spicy Sausage Hash BrownsHere's another delicious brunch to make in the slow cooker. A little bit spicy, a little bit savory and extremely cozy, these hash browns are perfect for a winter brunch.
Reuben and Rye StrataReuben lovers, this one is for you! Make this rye bread-based casserole on St. Patrick's Day (or any day of the year).
Air-Fryer Sausage Bacon BitesThese tempting savory bites are irresistible—especially if you've done the work of prepping them the night before! One of our favorite air-fryer breakfasts, they'll only take about 15 minutes to cook, filling the house with the delicious smell of bacon.
Sticky Cinnamon-Sugar Monkey BreadPrep this incredible pull-apart bread in advance—the dough will rise slowly in the fridge overnight, developing plenty of flavor. The cooked sauce is melty, sticky and fabulous. Add chopped nuts, if you like.
Cheddar and Chorizo StrataLike all strata recipes, this one is extremely flexible. Don't have cheddar? Try pepper jack for extra heat, or mozzarella for a meltier vibe. Frozen kale or broccoli can replace the spinach. You get the idea!
Raspberry Coconut French Toast Slow-Cooker StyleWant to make brunch without dirtying a sink-full of dishes? Prepare this French toast right in your slow-cooker crock, refrigerate overnight and pop straight into the cooker in the morning.
Green Chile Brunch BakeSmoky green chiles are a delicious Southwestern food that's perfect for those who love chile flavor but not necessarily a wallop of heat. Leftovers are great any time of day.
Make-Ahead Eggs Benedict Toast CupsTraditional eggs Benedict is a treat—and a labor of love to make. This easy make-ahead brunch recipe has all the flavor of eggs Benedict, but it comes together in just 30 minutes.
Buttermilk Buckwheat PancakesWhole grain buckwheat has an earthy, mild sweetness that tastes delicious with maple syrup. It's also naturally gluten-free. Whisk together the batter the night before for easy pancakes in the morning.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight OatsOvernight oats usually feel like an on-the-go breakfast before work, not a special brunch. This recipe changes the game. It yields a rich, chocolaty bowl of oats to enjoy alongside orange juice and an egg bake.
Roasted Vegetable StrataWant to eat up a surplus of zucchini? Try this veggie-packed strata. It's a great way to get more vegetables onto the breakfast table.
Baked French ToastThis perfect French toast recipe is easy to tweak to the season and to what's in your pantry. Try with French bread, brioche, challah or even cinnamon raisin bread. Any fruit works, from summer stone fruits to winter citrus.
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast CasseroleA tube of crescent rolls has a lot more uses than you might expect! Here, it transforms into a buttery, flaky casserole.
Slow-Cooker Doughnut Breakfast BakeHave a box of cake doughnuts going stale? Make this yummy, rich breakfast bake. It's definitely extravagant—make it for a birthday or special occasion!
Vegetable StrataUse up whatever veggies are in your garden or crisper drawer with this tasty strata. As a bonus, it's a vegetarian brunch recipe!
Banana Oatmeal PancakesWant a delicious vegan brunch that will appeal to everyone at the table? Make these easy, hearty banana pancakes, made with wholesome whole grain wheat and oats.
Mediterranean Veggie Brunch PuffButtery, flaky croissants become delightfully squishy in this cheesy brunch recipe. Red peppers, feta and Greek salad dressing take the flavor in a Mediterranean direction, but you can switch up the fillings to suit your tastes.
Baked Blueberry-Mascarpone French ToastThis rich treat is a great fruit breakfast any time of year. Frozen blueberries make it simple to prep even if you haven't been to the grocery store in a while, but you can also swap in whatever fresh berries you have on hand.
Slow-Cooker Frittata ProvencalChannel the sun-baked fields of France with this slow-cooker brunch recipe. With notes of thyme, goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, it's like summer on a plate.
Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast BakeHam and pineapple hit all the right sweet and savory notes on a pizza, so why not apply the flavor to brunch? This eggy breakfast bake calls for both bacon and ham; you could also try Canadian bacon.
Maple-Walnut Sticky BunsThe very definition of finger-lickin' good, these sticky buns are a true treat. The yeasted dough chills overnight, slowly proving and building flavor. In the morning, the caramel scent of baking rolls will make the advance prep totally worth it.
Basil Vegetable StrataThe best part about a strata? The chance to use up whatever veggies you've got left in the fridge at the end of the week. This strata suggests leeks, onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, but feel free to swap in garlic, green onions, chopped greens, leftover potatoes or just about anything else you want to use up.
Orange Breakfast Souffle with Dried CherriesSouffles have a reputation for fussiness: breathe too hard while they're baking, and they'll collapse! Not so with this recipe, which is a cross between a souffle and bread pudding. It even survives an overnight stay in the fridge.
Overnight PancakesThese yeasted pancakes are truly special. With an acidic bubbliness from buttermilk, plus the lofty rise of yeast, they're light, airy and absolutely delicious. Serve with syrup or a more creative pancake topping.
Colorful Broccoli Cheddar CasseroleBroccoli and cheddar is a classic combo you might associate more with dinner than brunch, but rest assured: this cheesy, eggy casserole is a must-try. As a bonus, it happens to be a great vegetarian brunch option.
Ham & Gruyere Mini QuichesWhile some brunches are served family style, prepping individual dishes feels extra special. These mini quiches bake in muffin cups, making them simple to prepare. They're just right for a picnic.
Pumpkin-Pecan Baked OatmealIn the fall, we want to eat as much pumpkin as possible. This cozy baked oatmeal puts pumpkin on the breakfast menu!
Slow-Cooked Blueberry French ToastHere's a great recipe for a later-morning brunch. Prep the French toast the night before, and turn on the slow cooker first thing in the morning. In a couple of hours, the whole house will smell like a bistro.
Prosciutto-Pesto Breakfast StrataLooking for a fancy brunch recipe? This egg strata is packed with sophisticated flavors: salty Prosciutto, smoky Gouda, dry white wine and garlicky pesto. Serve with a mimosa.
Brunch BurritosTo make these meaty breakfast burritos, a melange of sausage, hash browns and eggs cooks low in the slow cooker overnight. In the morning, scoop the filling into tortillas and serve with chopped jalapeños and salsa.
Elegant Smoked Salmon StrataTraditional brunch delicacies, smoked salmon or lox taste fabulous in this upscale strata. Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche, sour cream or Greek yogurt; the sour tang of dairy is the perfect balance for the rich dish.
Chiles Rellenos SouffleTo make this eggy bake lofty and delicate, like a souffle, the recipe calls for small-curd cottage cheese, which lightens the egg mix without requiring the fussy step of separating egg whites. Smoky green chiles, cheddar cheese and biscuit mix add plenty of savory flavor.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal PancakesA mix of quick-cooking oats, whole wheat and all-purpose flour give these pancakes plenty of hearty flavor, but they're still tender enough to taste like a treat. These are great with maple syrup or molasses.
Veggie Sausage StrataNeed to use up a bumper crop of zucchini? This strata recipe tastes lighter than usual thanks to the addition chopped zucchini alongside the bread and egg filling.
Overnight Maple OatmealEvery brunch spread should offer something healthy, whether it’s a simple fruit platter or hearty oatmeal. It’s anything but boring thanks to the toasted walnuts and maple syrup.
Eggs Benedict CasseroleOne of our most popular brunch recipes, this Benedict-inspired casserole calls for making homemade hollandaise sauce. One of the so-called mother sauces, hollandaise is a rich blend of egg yolks, cream and melted butter. It's definitely worth mastering.
Freezer Breakfast SandwichesBrunch doesn't always have to be leisurely. A hearty handheld sandwich makes for a quick, filling brunch to fuel a busy day. Scale this recipe up if you like: the sandwiches freeze well and are handy to have on-the-go.
Overnight Yeast WafflesWhip up this waffle batter and let sit overnight. In the morning, just preheat your waffle iron and get cookin'. You can also freeze cooked waffles for an even easier morning.
Sparkling OrangesThese bright, refreshing oranges are the perfect side dish for a rich brunch casserole. It's especially tasty in the winter, when citrus is at its peak.
Slow-Cooker Breakfast BurritosHearty eggy burritos will entice even the sleepiest teen to the brunch table. In a smart twist, they're made in the slow cooker! Serve with sliced avocado and salsa.
Raisin Bread & Sausage Morning CasserolePork sausage and cinnamon bread aren't a pairing you'd eat every day, but they work surprisingly well together. The sweet and spice of the bread balances the rich, savory sausage—and both are delicious with eggs.
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon GritsHow do you make the creamiest, cheesiest grits? Use Velveeta, the meltiest cheese out there. Extra white cheddar adds a hint of sharpness.
Overnight Pumpkin French Toast CasseroleRecipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Green Chile Quiche SquaresWant quiche without all the work? This recipe uses salad croutons in place of a pie crust. Serve with fresh fruit and other brunch staples.
Slow-Cooker Chorizo Breakfast CasserolePacked with chorizo, hash browns and eggs, this hearty brunch recipe really will fill you up well into the afternoon. Leftovers would be delicious served in tortillas for dinner later in the week.
Apple, Cheddar & Bacon Bread PuddingSweet and savory flavors balance beautifully in this comforting bread pudding. The gently heated walnut maple syrup topping makes this a truly perfect fall breakfast recipe.
Banana Blueberry PancakesMashed bananas add both sweetness and heft to these I-can't-believe-they're healthy pancakes. Serve with fresh or frozen blueberries. Leftovers freeze well, too.
