For the past few days I was in the Boston area, which is where I am from originally. Going back there, regardless of the length of stay or reason for the trip, always feels like being home again.

I arrived Saturday night and stayed at The Eliot Hotel, which I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a boutique hotel in the Back Bay. With less than 100 rooms, the Hotel’s luxurious charm feels stately without being stuffy. The staff were exceptionally accommodating. Newbury Street is within walking distance which makes it a great spot for a weekend shopping getaway (sadly, I did not get to engage in any retail therapy on this trip!).

I had dinner at Clio, which boasts a James Beard Award-winning chef and innovative dishes (my “laquered foie gras” first course was incredible).

From Boston I moved to the North Shore to stay at the Inn at Castle Hill (no, not the one in Newport, RI, which is also fabulous…). The Inn is so blog-worthy, that I guarantee to share more about it in future posts.

The Inn at Castle Hill

Staying at such gracious accommodations reminds me again of what is like to be an overnight guest and the little touches I appreciate when I am staying at a hotel, an Inn, or at friend’s home. I strive to make my home comfortable for overnight guests that stay with my husband and me and have set up our home and particularly our guest bedroom and bath to be as relaxing and convenient as they can be.

A few simple details can make your home a luxurious getaway for your guests:

In the Guest Bedroom

• An assortment of books and magazines
• A notebook and pen for guests to jot down reflections, brilliant ideas, or just a to-do list
• Closet space, drawers, and hangers — be sure to make ample closet space for your guests, provide them with a variety of hangers, and ensure that there is space for them to set folded clothes either in a drawer or on a shelf in the closet
• A luggage stand
• Water carafe (or bottled water) with glasses (I adore these bedside carafes from Juliska)

Bedside Carafes from Juliska

• Extra blankets and pillows of different firmness
• alarm clock (Williams-Sonoma Home has a great selection, like this classic silver bamboo option)

Silver Bamboo Clock from Williams-Sonoma Home

• flashlight
• fan (even if the climate control is spot on, some guests prefer sleeping with the white noise of a fan)
• Diffuser in a calming, neutral scent to create an even more peaceful space

In the Guest Bathroom

• Always, always stock the bathroom with ample toilet paper. No one wants to ask for an extra roll.
• Sets of plush towels
• Shampoo and Conditioner (my favorite is Kerastase. Their Bain Satin product is versatile enough for most hair types.)
• Shower gel, soap, body lotion, moisturizer (you can’t go wrong with L’Occitane, Kiehls, or Bliss for these items)
• Hair dryer
• Other little necessities like cotton balls, q-tips, a nail file, a shower cap, toothpaste, aspirin, sunblock, and mouthwash are also important to keep on hand

Elsewhere in the House

• A House Fact Sheet – create a manual containing important information about your home. Our Fact Sheet includes our contact information and instructions on how to use our complicated entertainment system and espresso machine, among other things
• Local Guides – maps, brochures from local sites of interest, train schedules, etc. You can even put together a little “suggestion” list of things for them to do or places to visit if they are not familiar with the area.
• If your guests will be staying a long period of time, putting together a quick schedule might be helpful. Let them know when you are busy working (and/or attending other obligations) and when you will be home. This will enable them to feel comfortable making their own plans.
• Snack station — create a tray of snacks (fruit, crackers, muffins, cookies…) and beverages that guests can easily help themselves to when they get hungry. Be sure to also orient them to the kitchen and pantry so they know where to find other items they might need or want

Above all, make time and space to relax and enjoy visiting with your guests. Plan ahead to make sure your schedule is clear and responsibilities at home and office are taken care of so that you don’t miss the opportunity to be with your friends or family.