It’s no secret that making your houseguests feel welcome isn’t just about offering them a comfy bed. It’s about those small, subtle behaviors that let them know you’re genuinely glad they’re there.

Playing the part of the perfect host isn’t always easy, but the right actions can make a huge difference. And trust me, your guests will notice.

This isn’t about over-the-top gestures or expensive gifts. It’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where your guests can relax and feel at ease.

In this article, I’m going to share seven subtle behaviors of hosts that can instantly make houseguests feel welcome. So buckle up, and let’s dive in!

1) The genuine welcome

There’s something undeniably warm about a genuine welcome. It’s one of those things that can instantly put your houseguests at ease.

Think about how you feel when you’re greeted with a sincere smile and a heartfelt “I’m so glad you’re here!”. It’s comforting, isn’t it? It makes you feel like you belong.

As a host, this should be your first step towards making your guests feel welcome. Your greeting sets the tone for their entire visit.

It’s not about grand gestures or elaborate speeches. It’s about showing your excitement to have them in your home, and expressing it genuinely.

Remember, authenticity can’t be faked. So make sure your welcome is from the heart. Trust me, your guests will know the difference. And the warmth of a genuine welcome can make all the difference in their stay with you.

2) Remembering their likes and dislikes

Now this one is a little trick that I learned from my grandmother. She was the epitome of a gracious host, always making everyone feel at home. And one of her secret weapons? She remembered what people liked and disliked.

For example, I remember once, we had a cousin visiting from out of town. Now my cousin is a coffee aficionado, and he prefers his coffee black, no sugar.

And wouldn’t you know it, the moment he walked in the door, my grandmother had a fresh pot of black coffee brewing just the way he liked it.

It’s these small gestures that show your guests that you care about their comfort and preferences. It tells them that you’ve put thought into their stay, and that you’re genuinely invested in making their visit pleasant.

You don’t have to go overboard here. Just remember the little details – do they take sugar in their tea? Are they allergic to cats? Do they prefer a certain type of pillow?

These small things can make a big difference in making your guests feel welcome.

3) Keeping a clean and tidy space

It might not seem like a big deal, but cleanliness matters when you’re hosting. When your guests walk into a clean, well-organized home, it sends a powerful message.

It tells them that you respect them and that you’ve put in effort to ensure their comfort.

Research shows that people tend to feel more comfortable and relaxed in clean environments. The clutter and chaos can lead to increased stress levels. On the flip side, a clean space can create a calming, relaxing atmosphere.

Before your guests arrive, take some time to tidy up. Clean the guest room, clear the common areas, and make sure the bathroom is spotless. Your guests will appreciate your efforts and feel more at ease in your home.

4) Providing the comforts of home

When it comes to making guests feel welcome, it’s often the little things that make a big difference. Providing the comforts of home can go a long way in making your guests feel at ease.

Think about what makes you comfortable when you’re away from home. Maybe it’s having a cozy blanket to curl up with, or a selection of books to read before bed.

Perhaps it’s a basket of toiletries in the bathroom, or a carafe of water on the bedside table.

By providing these small comforts, you’re showing your guests that you’ve considered their needs. You’re creating a space where they can relax and feel at home.

Take some time to think about what you can provide to make your guests’ stay more comfortable. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—just thoughtful. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.

5) Being available, but not overbearing

This is a delicate balance to strike. You want to be there for your guests, but you also don’t want to smother them. I’ll admit, I’ve struggled with this one in the past.

I remember when I first started hosting, I was so eager to make my guests feel welcome that I ended up being a bit too present. I was always checking in on them, asking if they needed anything, constantly hovering.

It took a while for me to realize that my well-intended actions were actually making my guests feel uncomfortable. They needed space to breathe, to relax, and to enjoy their stay without feeling watched or pressured.

So now, I make it a point to let my guests know that I’m available if they need anything, but I also give them the space they need. It’s about respecting their privacy while still providing a warm and welcoming environment.

It’s not always easy, but it’s an important part of making your guests feel at home.

6) Creating a relaxed atmosphere

It’s not just about the physical environment, it’s also about the vibe you create. A relaxed, laid-back atmosphere can do wonders in making your guests feel welcome.

You can create this atmosphere in several ways. Maybe it’s through soft background music, or the scent of a calming lavender diffuser. Perhaps it’s by encouraging your guests to kick off their shoes and get comfortable.

The goal is to create an environment where your guests feel free to be themselves. Where they can unwind, relax, and feel like they’re a part of your home, instead of just visitors.

Remember, a relaxed guest is a happy guest. So aim to create an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and comfort.

7) Communicating openly

Above all, the key to making your guests feel welcome is open communication.

Make sure your guests know where everything is, from the extra towels in the bathroom to the coffee mugs in the kitchen. Let them know about any house rules, like taking off shoes or quiet hours.

And most importantly, encourage them to approach you if they have any questions or concerns.

An open line of communication ensures that any issues can be quickly addressed, contributing to a more comfortable and enjoyable stay for your guests.

The essence of hospitality

At the heart of it all, hospitality is about connection. It’s about making people feel seen, heard, and valued. And while the specifics may vary from person to person, the underlying principle remains the same – it’s about kindness.

Whether it’s through remembering their preferences, providing a clean space, or creating a relaxed environment, each subtle behavior is a testament to that kindness.

It’s a reflection of your willingness to go the extra mile to create a welcoming environment for your guests.

In the words of Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

As hosts, our goal should be to make our guests feel not just welcome, but cherished.

And remember, it’s often the smallest gestures that make the biggest impact. So next time you have guests over, consider these subtle behaviors. You might be surprised at the difference they can make.

After all, hospitality isn’t just about opening our homes – it’s about opening our hearts.