This post is brought to you by Hampton Hotels via MomTrends. Â All opinions are my own.
Are you stressed out over the holidays? I’m doing pretty well at the moment, but it hasn’t sunk in yet that I will be hosting almost a dozen people in my home next week.
The plan is for everyone to come over super early for Christmas breakfast. I’ve invited a few family members to stay with us, but now I’m questioning that logic with everything else that I have going on. I’m slowly realizing that I can still be hospitable without hosting guests overnight … especially since we don’t even have proper guest bedroom!
It think it would be much easier (on everyone!) if they just stayed at the Hampton down the street 🙂
Hampton knows how overwhelming it can be when we accept friends and family into our homes over the holidays— that’s why they partnered with entertaining expert Jenny Steffens Hobick and put together a list of “Hamptonality” Hosting Tips for creating lasting holiday memories {without all the stress}.
Be the best OFF-SITE host ever…
Let’s be honest. You love your friends and family, but cramming everyone into your house for days at a time can be stressful and add to your already lengthy holiday host to-do list! If you simply don’t have enough room to host all of your holiday guests or you just think everyone would be happier with their own, comfortable space, consider booking them at your local Hampton. With more than 1,900 locations, Hampton is the perfect place to stay no matter where your guests may be traveling from.
Surprise your guests with welcome treats
I always like to make sure my guests know how excited we are to have them for a visit by surprising them with a little treat when they arrive. One of my favorite ways to greet them is with something personalized with their name on it, like a decorated sugar cookie or a festive welcome sign. I love staying at Hampton Hotels because they take a similar approach. They often add a personal touch for a guest’s stay by offering a favorite local snack or fun local item when guests check in.
Be prepared with lots of snacks
We all get a little grouchy when we’re hungry – adults and kids alike! Anticipate those moments by having snacks planned for afternoons and before dinner to keep everyone happy. Be sure to include fresh options like fruit and crunchy veggies, along with filling cheeses and more decadent treats so you have something for everyone!
Make time for exercise and fresh air
We all feel better with some fresh air in our lungs. Invite your guests on a walk with hot coffee (or hot cocoa!) and everyone will feel refreshed! Suggest an evening stroll through your local neighborhood to check out the holiday decorations. Guests at Hampton can also get energized and make time for a workout as most locations boast fitness centers and swimming pools.
Make time for resting
The holidays can be very exhausting – especially for your guests who have traveled near and far. Make sure to schedule down time for resting in the afternoons or early evenings. An afternoon nap can feel like an indulgent treat for exhausted guests.
Plan one special night for the adults
The holidays are really all about the kids, but it can be really nice for the adults to get some time for themselves, too. Hire a babysitter for the night for the children (or let the grandparents take over), so the parents can enjoy a special night out on the town. Everyone (even the kids!) will appreciate a night of freedom.
Big breakfasts
Serving a big breakfast in the morning seems to make everyone happy! When we host guests, I prepare big bowls of fresh fruit for nibbling on in the morning, and then make some fresh waffles because really, who doesn’t love waffles?!? Hampton offers a free, hot breakfast every morning with fresh-baked waffles – the perfect thing to get your day started!
Plan fun games
The best memories over the holidays are when everyone is relaxing, laughing and having a great time. You can help orchestrate these moments by planning fun games in which everyone can participate. You can host an Ugly Sweater Contest, A Christmas Carol Sing-Off, or Gingerbread House Competition during one of your “at home happy hours.â€
Celebrate past holidays
Another sure way to have everyone in stitches is to get out old home videos and pictures. Everyone will love reminiscing about past holidays… the bad clothes and questionable hair styles always make for great holiday conversation and laughs. Perhaps dig up some old holiday photos of your guests and use that as their “personal touch†when they arrive at your home for their stay.
Prepare!
Do as much preparation in advance as you can. The ultimate holiday hosts know that being prepared is the absolute best way to make your guests feel welcome in your home because you can actually enjoy them while they are there!
Hampton is all about helping hosts maximize their hospitality during the holidays with tips inspired by Hamptonality. So, what exactly is Hamptonality?
The 5 Tenets of Hamptonality are:
- Unexpected delight
- Being anticipatory
- Sharing a compliment
- Providing a moment of humor
- Showing empathy
With over 1,900 properties totaling more than 186,000 rooms in 14 countries and territories, Hampton Hotels is part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Each Hampton hotel features comfortable surrounds and complimentary amenities like daily hot breakfast (with fresh-baked waffles and hearty oatmeal!), On the Run breakfast bags (M-F in US), high-speed internet access in all guestrooms and coffee and tea in the lobby. Â
Connect with Hampton Hotels online at www.faceboook.com/Hampton, http://twitter.com/Hampton,  +Hampton,  http://www.instagram.com/Hamptonality or www.youtube.com/Hampton.
Disclaimer: Compensation was provided by Hampton Hotel via MomTrends. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hampton or Momtrends.
