* 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.*
Let’s face it: the holidays are stressful! There’s so much to do: gift shopping, cleaning, decorating, planning Christmas dinner (if you’re hosting), cooking and baking, getting a Christmas tree, decorating said tree, and on and on. When additional family and guests arrive for their holiday stay, it can add even more stress when your home is at its max capacity. The Hampton Holiday program, Hamptonality, is all about helping relieve some of that holiday stress, make everyone more comfortable, and have a happier holiday. They have shared some fabulous Holiday Hosting Tips that will help make your holidays brighter, less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone:
Tip 1: 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.
Tip 2: 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.
Tip 3: 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!
Tip 4: 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!
Tip 5: 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.
Tip 6: Stock up on extras
Don’t forget to stock up on extra necessities like shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, contact solution, and other toiletries that guests tend to forget! Take a cue from your local Hampton and anticipate everything that your guests may need and put a basket chock full of products right in their bathroom or bedroom.
Tip7: Prepare!
Do as much preparation in advance as you can. Plan menus around recipes that can be made ahead of time – freezer-friendly, one-dish meals like lasagna, or a hearty-braised beef stew are great options when serving a crowd. Run a supermarket sweep a few days before for toiletries. Do your own laundry before guests arrive, so that the washer and dryer can be available for them, if necessary. 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!
With over 1,900 locations worldwide, there is bound to be a Hampton Hotel near you. High-quality and consistent accommodations and amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and free hot breakfast, and the latest technology and innovations, such as multi-unit Power Cubes and the brand’s signature Clean and Fresh Hampton Bed®, combined with numerous locations globally have made Hampton a leader in its segment and one of the fastest growing hotel brands worldwide. Why not treat one of your guests to a night at a Hampton Hotel near you. Your guest will be treated to all five tenants.
The 5 Tenets of Hamptonality are:
· Unexpected delight
· Being anticipatory
· Sharing a compliment
· Providing a moment of humor
· Showing empathy
The Hampton Hotels brand, including Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton, is an award-winning leader in the mid-priced hotel segment, serving value-conscious and quality-driven travelers.
For more information about Hamptonality join the MomTrends / Hampton Hotels “Holiday Hosting” Twitter party on 12/17 at 1 p.m. EST. You can also follow them on social media.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hampton
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hampton
Instagram: http://instagram.com/hamptonality
I am doing a SPECIAL giveaway on my Facebook page to win a FREE night from Hampton Inn! Hampton Hotels will mail the winner a “Be My Guest” card, which entitles the bearer to (1) free night stay at a Hampton location. Enter by 11:59pm ET on December 30, 2013. Must be 18+ years of age to enter. US residents only.
