First off, get to know your guest. Take notice of what your guest enjoys, whether it be a treat you can bake and have waiting for them, or having their favorite magazine laying next to their bed when they turn in for the evening. All of these things could be picked up in your regular grocery shopping trip, and if you are concerned about going over the grocery budget, forfeit something for yourself that week. Your guest will take notice that you prepared for them in this kind way.
Use the Dollar Store or Clearance Aisles in your favorite stores. The Dollar Store is a hidden treasure. Say, for instance, you were hosting people with babies or children. There are aisles of cheap, cheap, cheap toys, diapers, wipes, and even onesies in case there is a mishap with their outfit. It's nice to have these things on hand for people with children, simply because Mommy's often lose their brains. And along with losing their brains, they forget very important items! Also, the Dollar Store has every toiletry item on planet earth. Buy a cute little basket for a dollar and fill it with toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, etc. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but just filled with necessities in case they forgot something. Also, the travel aisle in Target is fantastic for this type of thing. Cheap and easy!
Part of being a good hostess is PREPARATION! You do not have to buy anything! One of my friends moms lives in another state and only gets to see her grandbaby a few times a year. When they do come to visit, she borrows a bassinet, play pen, play mats and a high chair from younger moms in their Church and neighborhood. Genius!! It costs her nothing and it saves the traveling family so much stress of lugging pack and plays and toys from airplane to airplane, and car to car. Also, if you feel weird about borrowing other people's items, be on the look out at yard sales. They have the best baby stuff for cheap. Think, people use baby items for a few years max. So yard sales are a great place to find useful items for cheap. Another friend of mine does this and she stores the large items in her garage when not being used.
Think Fresh! There are few things in life as pleasant as a fresh bouquet of flowers next to your bed. Purchase these at your local farmer's market for good prices, or drive in the country for a few miles and you're sure to find some beauties!
Treats to Take Home. If you have a Hobby Lobby near you, head over there and stock up! These are super cheap places that carry good quality items. A great idea is buy a cute seasonal platter or bread pan and have sweet treats waiting for them. When they gobble up the sweetness, they can then take the plate home with them! It's so easy, so cheap, and it sends a huge message. People LOVE getting fun stuff, and all women love things for their kitchen.
Make Their Room Comfortable Some people don't like to come out of their room once they are ready for bed. Make sure they have everything they need in that room so they don't feel stuck. Place a few snacks by their bed along with some bottled water. Again, have their favorite magazines lying on the bed. Place a fan in there so they have that option. Have extra blankets and pillows in case there is an allergy you aren't aware, or they may just like to sleep bundled up. Remember that basket of toiletries we made from the Dollar Store, place that in the bathroom near the sink so they know it is for them. Have a fresh bottle of shampoo and conditioner in tub. I don't know about you, but it freaks me out when I go to someone's house and use their half used shampoo. I feel like I am invading or something. Have an alarm clock by the bed in case they forgot theirs.
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