As the holidays near, it is essential to prepare for visitors. Personal touches will go the extra mile to make guests feel at home. Here are Mary Ella's tips to make your their experience so pleasant, they will be eager to return.
The Perfect Bed. Before your guests arrive, have the sheets professionally laundered and pressed. It is the ultimate luxury. Go a step further and personalize their pillow cases with a monogram. This extra-special touch becomes a gift for your guests to take with them.
Layers of Love. Not knowing how your guests prefer to sleep or how the weather will turn, keep a duvet folded at the foot of the bed and leave a extra blanket or throw close by. Everyone loves being cozy on winter nights.
Bedside Manners. Leave a small vase of flowers by the bed and your WiFi information on a pretty piece of stationery for easy access. Your guests will feel at home with this thoughtfulness.
Refresh Your Bath. An excellent way to pamper your guests is with new bath towels. Leave a stack of fresh, plush towels, a comfortable robe and don't forget the little things: an extra toothbrush, toothpaste, and cotton balls. These details make a welcome difference.
Signature Scent. Leave a candle in the guest bathroom to accompany long, leisurely soaks or on the nightside table to refresh the bedroom. Crisp is Mary Ella's signature scent.
Fancy a cocktail? After a day of travel, greet your guests with their favorite cocktail. Ask their preferences in advance, so that you have the ingredients when they arrive. Our family's go-to holiday cocktail is Uncle Joe's Old fashioned (named after Mary Ella's uncle). A family tradition we are happy to share.
Uncle Joe's Old Fashioned
2-3 teaspoons of simple syrup
2 dashes bitters
2 slices of lemon
1 orange slice
2 ounces of blended whiskey
Splash of club soda
In an old fashioned glass, combine the simple syrup, bitters, lemon and orange slices and one cherry. Muddle well to combine. Fill glass with ice cubes. Add blended whiskey, club soda and garnish with remaining cherry. Enjoy!
