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Ashley Abramson is a writer-mom hybrid. Her work, mostly focused on health, psychology, and parenting, has been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, Allure, and more. She lives in the Milwaukee suburbs with her husband and two young sons.
With the first frost expected in the coming week and Storm Claudia having whipped through the country, experts warn that now is the time for everyone to clean their gutters before the first frost.
Cleaning your gutters might not be the most glamorous job, but it is one of the most important. ‘Problems often result from blockages due to leaves and debris, such as moss, being washed off the roof. Gutters will overflow, causing water damage to the building’s structure. Water saturating masonry may also result in frost damage and staining, and will make a wall feel cold, while downpipes may freeze and fracture if water is trapped,’ says Roger Hunt, author of Old House Handbook.
‘Gutters work quietly in the background to protect your home, but they need regular care, especially at this time of year. A few simple checks can make all the difference in preventing leaks and moisture build-up.’
(Image credit: Getty Images)
By this point in the season, the majority of leaves will have fallen from the trees –meaning any potential blockages will have already occurred.
‘Autumn leaves are the biggest culprits for blockages, and it’s important that you clear your gutters and drainpipes regularly to make sure rainwater can flow freely,’ says Mike Storey, roofing and insulation expert at UKFR Roofing & Insulation. However, cleaning gutters is one of those home repairs you can DIY. For most homes, you can clean gutters using DIY gutter cleaning tools such as this ProGutter Half Round Gutter Cleaning Scraper. ‘Remove large debris by hand and then flush the gutters with a hosepipe to check water flow,’ advises Mike.
Doing this before the first frost will mean that water won’t be trapped in the gutter, where it can freeze and cause cracks in the pipes. After all, no one wants to have to budget to replace gutters in the run-up to Christmas.
(Image credit: myjobquote.co.uk)
‘Your gutters aren’t needed as much in summer, but now the rain and falling leaves have returned in autumn ahead of the inevitable freezing conditions in winter, they become a key part of your home’s defence against the elements once again. Regular checks, especially before and after heavy weather, are the simplest way to keep everything running smoothly and protect your home throughout the autumn and winter seasons,’ says Mike Storey, roofing and insulation expert at UKFR Roofing & Insulation.
‘Autumn is notorious for fallen leaves and moss blocking gutters, which can stop rainwater from draining away from your house. Instead, it can pool on your roof and leak into your home through small cracks,’ says Rhoddy MacKinnon, Group construction director at Barratt David Wilson Homes. ‘In winter, even a small leak can be devastating to a home as poor weather conditions can worsen existing issues.’ Preventing cracks and leaks is essential in protecting your home from damp.
When looking for leaks, you can either wait for a rainy day – to assess how the gutters are working in reality – or simulate the effect with a bucket of water or a hose. ‘The source of water seepage from downpipes and gutters is not always obvious, so check the back, if necessary using a mirror,’ advises Roger Hunt.
If you spot a leak, tape it up using Butyl Tape Waterproof available from Amazon, then call in the professionals. Alternatively, if you are confident with your DIY abilities, you could fix a leaky gutter yourself.
Not checking your gutters can have disastrous consequences.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
‘One of the biggest – and most expensive – consequences of blocked gutters is structural damage to the foundation of your home. If your gutters fail, water can spill down the side of your house and pool around the foundation, potentially leading to subsidence,’ says Charlie McNeill, Managing Director at Rainclear. ‘The average cost of dealing with subsidence is around £12,500 – but depending on the severity, it can often cost a lot more. Subsidence can also impact the future value of your home and make it more costly to secure home insurance.’
One of the more common consequences of overflowing gutters is damp, mould and condensation. ‘This could set you back around £300 to remove. Worse still, mould within the home can lead to serious health problems if left untreated,’ adds Charlie.
(Image credit: Future)
‘Blocked gutters can cause all sorts of problems: damp, rot, even damage to your roof or walls. When everything is flowing freely again, I recommend investing in gutter guards, which are a simple fix that can save you hassle further down the line,’ advises Clara Dursent, Brand Manager at Thompson’s.
Gutter guards – or a gutter brush like this from Amazon – fill the gutter without blocking drainage of water, to stop debris from collecting in the first place, reducing the risk of accidental damage to your home. Alternatively, you could install a gutter mesh – like this, Parkland design available on Amazon – for a more invisible finish.
Sorting out your gutters now will save you all sorts of trouble further down the line.
A beautiful scent is the perfect greeting for your home. A homemade air freshener is the best option if you want your home to smell great without the added toxic ingredients. Many store-bought air fresheners contain synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances, but if you’d prefer a safer, more natural option, homemade air fresheners are the perfect solution.
Creating your own air freshener gives you complete control over the scent and saves money in the process.
No more settling for store-bought fragrances you don’t love — when you make it yourself, you can switch scents anytime and experiment with new blends.
The best part?
You’ll be able to find most of the ingredients right in your kitchen pantry.
There are several health and environmental benefits to making your own air freshener. While going the do-it-yourself route isn’t for everyone, it’s great for those who want a break from store-bought options.
If the idea of DIY feels intimidating, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with simple, step-by-step recipes and creative ideas.
Citrus is the perfect “fresh” scent that screams clean and inviting. Lemons, limes, and oranges bring a bright, uplifting aroma that energizes any space.
Here are some quick tricks that will make your home smell like sunshine:
Baking extracts aren’t just for your favorite desserts – they’re the perfect ingredients for natural air freshening.
Vanilla, almond, and peppermint create cozy, comforting aromas.
Baking soda is a multi-use kitchen staple that can be used for everything from baking cookies to cleaning.
You can also use baking soda to deodorize – as a natural deodorizer, it neutralizes unpleasant smells, creating a clean slate for your favorite scents.
Essential oils are the magic behind a good DIY air freshener.
Their concentrated aromas are strong enough that a little goes a long way, helping to transform any space from calming lavender for bedrooms to awakening citrus for work areas.
Potpourri has been a classic scent blend used to not only leave a space smelling lovely but also add a decorative touch.
Here’s a way to add a little modern twist to this timeless classic:
Pinecones bring the ultimate cozy element to your home. When mixed with cinnamon or vanilla, the smell works great for colder months.
Plus, the natural accents double as décor for mantels or holiday centerpieces.
Warm, aromatic, and grounding. Coffee grounds naturally awaken the senses, but they also absorb odors.
They are great for small pantries and kitchens, or any area you want to keep fresh.
Easy, affordable, and elegant, reed diffusers will elevate your home decor while delivering a steady stream of fragrance (free of flames or sprays).
Place them on your desk, credenza, or anywhere you want a continuous scent.
Cinnamon is comforting and nostalgic. When you place cinnamon sticks in your home as a centerpiece or mantel decor accent, it makes the atmosphere feel like the holidays.
Here’s how to create a room spray that you can use whenever you want the smell of cinnamon in the air.
Your average home mason jar has so many uses, including as an air freshener.
All you need to do is fill it with some of your favorite natural herbs and fruits, some water, and you have an affordable natural fragrance to last all day long.
When you create your own home fragrance, you’re giving yourself a beautiful gift—one that fills your space with a scent that’s uniquely yours.
To make this gift to yourself (and your home) even more special and long-lasting, try these simple tips:
Homemade air fresheners are a healthier, eco-friendly way to help your home smell amazing. You get complete control of ingredients, letting you avoid the harmful stuff and create scents that reflect your personality. From citrus to cinnamon, these DIY scents will make your home feel fresh and inviting every day.
There’s something magical about opening your home to friends and family. Whether you’re hosting overnight visitors for the holidays, welcoming out-of-town guests for a summer weekend, or having house guests stay while they’re in town for a special event, making people feel comfortable and cared for is one of life’s simple joys.
But if you’ve ever stressed about whether you’ve thought of everything or wondered how to make guests feel welcome when you don’t have a dedicated guest room, you’re definitely not alone!
The good news?
Creating a warm, welcoming environment doesn’t require a perfectly styled guest bedroom or an entire home makeover. It’s all about thoughtful touches that show you’ve prepared for their arrival and genuinely want them to feel at home.
From the practical essentials to those nice touches that make all the difference, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about being a gracious host. No matter what season you’re welcoming guests or what kind of space you’re working with.
Before your guests arrive, a little preparation goes a long way in making them feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door.
Nothing says “welcome” quite like a clean, tidy space. You don’t need to achieve perfection (remember, we’re going for comfortable, not intimidating!), but focusing on the areas your guests will use most makes a big difference.
Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to the shower, toilet, and sink. Fresh towels, a clean bath mat, and sparkling fixtures create an inviting atmosphere.
I always do a quick wipe-down of light switches and door handles—those high-touch areas that we don’t always think about but guests definitely notice.
In the guest bedroom or sleeping area, dust surfaces, vacuum or sweep floors, and ensure the bedding is freshly laundered.
If you’re hosting during warmer months, having a fan available can be a lifesaver. During colder seasons, make sure the room is comfortably warm and that extra blankets are within easy reach.
Don’t forget about common areas where your guests will spend time. A quick declutter of the living room and a tidy kitchen create a welcoming backdrop for your time together.
Not everyone has a dedicated guest room, and that’s perfectly okay!
Whether your overnight visitors are staying in a spare bedroom, sleeping on the couch, or using an air mattress in your home office, you can still create a comfortable retreat.
For those lucky enough to have a guest bedroom, the basics matter: clean sheets, adequate pillows (including options for different sleeping preferences), and appropriate bedding for the season.
A bedside lamp ensures guests can read or navigate the room at night without fumbling for a switch.
If you’re working with limited space, get creative! An air mattress or sleeper sofa can be surprisingly comfortable with the right bedding.
Add a small nightstand or even a chair beside the bed to hold personal items, glasses of water, and phones. A privacy curtain or room divider can transform a corner of your living room into a semi-private sleeping area.
Whether you have a dedicated guest room or you’re creating a temporary sleeping space, certain essentials help guests feel settled and cared for.
Think about what you reach for on your own nightstand and recreate that convenience for your guests.
A bedside lamp with easy-to-reach controls is essential. Nobody wants to get up to turn off an overhead light after getting cozy in bed. Add a small clock (or let guests know the time is on their phones, if you prefer a more minimal look) and consider including a carafe or bottled water so they can hydrate during the night without wandering to the kitchen.
A small tray on the nightstand can corral these items and provide a designated spot for guests to place their belongings like jewelry, watches, or glasses.
It’s a simple touch that prevents the “where did I put my ring?” scramble in the morning.
Even if your guests are only staying a night or two, giving them space to unpack and organize their belongings makes a huge difference in helping them feel settled rather than living out of a suitcase.
Clear out a section of the closet (or the entire closet if you can) and provide a few hangers. If closet space is limited, a coat rack or even hooks on the back of the door work beautifully.
A luggage rack or a cleared chair gives guests a place to set their suitcase without bending to the floor.
Consider adding a bin or basket where guests can toss items like dirty clothes or toiletries they don’t want mixed with clean belongings.
This small gesture shows you’ve thought about the practical realities of staying in someone else’s home.
The bathroom is where guests often need the most thoughtfulness, especially if they’re sharing this space with your household.
Make sure your guests have everything they might need, even if they forgot to pack something. Fresh towels are non-negotiable. I like to provide at least two per guest (one for the shower and one for the face/hands) plus a washcloth.
Stack them somewhere obvious or, better yet, show guests where towels are located when you give them a quick house tour.
Keep travel-sized toiletries on hand for guests who might have forgotten items.
Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap are the basics, but body wash, lotion, and even a spare toothbrush can be lifesavers.
You can arrange these in a small basket in the bathroom or place them in the guest bedroom, depending on your setup.
If you share a bathroom with guests, consider creating a designated space for their belongings—a cleared shelf or a basket they can use keeps their items separate from yours and helps them feel less intrusive.
Beyond the basics, a few thoughtful touches transform a functional bathroom into a spa-like retreat. A candle creates a pleasant atmosphere (and can provide soft lighting for a relaxing bath).
If you have the space, a small vase with fresh flowers or a pretty soap dish adds a welcoming element.
During holiday hosting season, you might add seasonal scents—peppermint or pine in winter, fresh citrus in summer. And don’t underestimate the power of a good bathroom fan if your space tends to get humid!
Helping guests feel comfortable helping themselves to snacks and drinks is a cornerstone of good hospitality.
Before guests arrive, stock up on basics that work for different dietary preferences. Bottled water, various beverages (coffee, tea, maybe some sparkling water or juice), and easy snacks like fresh fruit, crackers, cheese, and nuts give guests options throughout the day.
If you know your guests’ preferences, personalize your selections. Maybe your sister-in-law loves almond milk in her coffee, or your college friend is obsessed with a particular brand of tea.
These small gestures show you were thinking about them specifically.
For holiday hosting, having sweeteners, creamers, and various coffee options ensures everyone can start their day just how they like it. During summer visits, keeping cold drinks readily available and maybe some popsicles for afternoon treats shows thoughtful planning.
Set up a beverage station with mugs, glasses, and everything needed to make coffee or tea.
A small tray with sweeteners, spoons, and napkins makes it easy for guests to help themselves without asking where everything is located. This is especially helpful for early risers who wake up before their hosts.
Keep a basket of snacks on the counter or designate a specific cabinet or shelf as the “guest snack zone.”
When you show guests around, point out where things are and genuinely encourage them to help themselves whenever they’re hungry or thirsty. The phrase “make yourself at home” only works if guests actually feel comfortable doing so!
A thoughtfully assembled welcome basket is a lovely way to make guests feel anticipated and valued. This doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. It’s truly the thought that counts.
Start with the basics: bottled water, some wrapped snacks (granola bars, nuts, crackers, chocolate), and perhaps a piece of fruit. Add any items specific to your guest’s preferences if you know them.
Include practical items they might have forgotten: travel-sized toiletries, a phone charger, maybe a small sewing kit or stain remover stick. During different seasons, you might add items like sunscreen and bug spray for summer guests, or hand lotion and lip balm for winter visitors.
A personal note welcoming them to your home adds a warm, personal touch that guests will appreciate.
You might also include local information like wifi passwords, house quirks they should know about (“the bathroom door sticks a bit, just give it a good pull!”), or recommendations for nearby restaurants and attractions if they have free time.
The physical setup is important, but making guests truly feel welcome goes beyond having fresh towels and snacks ready.
When guests arrive, give them a quick tour highlighting what they need to know. Show them where they’ll be sleeping, where towels and toiletries are located, how to work the shower, and where to find snacks and beverages.
Point out any quirks (“the front door lock is a bit finicky”) and make sure they know the wifi password.
Most importantly, let them know they should ask for anything they need. Some hosts worry about being too specific with instructions, but guests genuinely appreciate knowing where things are and how they work.
It eliminates that awkward “I don’t want to bother them” hesitation that can make people uncomfortable.
While it’s wonderful to spend quality time with your house guests, remember that everyone needs some downtime to recharge. Make sure your guests know they can retreat to their room or space whenever they need to, whether that’s to take a nap, make a phone call, or just have some quiet time.
Provide entertainment options for those moments when they’re on their own—books, magazines, streaming service information, or recommendations for nearby activities if they want to explore solo. During holiday visits when the house might be bustling with activity, having a quiet retreat becomes even more important.
Not everyone operates on the same schedule, and that’s completely fine! Let guests know it’s okay if they sleep in or turn in early.
Make sure they can access what they need without waking you, hence the self-serve breakfast station and clearly communicated locations of everything.
If you’re hosting during the holidays or special events, communicate the planned schedule but keep it flexible. Not everyone wants to participate in every activity, and giving guests permission to opt out without guilt is a generous gesture.
The holidays bring their own special energy (and sometimes stress!) to hosting. In addition to the regular guest comforts, consider:
Warm-weather hosting has different requirements:
Don’t let limited space stop you from welcoming overnight visitors! A few strategies help maximize comfort:
How you send guests off to bed and greet them in the morning sets the tone for their entire stay.
Before everyone turns in for the night, do a quick check-in with your guests. Make sure they have everything they need, show them (again, if necessary) where things are, and confirm plans for the morning. This is when you might mention whether breakfast will be at a specific time or if it’s a help-yourself situation.
Let them know it’s fine to get up during the night for water or the bathroom—you want them to feel comfortable, not like they’re creeping around trying not to wake anyone. If there are any household sounds they might hear (the furnace clicking on, the ice maker, a pet moving around), mentioning these can prevent middle-of-the-night confusion.
Have coffee ready or at least easily accessible, along with breakfast options. If you’re preparing a meal, wonderful! If not, make sure there are easy options available like fresh fruit, yogurt, bagels, or cereal so guests can fuel up whenever they wake.
Respect different morning personalities—some people wake up chatty and energized, others need quiet coffee time before engaging. Follow your guests’ lead rather than forcing conversation if they seem like they need space to wake up fully.
Beyond all the practical preparations, the most important elements of hospitality are harder to quantify:
Genuine warmth and enthusiasm about their visit set the foundation.
Even if you’re stressed about preparation or worried about having everything perfect, let your guests know you’re truly happy to have them.
Flexibility and grace when things don’t go exactly as planned.
The air mattress has a slow leak?
You forgot to buy someone’s favorite coffee creamer?
Laugh it off and problem-solve together. Your attitude matters more than perfect execution.
Making them feel included in your routines and rhythms rather than like they’re interrupting your life. The goal is to make guests feel like part of your household, not like visitors being entertained.
Being present during their visit.
Yes, you might need to do some meal prep or handle other tasks, but carving out quality time to actually connect is what makes visits memorable.
Here’s a quick reference list to make sure you’ve covered all the bases:
Making guests feel welcome is less about having a Pinterest-perfect setup and more about creating an environment where people feel comfortable, cared for, and genuinely wanted in your space.
Whether you’re hosting in a spacious home with a dedicated guest suite or making room on your couch in a small apartment, thoughtful preparation and warm hospitality create the same welcoming atmosphere.
The beauty of hosting is that it’s as much about connection as it is about comfort. Sure, fresh towels and a well-stocked fridge matter, but what your guests will remember most is how you made them feel.
Did they feel like an imposition or an honored guest?
Were they comfortable asking for what they needed?
Could they relax and be themselves in your space?
Start with the practical essentials we’ve covered, add personal touches that show you were thinking about your specific guests, and then let go of any pressure to be perfect.
Your warmth, flexibility, and genuine happiness to have them there will shine through and create the welcoming environment you’re hoping for.
Remember, every host has had moments of “I can’t believe I forgot to…” or “Why didn’t I think of…” Don’t let these small oversights overshadow the bigger picture of bringing people together in your home.
Your guests are there to spend time with you, not to judge your hosting skills or inspect your home.
Have you discovered any special touches that make your guests feel extra welcome? I’d love to hear what works for you in the comments below! And if you’re preparing to host for the first time, don’t stress. Your thoughtfulness and care will show through, and that’s what matters most.
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