Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1484062
BY METRO They're back! Family, friends and acquain- tances are once again taking up residence on cots and fold-out sofas across the country as loved ones gather to celebrate the holiday season. That's welcome news nearly three years after a pandemic first restricted such gather- ings. But hosts must ask themselves: Am I ready to host house guests? Travel is a big com- ponent of the holiday season. According to a 2021 survey by The Va- cationer, a travel tip and vacation guide, nearly 63 percent of Americans age 18 or older planned to travel for at least one holiday in 2021, with most traveling in De- cember. That marked a 37 percent increase in travel from a year earlier. Holiday travel for 2022 may be even higher as families adapt to life during the pan- demic. As individuals get ready to host holiday guests, here are some strategies to maximize space and make guests feel comfortable. Discuss plans in advance Every traveler is dif- ferent. Some people thrive on making lists and following itinerar- ies. Others fly by the seat of their pants. It's reasonable to ask po- tential house guests how they envision their visit, including if they plan to stay long and if it will include sleeping over. This way you can make accommodations accordingly, particularly if guests request to bor- row a vehicle or want to see the sights. Create some extra privacy While some homes are equipped to handle guests comfortably, smaller homes may not be equipped with such luxuries. Folding screens can be used to create a barrier and add some privacy in open spaces where guests will be staying. Stash away travel samples Travel-size soaps, shampoos and lotions can make guests feel more welcome. Stock up at the grocery store or pharmacy and leave them in the room where guests will be staying. Stock up on new linens Treat guests to fresh fluffy towels and new bed linens, especially if it's been awhile since you have restocked these items. Ask about food preferences Your guests may not want to munch on kale chips and tofu hot dogs apart from the holiday meal. Don't push your food restrictions on others. Ask guests what they typically eat and then fill the pantry and refrigerator with some of the items they men- tion. When guests need snacks, they'll have fa- miliar foods on hand. Be mindful of bedtimes Consider guests' pref- erences about bedtimes. While you may be a night owl, some guests may hit the hay much earlier, particularly older relatives or those with young children. If need be, make an effort to be quiet when kids or early birds are staying over. Hosting for the holi- days requires a little cre- ativity and flexibility. All that effort is well worth it when loved ones have a good time while stay- ing over. Tips on how to prepare to host holiday guests Rodriguez is "reminded every day" that home- ownership offers finan- cial security. Earlier, his own son experienced moving and changing schools when the rent was raised, and that's why father and son have devised a plan to allow him to save after college by coming home. Stay motivated Guadalupe Sanchez came home when she left college at 22 with $43,000 in student loans. In six years, she paid it off and saved enough for a down pay- ment. Set weekly up- dates on your phone to monitor savings to keep psyched on building up your balances, she advises. Zuckerman says that being a short hop from the city allows her to keep up with friends and makes it easier to stay with her family lon- ger. Plus, browsing real estate listings keeps her goal top of mind. Moving from page 6 home has a 317-square- foot apartment/ADU above the garage. Perfect for a rental, ex- tended family or a sepa- rate office space. Makenna is located in historic Petaluma close to the northern coast and Highway 101, surrounded by wine and farmland and the Petaluma River. An idyllic location with weather to match, one can hike or bike the Helen Putnam Regional Park, explore the family- friendly paved paths alongside the Petaluma River or take a stroll through the picturesque downtown. Explore the area's many antique shops and galleries, go wine, beer or cheese tasting, or enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes, pubs or res- taurants. Experience how small-town charm and amenities come together in Petaluma and plan the next chapter of your life here today! The One56 sales of- fice is at 2309 Waterside Drive in Fairfield. Visit the sales office today. Open Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m and Tues- day through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find out more at Denovahomes. com or call us at (707) 801-0433. The Makenna sales office is at 1205 Del Ran- cho Way in Petaluma. Visit the sales office today. Open Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find out more at Denova homes.com or call us at (707) 343-4783. Content provided by DeNova Homes DeNova Homes from page 5 BETHEL ISLAND - DELTA COVES LIVE ON THE WATER 1,864 to 2,286 sq. ft. Every Home has a Boat Dock Off Bethel Island Rd. & Gateway Rd. OFFERING YEAR-END INCENTIVES From the $1 millions 707.317.3927 RESCUE - REVERE ON 1/4 - 3/4 ACRE HOMESITES 2,526 to 3,457 sq. ft. 3 car garages | Multi-Generational Plans Near Green Valley Rd. & Silver Springs Pkwy UP TO $50,000 FLEXIBLE INCENTIVES From the $900s 530.771.7369 NATOMAS - PROVENCE TOWNHOMES IN THE CENTER OF IT ALL 1,394 to 2,298 sq. ft. Close to Downtown Sacramento Off E. Commerce / Near Del Paso FLEXIBLE INCENTIVES AVAILABLE Fr 400s 074 GRANITE BAY - CARNELIAN GATED NEIGHBORHOOD 2,289 to 2,657 sq. ft. Multi-Generational Plans | Top Rated Schools At Eureka & Auburn-Folsom CLOSE-OUT INCENTIVES AVAILABLE From the $700s 916.597.7684 Photography is for presentation purposes only. Information, specifications, availability, & dimensions subject to change without notice. Marketed by The Ryness Company CADRE# 01996804 BlueMountainCommunities.com NEW HOME NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE SACRAMENTO AREA AND BEYOND W QMI's & CONTACT US TODAY! UP TO IN SAVINGS ON NEW QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES $50,000 $50 000 ENTI From the $4 916.496.407 VIEW Q Homes | Advertising Supplement 001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP H7