Hey, Harper! How do you decide what you provide for your guests?

I can't remember where I learned this or whether it was my own original thought, LOL. But somewhere along the way, I realized that guests might not know what they want, but they are certainly very aware of not having something at hand that they desire. I have had the salt house for 12 years now, and rented my own house before that. And one of the first things I decided was that any time a guest asked whether I had something they were looking for and I did not, I would immediately add it to the house's collection. Because if one person were looking for a shoehorn, ten people would be looking for a shoehorn.

I have also added, over the years, a small online shop, stocking small souvenirs and extras of the products we use at The Salt House, as I get inquiries about purchasing some of the things we carry. If I get it together to learn how to create a QR code for my ShopMy page, I will add this to the mix so guests can instantly purchase almost anything we use and have it delivered to their home.

And then there are the moments of shared joy. I have purchased WAY too much Jo Malone perfume over the years. And truthfully, I rarely wear perfume, and when I do, I have two favourites. So I put all the bottles of rarely used scents in the bathroom. I feel it's less wasteful and kinda fun. When I am on holiday, I am tickled to find and enjoy new products and scents, especially in lovely hotels, so why wouldn't my guests feel the same? One recent guest was so in love with a particular scent, and though she hadn't worn any scent in forty years, she was going to get herself a bottle.

Finally, a comfort. Good food, easily enjoyed in-house. I stock a few heat-and-serve items in the freezer so that if staying in and staying cosy is called for, a lovely meal is easily at hand, with minimal effort. Usually, there is a lobster carbonara sauce, an artichoke dip, comforting soups, and sweets. Seasonally, there might be fresh lemonade syrup or homemade ice cream.

I think the comfort items are the ones that I gravitate towards the most - robes of many descriptions, sitting suits for the cooler nights out by the fire, woolen blankets to snuggle into, and pillows for every taste, as well as hot cocoa and now fresh herb tea!

Is there anything you have had or would have liked to have had in a rental that you would like to share with me?