Let’s Make A Guest Bag!

By: Ruthie Tanner

There is a special feeling you get when you arrive at your destination to find a beautiful “welcome bag” of goodies. Whether it’s in a hotel room or guest bedroom in your home, welcoming your guest from the moment they arrive is the top of hospitality. It makes your guest feel truly welcomed and “we’re glad YOU are here!”

There are, of course, many many containers you can use but remember to consider the length of stay and number of people who will be enjoying the treats when deciding on size.

For this special guest, I chose a jute bag and added a piece of bling. You can sew it on but I chose to glue on.

(Work smarter not harder🥰)

Cello or Shrink bags are a must in my opinion.

You can purchase these at craft stores in the party Dept. The choice is yours but I prefer the shrink bag. They look alike the only difference is with the shrink bag you use a heat gun or hair dryer to “shrink” wrap the bag around the items, then tie with ribbon.

It gives a finished professional look.

With the cello bag, you simply gather and tie.

Place the empty cello/ shrink bag inside the container first.

Make sure it’s fully opened and spread to each corner for full coverage.

Choose their favorite snacks along with specialty items from your city or area of the country. Remember to consider if food allergies are involved or if kiddos are included.

It’s important to remember that fruit doesn’t have long shelf life, so it has to be added at last minute and may not a good choice if making gift bag a few days ahead.

Trader Joe’s and Central Market is my favorite place to purchase goodies. Marshall’s and TJMax have fun food items as well. Most people always enjoy water being included. So simple but water is something everyone definitely needs.

Place box containers in corners to enforce the shape and heavier items in first. Build with all other goodies, stacking and securing with glue dots when necessary. Glue dots can be purchased at Dollar tree or craft stores.

Including beautiful paper plates and napkins is important. I insert these items the last thing so they are on top. It’s also important to include a knife or spoon if there is a need for item in bag.

Gather the bag and secure with ribbon or jute.

Add a bow.

It could be completed at this point but adding tissue paper around the edge just gives another punch of color and makes it even more special for your guest.

With holidays not too far off - if you will have out of town guest EVEN IF IT’S FAMILY, consider placing a WELCOME basket in the room they will be calling theirs during the stay.

We all love receiving special unexpected things along life’s way so let’s do it for others.

Thanks for visiting Graceful Home

❤️Ruthie