1. Displaying Cookbooks in the Kitchen (That No One Uses)
Sure, having a stack of glossy cookbooks out makes the kitchen feel aspirational. But when’s the last time anyone cracked open that Ottolenghi or Ina Garten tome? These books are props, not practical tools. Their real function is to suggest culinary sophistication.
The irony is that meals are usually microwaved or DoorDashed. But those cookbooks hint at homemade risottos and lavender crème brûlées. Guests are meant to think, “Wow, they must really know their way around a kitchen.” The reality? That thing’s never been opened past the foreword.
2. Putting Out Fancy Hand Towels
Those decorative towels that hang perfectly folded in the guest bathroom? Yeah, no one in the house actually uses them. They’re the towel equivalent of a museum piece—meant to be admired but never touched. And let’s be honest, they’re usually replaced right before the guests arrive.
This habit is all about signaling taste and cleanliness. But in reality, the regular household members are grabbing whatever’s clean and closest. The fancier the towel, the more likely it’s just for show. It’s like a doily, but for your hands.
3. Lighting Scented Candles in Every Room
When was the last time anyone in the house lit a candle on a random Tuesday? Probably never—unless a guest was en route. Suddenly, every room smells like vanilla bean or eucalyptus spa mist. The candles aren’t there for ambiance; they’re an olfactory smokescreen.
This habit aims to create an illusion of serenity and freshness. It’s masking the true scent of lived-in chaos: pet dander, last night’s dinner, or whatever’s fermenting in the laundry hamper. Lighting candles is less about fragrance and more about perception. It’s scent-based PR for your home.
4. Arranging Throw Pillows Like a Design Catalog
Most people don’t even sit on their couch correctly, let alone fluff the throw pillows daily. But when guests are staying over? Those pillows are suddenly symmetrical, color-coordinated, and piled high. It’s not comfort—it’s stagecraft.
This setup is rarely for household enjoyment. In fact, family members often toss them aside to find space. But with visitors, the living room becomes a showroom. Pillows go from squished to sculpted overnight.
5. Displaying “Tasteful” Coffee Table Books
Coffee table books exist in a strange category of objects: beautiful, unread, and oddly heavy. They’re chosen for their spines and covers, not their content. Topics range from architecture to obscure photography—nothing anyone in the house ever references. But during overnight visits, they’re front and center.
This habit projects a cultured, well-read persona. Even if no one’s actually flipped past page three. Guests won’t read them either, but they’ll notice them. It’s a kind of passive intellectual bragging.
6. Stocking the Fridge With “Healthy” Snacks
That almond milk? Just bought it yesterday. The fancy yogurt and green juice? Strictly guest-facing. Most households don’t keep a refrigerator that looks Whole30-ready unless someone’s coming over.
The goal is to appear health-conscious and in control. Never mind the leftover pizza slices shoved in the back. It’s all part of the illusion of a clean, balanced lifestyle. Guests open the fridge and see a wellness influencer, not a late-night snacker.
7. Making the Bed Like It’s a Hotel Suite
Extra pillows, decorative throws, hospital corners—the works. This isn’t how anyone normally sleeps. But when guests are around, the bed becomes a focal point of presentation. It’s all about signaling hospitality, not comfort.
Most people just pull the covers up and call it a day. But with guests, it’s suddenly an art project. The effort says, “See how much I care about your comfort?” even though it’s secretly about making a good impression.
8. Hiding Everyday Clutter in Closets and Drawers
Where did all the mail, random cables, and half-finished projects go? Oh, they’re still here—just crammed into whatever drawer or closet closes easily. The “clean” home is often a temporary illusion. Guests just aren’t meant to open certain doors.
This is one of the most common prep rituals before hosting. The idea is to create a sense of order, even if it’s a false one. Nobody lives in a constantly tidy environment, but that’s the image being sold. It’s fast, effective, and entirely superficial.
9. Laying Out Breakfast Options Like a B&B
Suddenly there’s a fruit bowl, fresh juice, maybe even some fancy jam. It’s a level of breakfast effort that doesn’t happen during regular weekdays. The goal is to make the guest feel pampered—but also to subtly flex domestic competence. Toast becomes a hospitality event.
This isn’t about routine; it’s performance. A curated breakfast table suggests warmth, stability, and thoughtfulness. It says, “We totally do this every morning,” even if it’s the first time you’ve owned a croissant since 2021. It’s comfort with a bit of theater.
10. Displaying Matching Bathroom Product Sets
Coordinated soap dispensers, lotions, and hand towels appear like magic. Where did that aesthetically pleasing hand soap come from? Probably a last-minute Target run or the “guest only” cabinet. It’s all about turning a utilitarian space into a spa-lite experience.
Most bathrooms are a mishmash of drugstore brands and half-used bottles. But that won’t do when visitors are in the house. These setups scream intention and style. They’re meant to make the guest feel catered to—and maybe a little envious.
11. Placing Fresh Flowers in Strategic Locations
A bouquet in the living room, maybe a small vase in the guest bedroom—it’s a classic move. Fresh flowers instantly elevate a space, even if everything else stays the same. No one’s arguing with their charm, but let’s be honest: they’re not a household staple. They’re a hosting flourish.
This habit isn’t practical; it’s symbolic. Flowers suggest elegance, effort, and care. They’re one of the easiest ways to impress without saying a word. Bonus points if they match the room’s color palette.
12. Curating a Guest-Only Towel or Sheet Set
There’s always that one ultra-soft set of linens that no one is allowed to use except guests. It lives in a pristine part of the closet, waiting for its moment. Everyone else makes do with the pilled or mismatched stuff. But for guests? Only the finest will do.
This tradition is rooted in respect and presentation. It’s an unspoken rule in many households—keep the best for visitors. Ironically, guests usually don’t notice, but hosts feel better knowing it’s there. It’s a gesture that says, “You matter,” even if it’s wrapped in thread count.
This post 12 Domestic Habits That Exist Solely to Impress Overnight Guests was first published on Greenhouse Black.
