The winter holidays are when we tend to get the most use out of our guest room. Other than that, and perhaps a summer weekend or two, it sits empty, just another room to dust.
With the holidays rapidly approaching, now is the time to ensure that it’s whipped into shape, updated if needed and made cozy for family and friends who visit.
Be the guest
One of the best ways to gauge what your guests will experience when they stay in your home is to actually bed down in the guest room for a night or two.
Is the bed comfy? Does it need new sheets and more blankets? Do the curtains provide enough privacy? Read a book in bed to ascertain the lighting situation, sit in the chairs, watch TV.
In other words, use the room in exactly the same way as your guests might, then get to work improving their experience.
Freshen the bed
Laundering the bed linens just before your guests’ arrival ensures that they’re crisp and fresh-smelling.
Decorating pros recommend that the bed have both a lightweight and heavier blanket plus the comforter or bedspread.
Stacking pillows isn’t exactly a science; choose an arrangement that appeals to you. For instance, stack king pillows against the headboard and then arrange three Euro pillows (26”x26”) in front.
Or, use the Euro pillows as the backdrop and stack the king pillows in front. You’ll find additional ideas on pillow arrangement at Mantouk.com.
Lighten up
If the room lacks any lighting other than an overhead light, consider adding a few lamps. A reading lamp next to the bed is a necessity, or use wall-sconces on each side of the bed.
Ensure that the lamps or other lighting solutions you choose are in scale to the rest of the room. Big guest rooms need big lamps whereas the smaller room would look overwhelmed by a large lamp.
Find additional lighting tips at DestinationLighting.com and Pinterest.com.
Amp up the resort feel
If you travel, even occasionally, you understand the frustration when you realize you’ve forgotten something. When staying in a hotel, essentials such as shampoo and soap are provided.
And, they should be in your guest bedroom or bathroom as well. Many grocers and most big-box department stores carry travel-size toiletries, so creating a “guest essentials” kit is easy and inexpensive.
Use baskets or bins and fill them with some of the following:
- Soap or body wash
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower cap
- Disposable razors and shaving cream
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hair spray
- First aid supplies (bandages, antibiotic ointment, OTC pain medication)
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Facial moisturizer
- A small flashlight
- A notepad and pen
- Toys, coloring books, crayons
- Favorite DVDs
Leave a note for your guests that includes any of your home’s particulars of which they should be made aware. For instance, your Wi-Fi password, the home’s security system password, instructions on using smart-home devices, your emergency contact information (work number, etc.).
Ensure there are enough hangers in the closet, stack some fresh fluffy towels on a shelf, clean the bathroom thoroughly and you’re done!
Find additional tips to help you get ready for holiday guests at Pinterest.com, CountryLiving.com and GoodHousekeeping.com.
