Temperatures are
dropping and the holidays are quickly approaching. It’s the most wonderful time
of the year! Preparing for out-of-town guests can be a wonderful experience,
too. Pamper your guests and offer them the holiday stay of a lifetime. You
truly can be the “hostess with the mostest” if you follow these simple tips for
preparing your guest room.
Designate a
Quiet Space
The holidays are
a magical time of the year, but they can also be stressful. A major key to
setting up the perfect guest space is to allow privacy and quiet. It’s hard to
be away from home, no matter how much fun you’re having. Set aside a room for
guests that’s farther away from most of the traffic and noise in your home.
If possible,
designate a guest bath for additional privacy. Guests will appreciate this
oasis while they stay — a place where they can joyfully relax and decompress
after a stimulating day.
Style for
Comfort
Part of creating
a relaxing space is incorporating cozy elements. When designing your guest
room, avoid any color or pattern that is too busy or harsh. Think about what
you’d want to find in your own bedroom after a long day — cool, relaxing blues,
calming grays, or perhaps soft neutrals.
Incorporate
layers of texture with cozy throws, like our Sven Throw. Add variation with elegant ruffled
pillowcases, like the Gabriella pillowcase from Bella Notte Linens. For
bedding, incorporate a variety of layers that allow guests to adjust to hot or
cold temperatures. The play of textures will allow you to stretch a calmer
color palette further, adding interest without overwhelming the senses.
You can even
pamper your guests to encourage a more resort-type ambience. Our fluffy, cozy Pine Cone Hill Signature Towels are luxurious and available in soft
neutrals and cool, calming hues. Hang a clean, fluffy robe in the bathroom, and
stock your cabinets with spa products like specialty soaps, bath salts, foot
scrubs and quality towels for ultimate relaxation.
Add Personal
Touches
To make the
guest room fit well with your home, add a few personal touches for your guests
to appreciate. Whether you decide to add a few family photos or a decorative
guestbook, your guests will love these thoughtful additions. Display fresh
flowers in vases on our Reclaimed Wood Serving Tray for a fun welcome station.
Holiday scented
candles are perfect for a festive ambience. Search for common scents and avoid
anything too overpowering or heavily floral. A calming leaves, cinnamon, pine
or even pumpkin scent could work wonders for your guest room. One of our
favorites is Roland Pine. Play with aromatherapy and essential
oils, too. Lavender and eucalyptus both encourage relaxation. We recommend a
bit of French elegance with Trapp No. 25 Lavender de Provence.
Fill the
Space with Fun
Welcome your
guests with a basket full of anything they may have forgotten. Travel-size
shampoos, soaps, toothbrushes, floss, nail files, toothpaste and more essential
items are great ideas. Then have some fun! Perhaps you want to leave chocolates
on the pillows, or a bowl of festive holiday candy on the desk.
The key to
creating a breathtaking guest room is incorporating every need. If your guests
have kids, consider displaying some fun holiday movies to watch. Place a few of
our striped floor poufs around the TV for a fun family activity.
You can even set out some microwave popcorn or theater-style treats.
If your guests
have pets, display some dog or cat treats, waste cleanup bags, small toys and
perhaps even a pet bed. Target your audience well, and your guests will rave
about their stay long after it’s over!
