Making Your Home Welcoming for Your Guests
Dear CJ,
I have been putting off decorating our guest room, now I am pannicking since we will be hosting my in-laws for the holidays. With all the other things that need to be done before the holidays I don’t know where to start.
Can you offer your expertise to create a space in a hurry that they will enjoy and be comfortable in while they stay with us?
Hope you can help!
Jennifer P.
Dear Jennifer P. ,
You’ve come to the right place because this is something very important to me. I host guests in my home quite often and am always trying to tweak the spaces a little more to make sure they are comfortable. I also stay with family members regularly and know what I would do differently.
Your family members mostly want to be comfortable, but a few extra touches are extra welcoming.
here are my 6 recommendations …..
Make it Clean
The first place to start is by decluttering & cleaning. No one wants to stay in a room with items and clothing that appear to have been forgotten about, or with dust bunnies under the bed.
Start by decluttering clothes no one is wearing or items no longer used. Donate or trash whatever it takes to elevate the space. Here’s more on that subject.
Then get the cleaning products out. Start by thoroughly vacuuming every nook & cranny. Use a Swiffer duster to clean the walls. Wipe down any pictures or mirrors with the products of your choice to remove accumulated dust and make them streak-free & sparkling.
Polish any wood furniture and declutter the drawers to give them space to tuck away clothes, medicines or vitamins, books and reading glasses.
Clean or discard any decorative objects that don’t enhance the room’s atmosphere. Here’s more on that.
if art & objects don’t make you feel good any more then chances are they won’t make your guests feel good either. Sidenote: unless they were given to you by the guests coming to stay ;)
A Comfortable Mattress & Fresh Linens
If you’re guest bedroom currently hosts your bed from your college years, it’s time to replace it. I must admit, we kept my daughter’s mattress from her college years for too long and even she complained about it when she would come to stay with us. Eventually, we upgraded to a Sleep Number bed so all our guests can adjust the firmness and the position to their liking. But even if you don’t go to that extreme, purchase a fresh, new, basic mattress. Your guests will feel comfortable knowing no stains are hiding beneath the sheets, and there will be consistent overall firmness.
The same goes for pillows-fresh and new is best. Pillows are tricky, though, because some like them soft with down fill, while others prefer memory foam. So have 2 sets with one of each to offer them a choice.
The sheets should be freshly washed, even if they are brand new. You don’t have to buy the highest fiber count, just something soft to the touch. Amazon & Home Goods are great places to find bedding. You can’t go wrong with white. Here’s a great option that I have purchased.
A pretty comforter or duvet will make your guest feel welcome. Something lightweight with a soft down fill that makes it comfortable for them to climb into bed at night. I often find great options at stores like Home Goods or West Elm. Choose a simple pattern or texture that stays looking nice after it’s slept in.
Fresh towels are a must to make your guests feel welcome. Once again, I often find fluffy, soft towels at Home Goods that work great. Please make sure to wash them before your guests arrive to remove any loose lint they cast off. Using fabric softener makes them smell great.
A Clear, open counter surface makes it easy for your guests to get ready.
Toiletries & Hand Soap
Adding some toiletries to the shower makes life simpler for your guests. It’s a special touch that makes them feel like they are on vacation. Consider a quality shower gel and shampoo from Quai. They’ll love you for it and feel like they are at a 5-star hotel. Nothing is more welcoming to your guests than a few luxury products.
Add a hand soap and lotion to the vanity to complete the luxury.
Nightstands, Lamps & Chargers
As a guest, it’s nice to have a nightstand with a place for items like a water bottle, phone, reading glasses, and a book or tablet. It should have a lamp for extra light when needed. Some lamps or nightstands have USB ports for charging a phone, which is an extra perk, but even an outlet behind or near the nightstand will work.
Provide Adequate Storage
Although some guests might be okay with living out of their suitcase, it’s a nice bonus if you have space in the closet for them to hang their clothes. Provide some felt-covered hangars like these to make it inviting to settle in.
Drawer storage is another plus for your guests to place undergarments and sweaters.
At a minimum provide a luggage rack like this, so they don’t have to lay their suitcase on the floor.
Room Temperature & Privacy Shades
Most people prefer it slightly cooler in the bedroom when sleeping. Check with your guests before they arrive and adjust the temperature or open the window as needed. A ceiling fan is helpful too.
Room darkening shades are always best for giving your guests a good night’s rest. It’s ideal for making your home welcoming for guests. If they sleep well, they will enjoy their stay to the fullest.
Be sure to read my earlier blogpost The 5 C’s to Designing a Bedroom for a Good Night’s Sleep. It’s full of insights on temperature and privacy window treatments.
I hope this has helped you on your quest to get your home ready to welcome your guests. Good luck with your search, and enjoy the holidays together.
If you’re still struggling, consider my Local or Online Design Services!
I’m here to help!
Your Home Loving Expert,
CJ
Sidenote: This blog post includes affiliate links.
