One of the best parts of the upcoming holidays is having friends and family gather from around the country to visit. I love knowing that I’ll be spending time with family and close friends between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Just thinking about it makes me want those holidays to hurry up and get here already! This is also the time when I start to think about how ready my guest rooms are for visitors. I have some pro tips that definitely will make your guests feel extra special, so let’s take a look!

1. FLOWERS

One of the “musts” when preparing for guests is to have fresh cut flowers in the guest room and guest bath. Just casual bouquets, nothing too fancy, to bring life and cheer to the room. Guest rooms are often used so infrequently they can have an “aura” of a forgotten room. Live, blooming flowers clear that lonely aura right up!

2. CANDLES

Also, always incorporate scented candles in the guest room and bath as well. Everyone loves the relaxation and lovely glow of a scented candle. And if your guest remarks on how pretty the scent is, then you have the perfect hostess gift to take the next time you see them!

3. A WELCOMING BED

Too often, the guest rooms get the leftovers - an older mattress, the pillows you don’t want anymore, and those threadbare sheets. But this room needs to have a welcoming and comfortable bed, too! I am a firm believer in a soft pillow, so I also like to make sure my guest bed is slightly overdressed with pillows. Some people like to sleep with a lot of pillows, and some people just need one, but I like my guests to have options. Same with blankets and throws - better to have too many than not enough!

4. FABULOUS TOWELS

You know how when you are at a hotel, you always use more towels than when at home? Like it or not, your guest room is their hotel room while they visit, so don’t skimp - be sure there are extra towels in the bath. And make them the fluffiest and most luxe towels you can. Your guests will appreciate this touch, I promise.

5. THOUGHTFUL EXTRAS

Anything that makes your guests feel welcome is the perfect addition to this bedroom. Think about seating, books, a water glass and carafe, a cozy rug, a dish for keys, and a phone charger. You can even go to Horchow or Frontgate and buy a folding luggage rack for your guest room closet. I also like to leave a bowl of fruit and some protein bars in the guest room. It saves a guest from having to fumble around in the dark in your kitchen if they wake hungry at 3am, something no one but your closest family would feel comfortable with, so it’s a nice touch.

Use these ideas to make your home the most welcoming place for your friends and family!

Warmly,

Beth