First of all…if they are staying at your home overnight, they love you already.
So let’s relax.
Having the perfect hotel-like experience isn’t vital for hosting loved ones. Love, warmth, and hospitality are ALWAYS the best tips to hosting guests. BUT…I’m a total Type A person (yep, one of those!), so I have found that prepping ahead of time and having a game plan always makes things easier. Let’s be honest though. I’m totally guilty of hastily swapping out the sheets of my son’s room (which also doubles as our guest bedroom) last minute and throwing extra toys under the bed, hoping my guests aren’t too nosy. Um, I might have done this last night for a last minute guest. Oops. But this year I’m planning ahead! I KNOW who is staying over and when, so I’m prepping now so I can be a laid-back, go-with-the-flow kind of hostess this year. Well, as laid-back as a Type A can get.
So here are my 5 Simple Steps for Whipping Your Guest Bedroom Into Shape for Holiday Guests.
Plus, to make it EVEN EASIER for you, I have links to products for each step-just click and buy!
STEP ONE: Have an extra blanket on hand. No matter the weather.
My mom is cold even when the temps are soaring, so I always have an extra blanket at the end of the bed for her when my parents visit. Don’t make your guests have to dig through closets at 2AM when they are chilly. Or some people feel bad asking for “extras”, so let’s make it easy for them!
I love this cozy, modern looking throw from Target. When you are done with your hosting gig, throw it on your sofa!
STEP TWO: Make technology easy to use.
Pinterio
Most people use their phones as their alarm clock, and their juice might be running a little low while they are traveling. Make sure to give them as easy place to charge their devices. If you can, free up an outlet near a bedside table to give them as easy charge-up spot. Plus you know they need it…your WiFi. Make it easy for them, put out one of these super cute WiFi password prints. That way they don’t have to remember how to spell your mother’s maiden name. This one is a steal at just $2.99:
Jane
STEP THREE: Well rested guests makes for happy guests. Give them the comfiest bed possible.
Love Grows Wild
I have a brother-in-law who will sleep anywhere-I could put him in the garage and he would probably be fine. But most people are slightly more choosy. In fact, most guests already don’t sleep as well in other houses as they do at home. So blow them away and give them the best sleeping experience. That might include multiple pillows, an extra blanket (see Step #1), and the comfiest mattress.
I read somewhere that you should always sleep in your guest bedroom before hosting guests to see what works and what doesn’t. I was appalled when I realized how uncomfortable my old, hand-me down mattress was! Yipes.
It is worth the investment to upgrade your mattress. Leesa mattresses are comfy AND affordable, a winning combo. Plus I love the fact that they donate a mattress to a shelter for every ten they sell. Pretty cool.
STEP FOUR: To Strip or Not to Strip
Chateau de Konstanse
Whenever I stay at someone’s house I want to be the best guest possible. I want to clean up after myself…but I never know, should I strip the bed sheets or not? Plus…where do I put my dirty towels? Don’t make ’em guess. Take 30 seconds and place a dirty clothes basket in their room for them.
There are some things that should stay covered…and dirty laundry is one of them! I love hampers with a lid on them, and this Pottery Barn hamper is pretty enough to leave out 24-7:
STEP FIVE: A little goes a long way. Give them a little something extra.
Follow your inner Martha Stewart. She gives us this idea of putting out a little something extra for your guests:
Martha Stewart
Now, I’m not saying you need to bake them a basket of freshly baked muffins….I know, you have a life. But putting out a couple of water bottles, some midnight snacks (stop by your fav local bakery on the way home from work), or put out a couple of chocolates. Heck, maybe you even have leftover chocolates from your kids Halloween candy stash! It is a huge impact for not a lot of effort.
Your guests will bow down to your inner hospitality goddess.
I fell in love with these rustic planter baskets. They come in a set of three-use one of these unique caddies to fill up with goodies for your guests. Otherwise, just snag a basket you already own. A great hostess works with what she has!
And because it is the holidays, here is a bonus trick for hosting overnight guests:
Sarah Richardson
BONUS TRICK: I can’t take credit for this, but I think it is brilliant so I’m going to share it with you. My in-laws have a cute little cottage that is always full of guests, but they have just one bathroom. Instead of having a dozen people trying to hang their towels in the a single bathroom, they added towel bars inside each bedroom. You can hang them on a wall or on the back of your door. That keeps congestion down in your bathroom,s and Aunt Georgie will never mix up her towel with Grandpa Jack again.
Towel bars too much? Try a couple of hooks for a more subtle look.
Do you need more ideas to dress up your guest bedroom into something guest worthy? Check out my past blog post on 9 Tips for Guest Bedroom Design….your guests may never want to leave (sorry)! Check it all out HERE!
For more design freebies, ideas, and to check out Real Postbox Projects, let’s be friends on Facebook, Pinterest, or my fav Instagram!
And brand new, you can now:
Cheers for a happy holiday season full of memories,
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