For many people, spending time with family and friends is at the topofthe list of enjoyable activities, especially if they live too far away for regular visits. When you are only able to see each other once or twice a year, it’s important to make every moment count— which is why it’s more fun to have your loved ones stay at your home to squeeze in every second of quality time. Stayingup until the wee hours laughing with your brother, or enjoying a few glasses of wine with your lifelong BFF without worrying about anyone having to drive are the moments when cherished memories are made.
Now that you’re not college kids anymore, though, you’re obliged to offer more than just a couch to crash on or a lumpy, bumpy pull-out sofa bed. Your guests don’t want to bunk down in your toddler’s room on an air mattress, either. A proper guest room is in order, and why not take the time to make it welcoming, extra-comfortable, and possiblydownright luxurious? We’ve got the scoop on how to create the perfect guest room for the next time someone calls to ask, “Hey, we’re going to be in town – can we stay with you?”
First, Consider the Furniture
Naturally, the bed should be your first consideration – your guests will need a comfy place to lay their heads after a long day of traveling. While it might be tempting to get a used mattress from Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, we advise against it. Why? One word: bedbugs.
Instead, choose the highest quality new mattress you can afford. Think of it as an investment – after all, plenty of people will be using your guest room in the years to come.
In addition to the bed, a spare dresser will be nice for guests who like to spread out rather than live from a suitcase. However, speaking of suitcases, make sure your visitors have a placeto lay theirs out other than the bed or the floor. A hotel-style luggage rack isn’t necessary; use a trunk that can double duty as storage for extra blankets or repurpose an old side table or coffee table.
Nightstands are a must, as is a comfortable chair. Not everyone likes to sit up in bed to read or check their emails, so addan armchair or a small desk set to make your company feel more at home.
Time for Textiles
When it comes to bedding, the watchword is once again “luxury.” But luxury doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re short on cash but want to invest in high-thread count sheets, make a note to shop white sales– the time of year when linens are steeply discounted.
A variety of pillows – one feather, one down alternative, and one memory-foam – provides guests with allergy-friendlyalternatives. Don’t go overboard on frou-frou bolsters, either, but do supply plenty of blankets and throws, as well as an ample stack of bath sheets, towels, and washcloths.
A Few Basic Amenities
Help your guests to relax and feel at home by providing a few basic amenities: a clock, a charging station for their electronics, tissues, clothes hangers, a bright reading lamp, a nightlight, maybe even an iron and ironing board if you know your visitor would use them. Don’t forget a wastebasket or two.
Special Touches to Make Your Guests Feel Extra Welcome
Now, for the fun part! It won’t take much to make your guests feel as special as they would in a 5-star hotel. Why not put together a snack basket with some chips, crackers, cookies, fruit, and sparkling water? Fresh flowers are another delightful touch that will not go unnoticed.
If you really want to go all out, put a small coffee pot or electric kettle in the room, along with a supply of coffee, tea, creamer, and sweetener. This is an especially nice touch for those folks who are real grouches before they get their morning caffeine fix!
Hosting to an avid reader? A stack of magazines, the local newspaper, or a novel that you know your friend or family member would enjoy can be placed on the nightstand. If you knowthey would prefer to watch movies, includesome DVDs, a disc player, and a television in the guest room’s amenities.
Don’t Neglect the Powder Room
If the guest room has a private bath, it’sthoughtful to provide a robe and slippers, along with a hair dryer. Scented candles or an aromatherapy diffuser are a luxurious touch, as long as you know that your guests are not sensitive to scents or chemicals. The same goes for scented soaps. To err on the side of caution, you may want to stick to unscented, natural soaps.
You’ve Created the Perfect Guest Room!
Opening up your home to friends and family is one of the best ways to indulge your inner hostess – and to spend more quality time with your loved ones! Now that you’ve created the perfect guest room, the only thing you have to worry about is that your guests might feel so comfortable and pampered that they will never want to leave!
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