Can you believe we’re in full-on pumpkin spice, apple picking, hay riding season? Those guests will be knocking at the door before we know it! Whether they are coming in November or December, now is the time to be sure you’re well-stocked and ready all season long.
Last month, we focused on making sure you were taking care of yourself by providing yourself with the bedroom oasis that allows you to really relax. Be sure you go back and read those tips if you have not yet. It’s not too late to save yourself!
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So now, let’s switch gears and take care of those guests! Here is the list of my favorite decor tips for guest rooms:
All white bedding with a splash of seasonal flair
The same principle follows here for your own bedroom and I stand by it — go all white on your bedding. This gives you a fresh, clean, crisp luxury hotel feel. If you can splurge, Parachute and Brooklinen make fantastic sheets. You can also get really nice microfiber or flannel sheets from Target. Get a variety of high-quality pillows and provide at least 2 per person. Down or down alternative pillows, foam, and breathable are always great options. You can have fun with a fall or holiday theme by using rich greens or rust-colored throws. Add a little tray on their bed with mini pine trees or some fun pie pumpkins.
All white towels are you friend
I’ll say it again, give your guests large, fluffy white towels. Trust me, being able to bleach or oxi-clean these will be a lifesaver. Be sure you provide a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth per guest. You can scoop these up easily from Costco or Target. If you want to go the extra mile, grab them some extra cozy robes to use during their stay. Put out some candles and matches or a diffuser with essential oils in the bathroom for extra ambiance.
Respect Their Privacy
If you can find the space, aim to provide your guests with a dedicated desk or office space. Just a clean, clear table with a lamp and some note pads will do the trick. In this work-from-home world, we’re living in, this gives respect to the fact that they may need to take care of some business in a private setting while away from home. This is especially important if your guests are visiting for a while. Even if they are not working, it’s nice to have a place to journal, plan their day, or read. Be sure you display your wifi password prominently on this space and test the wifi connection to be sure it works well in the guest room. Add a few regional books and magazines to give your guests ideas on fun things to do in the area or gain a greater historical appreciation of your hometown.
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Make Space for Your Guests
Think of where your guests will put their suitcases. Provide them a folding luggage rack or bench at the foot of their bed for this. This is especially helpful if they have a hard time bending over to reach into their suitcase. To that end, if you have space to provide an empty dresser in their room, it will allow them to fully unpack and put their suitcase out of sight. The same holds true for the closet. If you have the space, clear out at least half of it for their items. Clearing space for your guests will make them feel welcome and give them a feeling of rest and relaxation. This allows them to feel fully at home versus a constant reminder you will have to leave again.
Snacks!
Finally, consider your guests’ dietary needs. Provide them with a coffee bar, electric tea kettle, and even a mini-fridge with soda or juice, water, and snacks (granola bars, chocolate, candies, mints). This will save them the awkwardness of mentioning they are still hungry at night or save them a trip downstairs for a glass of water or cup of coffee. They will greatly appreciate the nonverbal hospitality.
I recently surveyed my Instagram and Facebook followers for their top items to provide for guests you may not think of. I compiled these along with mine. If you do nothing else, pay attention to this list.
My *cheat sheet* of items to provide your guest to earn you the proverbial “Hostess with the Mostess” award.
Extra toiletries- razors, full-sized shampoo, condition and soap, combs, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Q tips, cotton rounds, make-up wipes, sanitary pads, tampons, bath bombs, mouthwash, floss, hairspray, and gel
Advil
Tylenol
Gas X
Tums
Make-up Mirror
Hair Dryer
Poo-Pouri
Plunger
Tissues
Extra toilet paper
Extra blankets and pillows
Extra-long charging cords
Powerstrip
Trash can
Portable Fan
Wifi Password
Pen & paper
Snacks
Umbrella
Extra masks
Reading material-a few books and magazines
Sleeping masks
Earplugs
Full-length mirror
Clock
Sound machine
Finally, it should go noted to be sure your guest room is CLEAN. Wash the sheets, towels, and blankets if they have been sitting longer than a few weeks since your last launder. Scrub the bathroom. Check the corners for cobwebs and dust.
Still feeling stuck? A part of achieving a more peaceful life is investing your energy into what you enjoy. If getting your guest room ready and decorating for the holidays is stressing you out, hire it out. I would love to come help take this off your shoulders and provide you with the festive and happy home you imagine for the holidays. As a professional, my job is to help you feel happy and peaceful at home. This is my passion and what gets me jumping out of bed in the morning.
JENNIFER ROSE
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design, Virginia Tech
HSR Certified Home Stager & Stylist
I help clients curate beautiful, functional, and aspirational spaces in their homes. I love giving them the confidence and peace of mind to relax or entertain at the drop of a hat. I can’t get enough. I eat, sleep and breathe home design. At night, you’ll often find me with a glass of bubbly in hand perusing and studying homes on Zillow and Realtor or binging design shows on Netflix. I’m fascinated by the real estate market and the psychology behind what makes someone fall in love with home.
I grew up not only designing and rearranging my own room but also my friends’ rooms. I remember late-night sleepovers pushing furniture around their rooms and raiding their attics for fun art. Looking back, I can only imagine what their parents thought. My creative aspirations led me to Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture & Design where I was awarded my Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Design with a minor in Art History. After school, I worked in graphic design and, being the child of 2 strong entrepreneurs, opened my own firm where I was on track to becoming one of the top graphic designers for the wedding industry in Hampton Roads, VA. It was then that I met my husband who took me into the exciting world of military moves. I put my professional design career on hold to raise my 3 beautiful daughters while flexing my creative muscles completely remodeling and redesigning our own 5 homes. I am so happy being back in my element and absolutely love helping my clients love their spaces.
When not designing, you’ll find me swimming, crafting or dreaming up my next home.
