10 Ways to Make the Home Guest Ready this Season

With the holidays creeping up just around the corner, the city is buzzing with fall and Christmas décor, shops are showcasing their favorited winter items for inside the home and outside and there seems to already be a festive spirit in the air. Families are starting to prepare for the season’s events and with it, comes the influx of loved ones from near and far to celebrate. If you are hosting, read on for some simple tips to “wow” your guests this year in their own guest suite oasis. Our 10 Ways to Make the Home Guest Ready this Season (or any season for that matter), will help inspire you to set the mood for a relaxing family visit for yourself and your guests alike.

GUEST ROOM READY

• Swap the Bedding

Nothing says “welcome and relax” more than a nice bed with crisp, hotel-worthy sheets. Keep the bed clean and simple with white sheets, a nice quilt or coverlet and matching shams. For extra warmth, swap the decorative bed spread for a duvet filled with a cozy duck down comforter. While we do carry some bedding in our showroom, we often refer to Traditions Linens or Orchids Lux Home for more inspired designs.

• Add a Seasonal Touch

Add a small wreath to the door, potted poinsettia in the corner or a cheerful throw pillow on the bed to add some spirit of the season to the guest room. No need to go overboard, but something small and holiday inspired will help your loved ones feel calm and joyous during their stay.

• Create the Perfect Scent

While candles always have been a favorite in our house, we can imagine why some houses prefer to go candle free  – kids running around, the forgetful teen… Instead, welcome your guests to their room with the perfect scent diffuser. Choose a diffuser in a subtle fragrance and set it on a nightstand or tall dresser in the corner. Extend the smell into the closet, guest bath or powder room with another diffuser or sachet in the same fragrance.

• Prep for Midnight Cravings

What may seem like an unorthodox idea, set out some small snacks near the guest bed for those late night snackers. Serve a bowl of mints they can happily draw from when they choose or before they turn in for bed, go the old fashion route and place a chocolate on their pillow. Ensure you also have water glasses readily available if needed or even a small, pitcher filled with water so guests don’t have to leave their room once in for the night. For an upscale appearance, we love using decanters from places like Arteriors Home for the water pitcher.

• Create a Cozy Oasis

While we love guests as much as they love to visit, everyone also needs to have alone time – some more than others. In the guest room, create a separated small cozy area just for your guests to decompress. Set aside some books and magazines, small individual games like sudoku or a deck of cards, and a snug chair and throw blanket. Allow your guests to feel comfortable turning in to their rooms before it’s bedtime.

POWDER/GUEST BATH READY

• Monogrammed Linens

Set out freshly washed monogrammed linens as a welcoming personal touch to the powder rooms and guest bathrooms alike. As with the bedding above, stay within a cream or white based hue for a more relaxing appearance and ensure you have enough to replace the linens nearly every day.

• Decorate with Florals

Atop the vanity or on a side table if one, include a small vase of fresh cut flowers or holiday scented pines. Choose flowers or ornamental plants that contrast or bring life to the small spaces and remember they need not be very big. This easy addition will make a big impression long after the holidays have passed. What’s even better is that each season, you’ll be able to quickly swap the flowers to match the sky. If you are unsure of having real flora, opt for a simple faux flower arrangement from companies like New Growth Designs.

• Make Room

Often, when a guest, we all can feel as if we are imposing on the hostess and continually try to clean up after ourselves to make the burden less. Help your guests avoid feeling like this by making room for them and their personal items. Ensure you leave the top drawers of the vanity empty in the guest bathroom for their toiletries and any other items they bring so they are comfortable “stowing away” their items. Do the same in the guest room dresser drawers and closet.

• Anticipate Your Guests’ Needs

With every row of guests we have, we always stock the bathroom with everything our guests may need while staying.  Create a welcoming touch atop the counter with a pretty little tray and small jars full of everyday items like cotton swabs, foot scrubs (for the ones that like to be pampered), and differing, luxurious soap bars. Go so far as to have a small drink dispenser filled with mouthwash set next to small cups. In the drawers, have extra toothbrushes and other toiletry items most need while visiting. Your guest may or may not use these items, but they sure will appreciate the gesture after they’ve gone.

• Forego the Soft-Soap

Replace the current $2.00 plastic soap dispenser with fish adorned on the bottle with something more attractive and mysterious. Fill ceramic canisters with hand soap and hand lotion that after your guests use, go “wow, what is that great smell?” If wanting to avoid using refillables, opt for more luxurious soap brands like Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Tocca or even Bath and Body Works. Your guests will appreciate the ornamental sink accent in the long run.

For some holiday inspiration, scroll through the curated images below. We are sure you’ll find something you fancy.