Olioboard Inspiration: Preparing your Holiday Guest Room

 Entry #2966, November 8, 2013

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you enjoyed – ‘Preparing your Kitchen for the Holidays’ from Shelley Harcar . Today, I feature Adele Baumann Healey who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she helps get your guest room ready for holiday guests. Whether planned or unexpected, ensure your holiday guests feel a warm welcome!

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #46

‘Preparing your Holiday Guest Room’    Adele Baumann Healey

The holidays are the time of year our guest rooms are put to good use, a comfortable, well thought out room is always appreciated. Where a person rests their head is so important, so let’s start with pillows.

Holiday Guest Room Ideas

Some people like soft pillows, others like firm, some prefer thick and then there are those who feel most comfortable on thin, so a range of pillows to choose from would be most appreciated. Not only are extra blankets a good idea, but how about a throw for those who like to take a little nap or just want to rest their eyes during the day? Beside the bed, be sure to have a carafe of water and a glass so your guests can have it handy during the night and not have to stumble to the bathroom to quench their thirst. Also, a box of tissues may be needed for those who suffer from allergies or are fighting a cold. Speaking of allergies, fresh flowers are always a special touch, but if you suspect they may be allergic to pollen, green plants or silk flowers will fit the bill.

Don’t forget to have taller lamps by the bed (or wall sconce’s) so people will be able to read before sleeping if they care to. At the foot of the bed, or somewhere in the room, be sure to have a luggage rack or bench where luggage can be placed. Many do not like to have their suitcase on the floor, plus it is much easier to get into when placed higher.

Warm up their holiday guest room with amenities

Consider using window coverings that block out any night time light. Many people have a difficult time sleeping if the room is not completely dark. Use drapes, shades or blinds that can be opened during the day so your guests enjoy a nice, sunlit room, and then closed at night for a sleep inducing environment.

On the dresser, place a pretty tray, not only does it look special, it provides guests somewhere to place their jewellery, watches, wallets or other small items and the owners will know exactly where they placed them. A small sewing kit may be the perfect answer for a loose button or a torn hem. Just place needles, threads, double sided tape and small scissors in a pretty box or even a canning jar, and it’s ready to be used.

Create storage area for your guests

Be sure to have emptied out a few drawers so company has the option to place their clothing out of site. Let’s not forget that closet! Make sure it is tidy and fresh smelling, make plenty of empty space available for those who like to hang their clothes. Offer your guests the use of nice plastic or felt covered hangers, so things hang neatly and do not slide to the floor. Having a soft, fluffy robe waiting for them in the closet is a great way to say “Welcome”!. If you do not have a dresser or chest of drawers, place baskets or bins in a bookshelf.

If you are using a study as a guest room, don’t forget those amazing Murphy beds. By having them closed during the year, there will be more room in the office or study, but upon lowering, you will always have a private place available for those who visit.  Try not to have too many accessories on table and dresser tops. A few special accent pieces will create a beautiful space while not overpowering the room.

If you just have a tiny room for company, remember – a comfy bed is most appreciated. You can always place a straight backed wooden chair next to the bed where people can place items they want near them, and a wall sconce will give a good source of light without needing a table. Plan ahead and then step back and enjoy your visitors (and hopefully everyone will sleep well).

About Adele Baumann Healey

I am a mother of two and a grandmother of 4. Our family was a member of the military for 21 years and lived all over the U.S and in Europe, moving 13 times in 19 years. While residing in Germany, we travelled constantly (my little kids in tow in our old V.W. camper) and I absorbed, through osmosis, the many historical attributes of architecture and design. Even in the U.S. it was a learning experience to see how the many people I met decorated and used their creative skills, each influenced by the environment in which they were living. Simply put, when you move so much and live in so many types of residences it was always a challenge to achieve a homey place for your family to grow and be nurtured. What was my biggest challenge to make into a home? An old TB ward of an empty, Army hospital building! Follow Adele as Redadie on her Olioboard profile and Facebook profiles.