Simple Tips to Create the Perfect Guest Room for the Holidays

Whoever called the holiday season “the most wonderful time of the year” probably never experienced the stress of prepping for house guests. Like it or not, here they come— with all their holiday cheer.

They are your house guests. And no matter how you’ve skewed and smiled and made excuses, you must now extend the hospitality the season requires. All kidding aside, they are your family and certainly you must be happy to see them. Read on for the essential guide to survive your house guests this holiday season.

Create the perfect holiday guest room

Image via: Garnet Hill

Expectations of a Spotless House

If you’ve been using your guest room for any other purpose, you’ll want to tidy up for comfort and make it look like a dedicated guest room. If you leave your sewing, crafts, office, or gym equipment in the room— your guests are going to feel crowded and invading personal space. Relocate all of your personal belongings and clean the room thoroughly to prepare. Leave just the essentials in this room for the best results.

Make the Bed

The most important piece of furniture in your guest room is the bed. Your guests need a comfortable place at the end of the day. You can create a bed worthy of an upscale hotel with just a few accessories.

1.   Mattress Toppers, Mattress Pads, Bedding:

Anticipate guest room needs with foam-type mattress pads, toppers and bedding. Having these items prepared will eliminate discomfort quickly and the need to call for your help a dozen times a night. Mattress toppers have the added bonus of helping to prolong the life of your mattress.

2.   High-Quality Sheets:

Putting new, matching sheets on the guest bed so visitors don’t feel like you just dug out the leftover, mismatched sheets from the back of your linen closet. Marni Jameson of the Orlando Sentinel takes it a step further, and says guest beds should be well dressed with 100 percent cotton, high-thread count sheets. Sheets with a thread count of 800 or higher are ideal for creating a luxurious bed and can be purchased from any department store.

Pillows & Blankets:

Guest rooms should have at least four pillows for sleeping; two of medium or firm variety and two that are soft. Add two additional firm, small pillows in case your guests want to sit up in bed to read. Make sure your guests have both a heavy blanket and a light blanket so they can adjust their temperature accordingly, and toss a lightweight throw blanket on the corner of the bed or over an arm chair in case your guests would like a quick afternoon nap.

Bedding and the perfect elements for your guest bedroom

Image via: Pinterest

Guest Room Essentials

Make your guests comfortable by ensuring their needs are met for sleeping, storage, and privacy.

1. Storage

Empty the closet and provide hangers for guests to hang their clothes. If a dresser is available, empty the drawers so guests can put their clothing and other belongings away.

2.  Charging Station

Make sure there are ample power outlets for charging electronic devices by leaving a power strip near an outlet in the guest room.

3.  Lighting

Overhead lighting is ideal. Consider providing task lighting on a desk, or a nightstand for evening reading. A small nightlight in the hallway or bathroom will help guests find their way in an unfamiliar home should they need to use the facilities in the middle of the night.

4.  Towels/Bathroom Supplies

Arrange bathroom needs with fresh towels, soap, shampoo and spare toothbrushes. Don’t forget to provide a place for guests to hang their used towels. Use wooden clothespins labeled with the name of the guest to help keep towels separate from the rest of the family.

Window Treatments

At a minimum, windows in a guest room should have blinds or shades to provide privacy. If you can also splurge for pretty curtains or draperies that match your bedspread, it will make the room feel cozy and give the entire room a very pulled-together look.

Holiday bedroom ideas for your guests

Image via: Style at Home

Guest Room Luxuries

You can look like you went the extra mile with very little effort and expense. These unexpected, extra touches will really make your guests feel welcome and special during their stay in your home:

1.  Beverage Center

Give your guests a tour of the kitchen, the coffee pot and the snack cabinets. Encourage guests to help themselves. You can also try placing a few bottles of water on the dresser or nightstand.

2. Welcome Basket

In many upscale hotels, guests are welcomed to their room with a basket of goodies. Consider making a basket for your guests. Include a bottle of wine, wine glasses, snacks and individually wrapped chocolate candies.

3. Decorative Touches

Space and comfort are most important. Try minimal decorative touches, such as a single flower in a glass on the bedside table, a small alarm clock, and a few books or magazines for your guests to enjoy.

Dressing Area

If space allows, provide a full-length mirror for your guests or a small mirror over a table to store makeup or toiletries. Add a hair dryer, headache medicine, a tiny sewing kit for wardrobe mishaps, and an iron and ironing board to the space— your guests should have everything they need to start the day right!

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.