Decorating Articles

Turn your GUEST room...into a REST room!

Well, the Holidays are approaching and you know what that means—company’s coming! In all likelihood some of them will be staying overnight at your house to enjoy the festivities. This is usually the time people panic and say “Where will I put them”?

Others who are fortunate enough to have a separate room for guests have to get busy removing the craft supplies, clutter and office paraphernalia that has accumulated since the last holiday stay-over. As long as you are making the room ready for guests, why not make it truly special and create a “haven” for them and not just a place to flop for the night?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I know the old saying about fish and guests starting to get a bit brackish after a few days; so you might be hesitant about making the room so great they never want to leave. But it’s the holidays. Time for giving, sharing and making people feel good.

With a small bit of effort on your part, you can add to the welcome of the season, rather than make it a chore. Whether you are providing a separate room and bed, or a sofa bed in the family room, this year give your guests the gift of comfort. I guarantee you will all be celebrating the good spirits you have created!

Here are some SMART tips to getting your space ready for guests:

Start with the sleeping area.

• Bring an extra chair into the room to allow guests to unwind or read without having to sit on the bed.
• Empty a drawer or two for smaller clothing items. If they are using their suitcase, provide a luggage holder or space for easy access.
• Make closet space available for all their hanging clothes, and don’t forget extra hangers.
• Provide your guests with all the electronic niceties: an alarm clock, radio, reading lamp and small nightlight. If there is a television in the room, be sure they have their own remote control and copy of the current program listings.

Make the bed.

• Use crisp, fresh linens.
• Consider purchasing bedding just for guest usage.
• Tuck in some lavender sachet under the pillow for restful sleep.
• Provide extra blankets and pillows in the room or nearby for easy access.

Add special touches.

• A decorative box or tray will provide a place for your guests to put their keys, jewelry, glasses or other easily misplaced items.
• Put out some reading and writing materials: books, magazines, paper and pens.
• Have a fresh flower arrangement or flowering in plant in the room to add to the welcoming atmosphere.
• Light a candle with a restful scent to create a peaceful ambiance.

Remember the bathroom.

• Create a “hotel” vibe by providing toiletries your guest may have forgotten: toothbrush & paste, shampoo & rinse, lotion & deodorant, extra facial tissue & tp and a new bar of soap.
• Hang a plush, clean robe on a hook in the bathroom or folded spa-like on the bed.
• Be sure there are plenty of clean towels available. Consider providing a set of different colored towels for each guest so everyone remembers which towels are theirs.
• Candles are a must in guest bathrooms.

Treat them like family.

• Leave bottled water or a carafe with a glass near the bed for late night thirsties.
• Consider giving extended-stay guests a house key (and provide the alarm & gate codes, if applicable).
• Show your guests where you keep your coffee, tea, breakfast and snack items in case they are early risers or have a midnight craving.
• Place a welcome note and some wrapped candies on their pillow to let them know you’re glad they are there.

About the author:

Marcia Smart is a nationally recognized Interior Redesigner and author of the witty do-it-yourself book “Decorating by Instinct”. Marcia is an in-demand instructor of professional redesign training and is shaping the future of the industry as the Executive Director of I.R.I.S., Interior Redesign Industry Specialists To learn more about her program and find more FREE tips and articles like these, visit her site at www.smartredesign.com

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