Tips on Preparing for House Guests

As the seasons change and preparations are made for the holidays, it may be time to reevaluate your guest bedroom. Using cozy colors and comfortable amenities will welcome out-of-town guests, adding to the holiday cheer. If it is your turn to host family and friends, consider these seven tips.

Quality Bedding

Give your guests somewhere soft to land with a comfy bed dressed in quality bedding. We chose a seven-piece comforter from Macy’s that can really dress up the room, giving it that hotel feel. Or opt for a mix-and-match duvet cover with throw pillows in seasonal shades that will remind guests of the holidays. Include four pillows — two firm and two soft — to accommodate guests’ preferences.

Closet Space

Arrange the closet and dresser drawers so guests can hang or store their clothing while staying at your home. Stock the closet with a variety of sturdy hangers that are capable of holding the heaviest of winter coats and the flimsiest of dresses. Make room for big luggage, either by clearing space on the closet floor, under the bed or including a luggage rack. Mounting a full-length mirror on the inside of the closet door is a nice touch.

Desk Supplies

Provide a small desk or cleared tabletop stocked with office supplies. Your guests will appreciate having paper, pens, scissors and tape accessible in case they need to jot down a note or cut a tag from a new shirt. Include a waste bin somewhere in the room, either near the desk or by the door. Compile a list of useful information, like bus or ferry times, local restaurants or museums and a weekend itinerary, so guests can schedule things to do on their downtime.

Fresh Flowers

A bouquet of fresh flowers brightens up the room and gives life to a small space. Tulips are an easy choice as they are available year round and have an easy-to-work-with droopy shape. Depending on your preference, a single flower bloom or a collection of three or four roses cut from your garden will do.

Midnight Snack

A dish of brightly colored apples brightens the room and gives guests something to munch on before dinner. Clearly label a midnight snack box for guests who might crave something after everyone has gone to bed. Fill it with crackers, chocolate and dried fruit. Place a few water bottles nearby.

Appliance Manual

A stereo, personal climate control, an alarm system and TV are all great features for overnight visitors to appreciate. But if the guest room is equipped with confusing technology, include an easy to read, homemade appliance manual. Mark each section with color-coded tabs for easy equipment access. Guests will appreciate a step-by-step guide they can flip through instead of having to ask you to help them turn on the DVD player.

On the Clock

Keep an easy-to-read alarm clock near the bed for guests who need to catch an early flight or don’t want to sleep through any morning festivities. Opt for one that is equipped with a radio or CD player for guests who want to listen to the morning news or wake up to peaceful music. If it has a CD player, include a small selection of music for guests to choose from.