The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of hosting family and friends in our homes. As you gear up to welcome guests into your abode this Christmas, it's essential to ensure that your guest room is ready to provide a comfortable and inviting retreat. In this blog post, we will guide you through some practical tips and creative ideas to help you prepare your guest bedroom for the holiday season. Let's dive in!
1. Declutter your Guest Room:
Before you start the transformation process, declutter and clean the guest bedroom thoroughly. Remove any unnecessary items, tidy up the space, and dust off surfaces to create a fresh and welcoming environment.
Some guests like to unpack to feel more at home, so ensure to clear out some space for your guests in wardrobes and drawers.
Make space to stow your guests cases out of the way as they won't be needed for a bit.
If your guests prefer to live out of their suitcases, having a clear shelf or surface for phones, books, etc. is certainly helpful.
2. The Bed for the Guest Room:
It's all about the bed when it comes to your guest room, you want to ensure that your guests have the best night's sleep.
Always strive to fit a double bed in your guest room and check that the mattress is in good condition and comfortable.
Invest in cosy and comfortable bedding to ensure your guests have a restful night's sleep.
Fresh sheets, warm blankets, and fluffy pillows will make their stay feel extra special.
Consider providing extra blankets or throws for added warmth during chilly winter nights.
To dress the bed and give the room an air of luxury, on top of the fitted sheet, place a flat sheet, followed by the duvet and then drape a comforter or knitted throw over the end of the bed and accessorise with complementing cushions.
The various textures will help the unused room to feel more welcoming and cosy!
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3. Fresh Towels and Toiletries:
Set fresh towels out neatly on a chair or on the end of their bed.
Allow a bath sheet and a hand towel per guest and ensure that they are laundered regularly during your guests stay.
In a basket or tray place miniature toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
You can also add in bath salts, face masks and body lotion.
If you live in a hot, sunny country include sunblock and a tube of aloe vera for sunburn.
Another nice touch is to have a small hair dryer in the room or bathroom for your guests.
4. Bedside Tables:
Ensure your guest room has a suitably placed bedside table and on it place a table lamp. This little touch allows your guests to read and relax before drifting off, without having to get out of bed to turn the light off.
Other essential beside table items should include a scented candle/room diffuser, bottle of water/glass decanter filled with fresh still water and a matching glass which can be placed on decorative coasters.
5. Festive Decor:
Infuse the Christmas spirit into the guest bedroom with some festive decor.
Hang a wreath on the door, place a small Christmas tree or garlands on the dresser or nightstand, and add touches of holiday-themed accessories, such as decorative pillows or stockings, to create an enchanting ambiance.
6. Welcome Basket:
Fill a decorative basket with personal touches for your guest.
Include a magazine on a topic that they enjoy, their favourite snacks and/or chocolate and if they are a guest visiting from a far for the first time, a tourist guide about the local area.
Include a card with the wifi password on and leave them a set of keys if required.
7. Privacy and Comfort:
Consider installing blackout curtains or blinds in the guest bedroom to provide privacy and a peaceful sleeping environment.
Additionally, make sure the room temperature is adjustable and provide extra blankets or a fan to accommodate your guests' preferences.
8. Wifi and Entertainment:
Set up easy access to Wi-Fi credentials and provide some entertainment options.
Place a stack of books, magazines, or board games in the room, or consider adding a small TV with streaming services for a cosy movie night.
Design Tips for the Guest Room:
Declutter
The first thing you need to do is declutter and make as much space possible for your guests.
Ensure they have some hanging space and drawers/shelves to store their belongings.
Give your guest room a deep clean too and line any storage areas with tissues paper.
Texture
To make your guest room feel like a 5 star hotel, mix textures to achieve a cocooned haven.
Consider the location, English country homes tend to have darker wood, exposed stone or brick and heavy fabrics such as plaid and wool.
Seaside homes often have a relaxed feel and a colour palette of ocean blues and white sandy beaches.
Lighter fabrics such as linen and cotton are used and lighter woods are used.
Colours
If you don't want to paint the entire room and are looking for an easy update, simply switch up your bed linen and your curtains.
This simple, cost effective and easy change will make the room feel fresh and new again.
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Lighting
Be considered with you lighting, you will notice that hotel rooms usually have low, soft lighting as this gives the space a luxurious feel.
Opt for lit mirrors, wall lights and table lights to create a cosy feel in your guest room.
Smell
There is nothing better than entering a room that smells wonderful, ensure that you have a scented candle or essential oil diffuser in your guest room.
In addition to this you can also add a lovely bouquet of flowers from a local florist, which will be a lovely welcome to your guests as they enter their room.
Art
Try to opt for a piece of art that has similar colours in it to your guest room palette and that the image is of something tranquil.
It's worth commissioning a local artist for a one off piece or browsing sites like Etsy that has loads of options.
Preparing your guest bedroom for the holiday season is a heartfelt way to show your loved ones how much you care. By following these tips, you can create a coy and welcoming space that will make your guests feel at home during their stay. Remember, it's the thoughtful touches and attention to detail that truly make a difference. Wishing you a joyful and memorable holiday season filled with warmth and happiness in the company of your loved ones. Merry Christmas!
