How to Be the Perfect Host: Creating a Gracious Guest Room Part II

Here is Part II of our two part series on how to create a warm and welcoming guest room. Your goal as the host is give your house guests an experience they will remember and cherish for years to come. Setting the stage to make your guests comfortable during their stay takes some effort and planning. Here are a few more ideas to consider:

A Valet Stand
Help guests pack and unpack with ease. A handsome luggage rack creates a supportive space for resting a suitcase and it is easy to fold away when not in use.

Spacious Solutions
Save at least half of the closet and a few drawers for visitors. Provide sturdy, matching hangers for shirts, coats, and pants. Soft cloth hangers are perfect for delicate garments. Provide an ironing board and iron, or easy to use steamer to erase wrinkles from your guest’s clothes. A miniature sewing kit is perfect for emergency fixes.

Give Them Something To Read and Write Home About
Provide a space to write, complete with a pretty pen, paper, post cards, colorful pencils and a dish filled with sweets. A comfortable arm chair is a must for guests to sit and read. A reading light and current magazines or vintage holiday magazines and children’s books encourage visitors to relax and enjoy the season.

Quench Their Thirst
Include bottled waters by Malvern, Hildon, or Voss and vintage drinking glasses on an accent tray. A glass pitcher with sparkling water and lemon is another alternative. For colder weather, a fleece robe is a great holiday gift to help your guest remember a special visit. A sweet or musky scented candle and glass vessel of matches add a touch of warmth.

Provide Turn Down Service
If you know your guest’s taste, chilling their favorite wine ready to enjoy will make them feel especially welcome. A night tray with biscuits and hot cocoa, or a daily tray of afternoon tea and scones will “wow” anyone. Place a special trinket on their pillow such as a beautiful holiday card or pretty ornament. It’s all in the details.

Necessary Conveniences
Store extra pillows and blankets in an easy to find location. A night light in the hall and bathroom provides direction to a guest that is not familiar with the layout. A full length mirror and good lighting will enable guests to look their best. Display the wifi password in a pretty picture frame so guests can check their email. Provide a universal charger, extra set of house keys on a pretty ring, and a list of favorite restaurants, delis and coffee shops. The less questions your guests have to ask you, the more relaxed they will feel.