Every house guest brings you joy. Some when they arrive, and some when they are leaving.
Confucius
Today we are talking about getting “guest ready” and creating a welcoming guest room for your visitors. As usual, it’s the little things that stand out. These tips and tricks are things we do in our homes when hosting guests and we think you will find them helpful, too. If you don’t have a dedicated space for guests, many of these ideas will still work. Refill your coffee and grab a pen and paper, this is a good one.
Plan ahead, and with our tips, you’ll be “guest ready” in no time! Warning: Your guests may never want to leave!
What did we miss? Share your tips on how you get “guest ready” in the comments!
This post was originally published in October 2022 and the content/links have been updated.
1 – Start with a Cozy Bed and Fresh Linens
The most important thing in your guest room is the bed! Do you always keep the guest bed made or do you only make it when guests are coming? If you keep it made, be sure to freshen the linens on the bed before the guests arrive. If the bed is not made, remember to make it — no one likes to arrive after traveling only to have to put their sheets on the bed.
MEGAN’S TIP : I keep an extra set of my favorite sheets just for the guest room . Nothing makes a more inviting bed like cozy sheets, comforters and pillows. My son took a set of these sheets to college and has reported back that they make his dorm bed *almost* as comfortable as home.
CHRISTA’S TIP : A lot of times, the guest room is where the cast off pillows end up. But make sure you have some good pillows — a pillow can make a difference in a good or bad night’s sleep. Consider keeping two different types of pillows on the bed (one firmer and one softer) so your guests have a choice depending on how they like to sleep.
2 – Have Extra Towels Handy
Don’t forget to have your bathroom “guest ready” with extra towels. We think two bath towels, a hand towel and a wash cloth per person is perfect.
MEGAN’S TIP : Costco has a great towel selection. I usually get all white, that way I can bleach them. Don’t forget to add a beach towel or two if you have a pool.
CHRISTA’S TIP : I always keep a few extra towels on the shelf in the guest bathroom just in case guests prefer to use more than one towel when they shower (maybe one for their hair and one to dry off). And I love these makeup washcloths — we spotted them in a hotel and I immediately ordered them for my guests.
3- Create a Snack Basket for Your Guest Room
When the urge for a midnight snack hits, a small basket of snacks and bottled water is nice to have in the guest room. Guests won’t need to go through your pantry looking for something to eat. Add in some bars, nuts, chewing gum, and individual bagged snacks, along with a few sweet treats, and you’ll be “guest ready.”
CHRISTA’S TIP : I also like to keep a big basket filled with a variety pack individual bagged chips, pretzels and popcorn in the basement so we have snacks when we’re watching movies and playing video games; in the summer I can bring it out to the pool. This basket (similar) works great for holding an assortment.
4- Welcome Your Guests with a Welcome Tray
A welcome tray on the bed gives a focal point to the room and is instantly inviting. We usually include a flower arrangement, a note with the Wi-Fi name and password, a flashlight, a charger and a few of the latest magazines.
MEGAN’S TIP : I love a welcome tray. My friend, Edie, always puts two chocolates on her tray — like a fancy hotel — and I love it!
5 – Include Some Items That Guests Might Forget
Whether your guests are here for one night or a week, inevitably something has been forgotten. Having a little stash of supplies can bring much relief and save your guests from having to ask.
MEGAN’S TIP : Chargers, toothbrush, face wipes, OTC meds (Advil, Pepto, antacids, benadryl), feminine hygiene products, a small sewing kit (recycled from a hotel)… anything you might have forgotten in the past.
CHRISTA’S TIP : We have a desk in our guest room and I keep some pens, paper and extra chargers in there. In the guest bathroom, we have a drawer with lots of extras and guests can help themselves.
6 – Keep Some Extra Robes in Your Guest Room
Keeping some robes in your guest room or guest bathroom makes it feel like a five star hotel! Treat your guests (especially if it’s a long walk from the guest room to the bathroom).
MEGAN’S TIP : Oops, I guess I need to order some robes! I do usually buy a pair of slippers (Walmart or Target) as a welcome gift.
CHRISTA’S TIP : I have these robes from IKEA which are a very nice under $30 option.
7 – Add Some Fresh Flowers in Your Guest Room
Everyone loves fresh flowers — and they’re such a welcoming and thoughtful touch when you’re getting your home “guest ready.”
MEGAN’S TIP : I try to use flowers from my garden and include some aromatics (like sage or lavendar) to make the room smell good.
CHRISTA’S TIP : Buy two bouquets and have a smaller arrangement in your guest bathroom.
8 – Include a Cozy Throw Blanket in the Guest Room
Sometimes you need a little time away from the crowd and curling up with a magazine under a blanket is the perfect respite. Toss a cute throw blanket over the end of the bed. It can also double as an extra layer if your guest gets chilly at night.
MEGAN’S TIP : Don’t forget to wash your blankets. Especially if they are in a basket where the teens like to watch movies.
CHRISTA’S TIP : This throw from Nordstrom is a super cozy fan favorite at a great price.
6 Bonus Tips for Your Guest Room
CHRISTA’S TIP : I like to stock up on the frozen chocolate croissants from Trader Joe’s. Guests always feel spoiled when they wake to the smell of fresh baked pastries!
CHRISTA’S TIP : I set out an assortment of basic breakfast foods the night before — cereal, bananas, bagels, breads — plus bowls, plates, juice glasses, and silverware. I also make sure the coffee station is ready to go. If guests are awake before me, they can start on breakfast, get their caffeine and they don’t need to search the kitchen for what they need.
CHRISTA’S TIP : One of our favorite games to play when we have guests is The Game of Things. If you have a favorite game to play with guests, it would also make a fun hostess gift when you’re the guest! We also like to play the JackBox games using our Nintendo Switch and all our phones/iPads. (These are great games when you have a large group. Our fav is Trivia Murder Party 2 in Party Pack 6.)
MEGAN’S TIP : Set your coffee pot the night before. Leave out mugs and spoons and sugar (the milk is easy to find). Takes the pressure off you needing to be the first one up and if your guest is jet lagged and up early they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
MEGAN’S TIP : Ask your guests ahead of time if there are any food allergies or aversions. It saves you (and them!) from any embarrassment if you are serving quiche to a house guest with an egg allergy.
MEGAN’S TIP : If your guests are driving and you are unsure what time they will arrive we suggest you make Chicken Marbella for a late lunch or supper. It’s easy and can be prepared ahead of time. Served warm or cold and the leftovers make great sandwiches.
SHOP FOR A GUEST ROOM REFRESH
SHOP FOR YOUR GUEST ROOM BATHROOM
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