Although I received compensation for writing this post, all opinions are my own. Be sure to check out the $500 Wayfair giveaway at the bottom of this post!
I’d like to think I’m a hospitable host. When friends and family came to stay with us in Omaha, I always made sure there were clean sheets on the guest room bed and clean towels hanging in the bathroom.
Of course, there’s more to creating a comfortable guest room than doing a couple loads of laundry. Based on my experiences as both hostess and guest, I have a few tips on how to prepare your house for overnight guests — welcome baskets excepted.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on decorating the guest room. In fact, it’s often best to keep things simple, as your guests may not necessarily share your taste in decor. You don’t want anybody to worry about accidentally breaking a delicate piece of antique furniture or to feel claustrophobic in a room painted black.
You get the idea.
Here’s all you really need to create a welcoming guest room for overnight guests:
A comfortable bed, a set of nightstands, and some lamps for nighttime reading.
A couple of empty dresser drawers, plenty of hangers (and extra space) in the closet, and a full-length mirror for getting dressed.
A throw blanket and fan for guests who prefer the room to be warmer or cooler at night.
A luggage rack isn’t necessary, but it’s a nice touch. It’ll keep suitcases off the floor…and off your clean duvet.
And to prepare the bathroom for guests:
A set of matching towels. Since I typically use two towels when I shower (one for my body, one for my hair), I also appreciate it when a host offers a bath sheet and bath towel (or two towels), in addition to a hand towel and washcloth.
A towel rack to accommodate all of those matching towels.
Extra rolls of toilet paper in an accessible holder so guests don’t have to rummage through your cabinets looking for some.
A toilet plunger. Because shit happens — and guests don’t want to have to ask.
Looking to go the extra mile? Brand new travel-size toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and mouthwash, and a fresh bar of soap are lovely to leave in the bathroom. In the guest room, a small bouquet of flowers, some bottled water, and a piece of paper with your Wifi password are always appreciated.
Giveaway
I’m partnering with Wayfair to give away a $500 gift card to Wayfair.com. Enter using the giveaway widget below. Good luck!
Love this blanket! http://www.wayfair.com/Jonathan-Adler-Zig-Zag-Wool-Throw-XJA1292-XJA1292.html
Love these choices. LOVE the plunger! We always need a plunger (thanks to old pipes) & that one isn’t hideous! haha!!
I’m coming to visit!
This is a great guide! I’m loving it all but especially the bed: http://www.wayfair.com/Skyline-Furniture-Wingback-Bed-41BEDVLVTBCKWT-SKY2037.html?refid=HOLIDAYGIVEAWAY.
could really use a new desk! http://www.wayfair.com/Zipcode-Design-Jessica-Writing-Desk-9818096-ZIPC1091.html
In love with this huge desk
http://www.wayfair.com/Bush-Industries-Cabot-L-Desk-with-Hutch-and-Bookcase-CAB004EPO-BU4584.html#
I need a new bed so this is perfect!
Oh man, there are so many things I could use for holiday entertaining, but this would be fun to have even just to serve juice and water for the non-drinkers: http://www.wayfair.com/daily-sales/p/Stylish-Serveware-2-Piece-Ashland-Dual-Beverage-Dispenser-Set~TVS1162~E14243.html?group_id=34
I’ve been coveting this chaise for weeks: http://www.wayfair.com/Skyline-Furniture-Velvet-Chaise-Lounge-8087V-SKY11284.html
Amazing stuff! I have so many nooks and crannies in my apartment that could use an update.
love that throw and the reading lamp!!
Impossible!!! So many wonderful things to choose from!! Love Wayfair!!! Having problems with my device, so hopefully here it is: http://www.wayfair.com. OSP designs vinyl storage ottoman sku#OT3467. ??? I also suck at electronics!! Happy Holidays!
I need lighting for the guest room and I love these lamps!
http://www.wayfair.com/All-the-Rages-Sheer-Silk-Band-Tripod-19.69-H-Table-Lamp-with-Drum-Shade-LT2006-ATRG1203.html
http://www.wayfair.com/Rizzy-Home-Cable-Knit-Wooden-Button-Closure-Pillow-T05-04-RZY2676.html
Love these pillows!!
yes on the plunger. Totally would overlook that one.
I’m redoing my master bedroom and we need a fabulous chandelier. This one is gorgeous!
http://www.wayfair.com/Canarm-Benito-4-Light-Chandelier-ICH394A04CH9-CNM1421.html
I am loving the bed you picked: http://www.wayfair.com/Skyline-Furniture-Wingback-Bed-41BEDVLVTBCKWT-SKY2037.html?refid=HOLIDAYGIVEAWAY
The full length mirror has been on my list for forever. http://www.wayfair.com/Adesso-Alice-Floor-Mirror-WK2444-22-AE1771.html?refid=HOLIDAYGIVEAWAY
A full length mirror! http://www.wayfair.com/Adesso-Alice-Floor-Mirror-WK2444-22-AE1771.html?refid=HOLIDAYGIVEAWAY
Ooh, cloth napkins, like these: http://www.wayfair.com/CLM-Juliette-Napkin-9010BL-9010YL-CLME1061.html
I’d love a bed with a headboard like this one: http://www.wayfair.com/Skyline-Furniture-Nail-Button-Panel-Bed-SKY8838.html
Great ideas, I love Wayfair!
I love this lamp: http://www.wayfair.com/daily-sales/p/Adesso-3155-22~AE1281~E15638.html?refid=HOLIDAYGIVEAWAY It’s so perfect!