Edition 4 - Guests Welcome

With the summer holidays rapidly looming, the prospect of overnight guests is becoming an increasing reality. With the school run and after-school activities taken out of the equation, we have more scope for playing host and entertaining our loved ones from the comfort of our own home. As many of us are opting to omit travelling abroad this year, the possibility of our spare bedrooms transforming into pop-up hotels is increasingly likely. 

Comfortable Bed

Arguably the most important aspect of any room, ensuring your guests have a comfortable bed to rest in is paramount to their experience in your home. Whether you are styling a double, a more modest single or a functional sofa bed (discover our range of sofa beds here), catering for your guests comfort level is key. An allowance of 2 pillows per person (of varying firmness, if possible), and a supply of blankets and extra bed sheets (in case the night gets chilly); topped off with a crisp cotton or linen bedset, are just some of the ways that you can optimise your visitor's comfort. 

Personal Touches 

Personal touches set the tone and ambience for your guest’s stay. Even if it is someone that you see regularly throughout the year, an overnight stay in your home should be a holiday-style experience for them. Compiling a personalised welcome basket is an endearing way to show just how much you appreciate their company and assures them that their wellbeing is important to you. This can be as elaborate or personal as you like – tailor it to each guest, their interests and your relationship with them. A wicker basket can be picked up for just a few pounds and will hold items such as magazines, edible goodies for those midnight cravings, travel-size toiletries or even items to aid in sleep; such as ear plugs, lavender pillow spray and an eye mask.

 

Soft Lighting 

Although it is not something that you necessarily consider when planning your guest room decor,  and an expense that you may opt to forgo; but adding table lamps, as well as the main ceiling light, will create a soft ambience in the room – ideal for winding down and preparing for a restful night’s sleep. A wide variety of bulbs are available to create a warm, soft glow and adding table lamps will negate the need for clambering out of bed to switch the ceiling light off. View our beautiful range of table lamps here.

Declutter the Space

The curse of the abandoned spare room – bursting at the seams with a jumble of forgotten items. A ravelment of boxes, board games and lost treasure - decluttering the room and discarding of anything that is surplus to your guest’s requirements is not only a cathartic activity but will also ensure your guests have enough room to space themselves out and make themselves comfortable. Investing in storage that coordinates with the guest room, or can be transported to another room, is an inexpensive way of stashing your surplus items. Be sure to clear away piles of unwanted clothes, including that notorious pile of holiday clothes still yearning to be washed; and don’t forget the infamous neglected exercise bike in the corner that has doubled up as a make-shift clothes rack over the years! 

Robes & Towels

Other than sinking into fresh sheets, is there anything more satisfying than wrapping yourself up in a big fluffy towel after a relaxing soak in the bath? For the perfect finishing touch, equip your guests with soft, organic cotton bath sheets and hand towels for that super satisfying soft and snuggly feeling. An addition of a fluffy robe, ready and waiting for them on the back of the bedroom door, will earn you extra brownie points and propel you to top-host status.

As well as the obvious tasks like decluttering and preparing a comfortable bed, it is the finer details that truly make your guest’s stay extra special. Taking time to consider how to make them comfortable and relaxed shows just how much you care. Little extras such as an aromatic candle, make-up wipes, hand sanitiser and even a phone charger, pack a little extra punch and guarantee you prime position as the host with the most.