Holiday Hospitality Made Easy

While the holiday season isn’t too far off, a whole lot has to happen between now and Christmas. From settling in and unpacking to decorating and painting, there’s so much to do in your new rental home. While the craziness of moving in can be overwhelming, now is the perfect time to finish off your guest room before the holiday season gets too hectic!

Don’t let your unfinished guest room hinder you from hosting beloved friends and family this Holiday season. Instead, find the inspiration you need to prepare the guest room so that you and your friends and family can enjoy the holidays to the very fullest!

Need some guest room inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Read below for some tips and tricks on how to make your guest room feel extra welcoming this Holiday season!

Keep it simple

A guest room doesn’t need too much in order to be comfortable. Keep your guest room simple, and don’t overcrowd the room with unused furniture from throughout the house. Instead, minimize the number of large pieces of furniture in the room to maximize the space. An excellent tip to keep in mind regarding furniture is to stick with the basics.

Nightstands and a matching dresser with tasteful table lamps can create a consistent and cozy feel throughout the room without feeling too overcrowded. Alternative lighting sources always add a more homey and comfortable touch to the room. Keeping the tabletops clear of small items also makes the room seem tidier while allowing your guests to utilize the space to better suit their needs.

Create an Atmosphere

Whether the walls are white and the room is light and airy, or the walls are dark and moody in contrast to fun and eclectic furniture, make sure to create a consistent atmosphere throughout the room. If you’re aiming for a light and airy look, stay away from large, dark pieces of furniture that take up a lot of space and demand attention. Instead, opt for natural-wood pieces, light curtains (like cream linen), and alternative lighting sources (like table lamps or wall sconces) versus a bright, harsh fluorescent overhead light. If the room is dark, balance out the dark walls with simple furnishings, larger mirrors (which naturally brighten up a space and make it look larger than it actually is), and tasteful lighting. Overall, you want to create a welcoming and calming atmosphere from the moment the guest walks in until they leave.

Pro Tip: Lighting can transform any room! Providing gentle and soothing light can help set the tone in the room and create a cozy environment.

Keep It Fresh

There’s nothing quite like settling in for a good night’s sleep in a comfortable and calming guest room with fresh linens, blankets, and a soothing scent hanging in the air. A comfortable mattress, some new linens, and extra blankets (in case they get chilled) can make a guest’s stay so much more enjoyable. Providing your guest with fresh bed linens, cozy blankets, and a guest room that is properly cleaned and free from dust and dirt can mean a lot to your guest. While it’s always a temptation, avoid using your guest room as a storage area full of a motley collection of furniture and decor. Instead, keep the guest room clear of junk and storage boxes and instead create a warm and inviting atmosphere by keeping the room tidy with minimal furniture.

Pro Tip: Spray an all-natural room scent in your guest room right before your guests arrive to deodorize the space and make the room smell fresh. That being said, try to avoid polarizing scents like super sweet fruity scents or strong, musky scents, in case your guest is sensitive to certain scents. Stick to the basics, and play it safe with a fresh linen or airy lavender scent.

Go the Extra Mile

When your guests arrive, surprise them with a tray on their bedside table or bed, featuring a small vase of fresh flowers, brand new soap for them to use, or even extra travel-sized hygiene products (like three oz. shampoo, conditioner, & toothpaste for them to use during their stay), as well as some fresh towels neatly folded on their bed.

To make their stay even more special, add their favorite chocolate bar to the tray and set out a comfortable bathrobe for your guest’s use throughout their stay at your home. This kind gesture goes a long way, making your friends and family feel cared for while simultaneously ensuring they have what they need to better enjoy their visit.

Plus, we all have that one friend or family member who always forgets something while traveling for the holidays, so it’s always convenient to be prepared and have extra items (like toothbrushes, soaps, razors, lotions, etc.) on hand, just in case. 

Instead of feeling intimidated by hosting for the Holidays, this Christmas, we hope that, by using a few of our tips and tricks, you and your guests can enjoy the wonderful holiday season to the fullest.