Hosting 101: How to Prepare the Ultimate Guest Bedroom
Photo by Emily Redfield
Are you on a mission to the be the hostess (or host) with the mostest this holiday season? If the answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place! There is truly no better feeling than creating a home you’re proud of to share with your friends and family - especially for the holidays. If you’re planning to have overnight guests, you’ll want them to feel right at home with a comfortable, jolly guest bedroom. To make it happen, we’ve outlined our favorite guest bedroom prep tips and bedding below. Think of this guide as Atelier Interior Design’s gift to you… happy hosting!
Preparing the Room
Have a spot for guests to put away their clothes: Your guests shouldn’t have to leave their suitcases lying on the floor nor should they have to quite literally live out of their suitcase. If possible, clear out a closet or armoire and place hangers for their use in it. A suitcase rack or a little holding rack is also nice to have in the guest room.
Have water and freshly baked cookies available: Think about it - your guests have been on the move in order to get to you. They’re likely parched and could use a snack. Having water in a cute carafe with glasses and freshly baked homemade cookies out will not only meet their needs, but also make them feel special and extra welcome!
Stock up the guest bathroom: Whichever bathroom your guests will be using, make sure to load it up! In case people forget, offer soap, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, toothpaste and extra toothbrushes.
Offer cozy layers: It’s best to offer a multitude of layering options for your guests. Remember, what might be comfortable for you isn’t always comfortable for everyone. In the warmer months, some people may not like the blast of AC and in the colder months, they may feel your heat isn’t quite enough. By offering an extra set of cozy blankets and throws, guests will immediately feel more at home!
Incorporate fresh flowers or greenery: Fresh flowers or greenery are great for injecting life into a space. Wow your guests by adding this touch (maybe even a Christmas tree to get into the holiday spirit!) to your guest bedroom - and grab some for your own room while you’re at it.
Avoid installing a TV: Chances are if you have guests visiting, they are there to spend time with you. Encourage gathering in the living area to watch TV together by not installing a TV in your guest bedroom.
Take inspiration from your favorite hotel or Airbnb: Think about your favorite hotel or Airbnb. What do they do that makes you feel welcome and cozy in their space? Incorporate some of what they do into your own guest room!
Offer to wash the sheets every four days: If you have guests staying for an extended period of time, offer to wash the sheets every four days to keep the room feeling fresh. Plus, this will make their stay feel extra luxurious and like they are well taken care of! Note, you don’t have to do this without their approval.
Our Favorite Guest Room Bedding
Along with the tips above, before welcoming guests you should evaluate if your guest bedding could use a refresh - and even if it doesn’t, you could always use the fact that you’re having guests as an excuse to get new bedding anyways. Below are some of our favorite bedding options for guest bedrooms. Since you don’t use this room every day, it’s a great place to have fun with the design! This room should be an extension of you and the adventurous side of your style - keep this in mind when picking out your bedding!
New Moon Printed Duvet Cover & Shams
Williams Sonoma - $79 - $279
This exquisite cotton percale bedding is adorned with lush scenery reminiscent of Chinese textiles set against a grey background.
Ginger Chintamani Bedding Bundle
St. Frank - $999 - $1,299
This bedding is made from fabric inspired by a vintage textile created in Turkey and reveals a traditional Turkish design, known as the chintamani - three dots placed over two curved lines.
Organic Sateen Printed Sheet Set
Anthropologie - $39.95 - $228
Hallmarked by a lustrous sheen and oh-so-silky feel, this organic sateen sheet set invites pattern and poise into your bedroom retreat.
Metro Anthracite Collection
The Brass Bed - $150 - $1,675
The Anthracite signature bedding collection is the very definition of understated elegance.
Eden Duvet & Shams with Belgian Linen
Rejuvenation - $24.99 - $199.99
The Eden Duvet and Shams crafted with Belgian Linen feature a hand-illustrated botanical pattern created by our in-house design team.
Poppy Floral Stitch Quilt & Shams
West Elm - $170 - $200
Skillfully handcrafted by Indian artisans, this bedding adds beautiful blooms and color to your guest bedroom.
Artichoke Quilt
Serena & Lily - $328 - $428
An antique English botanical meets a modern take on color. Richly hued and dynamic, it adds a visually striking layer to your bed.
Helena Embroidered Floral Percale Duvet Cover
Pottery Barn - $259 - $309
A statement style for the bed, our floral bedding is printed with gorgeous flowers to emulate intricate embroidery then accented with small stitched details. The rich colors and detailed texture make every night feel like a luxurious escape.