Make your guests feel at home : Rooftop Views

Rooftop Views

Make your guests feel at home

The summer brings family and friends traveling from near and far. Is your guest room ready to do its job? When guests arrive on your freshly swept doorstep, welcome them with open arms and a well-appointed space that they can call their own.This article by Lorrie Browne of My Design Secrets shows you how.

Beyond decorating the guest bedroom with your own personal flair and style, be sure and furnish this room with the same consideration you give to your own bedroom. It helps to carefully contemplate how the room will be used and by whom.

Here are 7 suggestions that will make your guests stay a memorable one:

1. Cradle them in luxury. A good foundation is critical, so why not go all out on the bedding? Purchase 400+ thread count sheets along with some wonderful pillows and a comforter that suits your climate. Make them feel like they sleeping at a luxury hotel.

2. Wake them up gently. Put an alarm clock with a CD player in the room and leave them a variety of CDs. Better yet, why not burn a CD with a mix of songs for your guests to keep? This allows your guests to take a part of their vacation home with them.

3. Remember what they forgot. Put an extra robe in the closet and extra toiletries in the bathroom. Your guests will really appreciate not having to ask for these items.

4. Make room. Make sure your closet and drawers have extra space for their belongings. Nothing says we are happy you are here like some extra space and plenty of empty hangers.

5. Stay tuned in. Whether you like having a TV in your bedroom or not, most guests appreciate one.

6. Creature comforts. Put a glass of water by their bedside along with a healthy snack, like a granola bar.

7. Light the way. Make sure the room is well lit for safety and comfort. Do they have a good light for reading? How about a night light to guide them to the restroom? It is best if you have a light that can be switched from the doorway and the bedside.

The best way to assess the comfort of your guest room is to spend a night sleeping there yourself. You will be amazed at the small things you notice. This is the easiest way to get the full experience; giving you time to replace lumpy mattresses and stale towels before your guests arrive. There are many people in our lives that we wish we could see more often. It is great to show them how much you care through the little things you do to prepare for their visit. Just like a gift, it is the thought that counts most.

12:42 PM - Aug. 14, 2008 - comments {1} - post comment

RE: Make your guests feel at home

Great list!

The granola bar by the bed would be an invitation to disaster at our home, as we have a black lab with a voracious, never ending appetite with a penchant for stealing food when no one's looking. But I'm sure in most homes, that would be a fantastic idea!

A couple of things I've found to make guests feel welcome too:

1- if they're from out of the area, give them a local map (and highlight points of interest where they may be visiting)

2- fresh cut flowers in the room are always appreciated

3- a suitcase stand makes unpacking and packing easier, and they aren't that expensive

Mary Pope-Handy - 9:30 AM - Aug. 16, 2008