Creating a Comfortable Guest Room

With the holidays just around the corner, it's time to freshen up your guest room for overnight guests. Be a gracious host and make your guest room a comfortable space for guests to relax and feel at home. Like a fine hotel, anticipate your guest's needs. Pamper your guests by stocking a dresser draw or stylish container with necessities and fun extras.

Here are a few tips for comfortably hosting overnight guests -

• Start with a thorough cleaning of your guest room and the bathroom guests will use during their stay


• Prepare fresh linens and towels - provide a light, different colored towel set for each guest to avoid mix-ups in the bathroom


• Stock a section of the closet with hangers, a robe, and slippers for guest's use


• Provide space for guests to unpack a few things - a dresser drawer, luggage rack, and hanging space


• Keep an extra sheet set, blanket, and pillow close by so guests can help themselves if needed


• Make travel size toiletries available in your guests room and bathroom


• Create your own mini-bar - fill a container with bottled water, nuts and dried fruit, and sweet or salty snacks


• Have paper, a pen, area maps, and information on local points of interest close at hand for guests


• Provide an alarm clock


• Add a night light to help guests maneuver in unfamiliar areas at night


• Inform guests of any household peculiarities - security system, how to open/close blinds, etc.


• Place a few magazines, books, or games in the room for guest enjoyment


• If children are visiting keep a few toys and children's books bedside

By having these items in place you'll be ready and relaxed when the doorbell rings!