As the Christmas holiday countdown begins, the thought of family gatherings and interstate guest visits may have you looking at your guest room with a growing feeling of despair. While it may have served as a catch-all for odds and ends throughout the year, now is the perfect time to breathe new life into this space and get it visitor-ready!
We show you how to embrace the joy of hospitality as you curate a retreat for your guests to feel relaxed and welcome.
Step 1: Keep, Bin or Donate.
Let's declutter! Remove all the bits and pieces that may be cluttering this space, rehome them, sell or donate them. Pre-Christmas is a great time to make space for the onslaught of Christmas goodies about to take up residence!
Step 2: Spring Clean
Nothing feels better than a ceiling to floor clean. We are talking window frames, windows, window sills, skirting boards, blinds & curtains - let's get it all fresh and dust-free. Don't forget to clean inside the cupboards as well.
Step 3: Paint Refresh
There is literally no easier way to update the feel of a room than with a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes those marks on the walls or ingrained dirt in older houses, just never come off despite your best efforts. Paint is your best option here. Think about nice warm, inviting colours that will make your guests feel relaxed and welcome in the space. You can never go wrong with neutrals! A quick splash of paint on the skirting boards and ceiling finish off the revamp.
Step 4: It's All About The Bed
A new set of bedlinen can take you from home to hotel! Consider a luxurious update to your guest room bedlinen. Think natural fibres like linen and bamboo options. You can't go past a fresh set of pillows, or maybe a mattress topper if you're feeling fancy! Also, don't forget to layer the bed! There's nothing worse than waking up cold in the middle of the night and not knowing where to find a blanket. Add a quilt at the base of the bed to allow your guests a warmer option. A heated blanket is always a welcome discovery on a cold night!
Elevate your bed styling with the Freya Linen throw cushions shop them here
Step 5: Storage Space
Having somewhere for your guests to unpack their belongings goes a long way in making them feel at home. Clear cupboard spaces, bedside drawers, whatever space you can, to free up space to allow them to spread out and feel organised.
Step 6: Mood Lighting
Different lighting options are an easy way to create a relaxed mood. If space allows, include table lamps on each of the bedside tables. This gives a relaxed and cosy feel to the room at night, as well as practical lighting for night-time reading.
We love the 'Lorne' sculptural ceramic lamp featured - shop it here
Step 7: Thoughtful Touches
Towels: A lovely set of towels on the bed is a welcoming gesture.
Water jug & glasses: Practical and always appreciated.
Charging cables/accessible power ports: Because everybody has something to charge these days!
Scented draw liners : These are back in Vogue and have more pleasant and subtle scents than you may recall from childhood!
A candle & lighter: Try a Christmas inspired scent to get your guests in the holiday mood!
A vase of fresh flowers: Always a lovely finishing touch. Try some fresh local 'Christmas Bush' for a cost free and seasonal option. For a tropical feel, pick palm leaves or Monstera branches. Fresh foliage adds that final finesse to your space!
We love these French cotton towels by luxury brand Francalia - shop them here
It may be an idea to reach out to your guests a few weeks out to confirm if there are any food restrictions or dietaries you need to be aware of. This will help with your food shopping and menu prep, and ensure you avoid any awkward situations! If there are any favourite drinks or foods you know they love, it's always nice to have these well stocked and on hand for their arrival! It is a sure-fire way to make your guests feel special and loved!
Most importantly, relax and enjoy. It is the quality time you will spend together, and memories you will make that are most important. Some of the best and most meaningful conversations can be had alongside clothes drying on a clothes horse! Your guests are there for you - so don't sweat the small stuff!