We Answer Wednesday - How to create a welcoming guest room

"Christmas break is coming soon and we have out of town guests staying with us for a few days, how can we make them feel at home when staying with us?"

Hosting out of town guests is a part of the holidays and you definitely want your guests to feel comfortable.  When it comes to hosting house guests you really want to think of the details - it really is the small things that make the difference!

It's always nice to have a guest room that looks and feels like a bedroom - you really want your house guests to feel like they are welcome and a part of your home.  A cohesive looking bedroom is always a welcoming touch.  We always recommend decorating a guest bedroom in a soothing and calming theme and in neutral colour tones.

 

These elements are musts when having guests stay over for a few days:

1. Fresh bedding and an extra blanket and pillows
2. Night stand with lamp and alarm clock
3. Trash bin
4.Tissues
5. WiFi password
6. Clean towels (a set for each guest)
7. Available outlet to charge phones, tablets etc...
8. Bottled water and snacks
9. Clothing hangers and space in the closet (and/or dresser)



It's always a great idea to stock up on some extra toiletries too - everyone always forgets something...

- toothbrush
- tooth paste
- dental floss
- ibuprofen
- hair dryer
- shampoo and conditioner
- q-tips
- hand lotion



Some little extras that add a little something special...

- fresh flowers or potted plant
- Spare reading materials (books or magazines)
- Notepad and pen


Be sure to tour your guests around the house and let them know where to find essentials like bathrooms, laundry, coffee and how to work the TV. 

How to Host a Holiday Party

Let's take the guess work out of hosting a holiday party this year....

Here's the top 10 dinner party must-haves.....

1.  If you are going in a formal direction for this dinner party, a printed invite is classy but also personal, it's special and everyone loves getting mail.  I love these fun paper invites by two guitars available on Etsy.



2.   A stylish centerpiece really adds something to the ambiance of the evening.  you don't have to be frilly or formal - i love something simple like a few flowers in a clear vase or votives in mason jars.  these simple glass vases are from CB2



3. Think so something fun like  craft paper on the table, you can use it to play games while you eat and drink.  It's make the evening more playful - I also love this idea for a kids' table during any holiday family meal



4.  Tiered trays are perfect for dessert but also appetizers.  I love that you can stack vertically and you still have room on the table, a crowded table can be uncomfortable and you are more likely to have spills.  there is a stunning wood cheese board tiered tray available at Bed, Bath and Beyond



5.  What's a dinner party without a few cocktails?  You could get inspired with a signature drink for the evening or just stock the bar with basics but don't forget the bar accessories 



6.  Over sized serving platters are perfect for family style meals, who says a dinner party has to be formal?   You will get a lot of use of over sized serving platters so it's worth spending a bit more plus it is a great gift to give someone who loves to entertain.



7.  Glassware is a must.  Personally, I have two boxes of extra wine glasses i store in my basement and bring out whenever I host a cocktail party.  If you want to add an extra touch to your glassware, try monogrammed glassware from West Elm




8. A wine decanter looks amazing but also serves a purpose especially if you plan on serving a savoury red wine, plus it adds another touch of glam to the table.




9.  Dessert stands can actually be a beautiful centerpiece displaying stunning cakes and desserts on the table. I've seen some beautiful cake stands at Homesense



10. Flatware in a versatile style is a must.  There was a time when you had a formal and a casual set but you will get much more use out of a versatile set.