Guest Room Essentials

We've recently updated one of the bedrooms.and I've compiled a list of guest room essentials to add to the decor.  I'm still tweaking the final details, I promise to share soon....until then I'm here to share some of the finishing touches.

I've been focussing on making the room extra comfy and inviting for visitors. For inspiration, I've done some web browsing and searched for ideas about what makes the perfect guest room. Every list I found had a certain few items in common. Some went so far as to make the rooms the equivalent of a hotel with ironing boards and coffee stations. I think those homes must have a guest wing. I don't know what your floor plan is like, maybe your guest have a hike to the kitchen. I don't live in a castle; the guest room is right across the hall from my room, and I never feel the walk to the kitchen for coffee is too much of a strain. Besides, I'd have a wee fit if someone spilled coffee on the new comforter - lil' word of warning. Here are the essentials I'm going with.

1. A fuzzy rug beside the bed since we recently removed the carpet—I want to keep those tootsies warm.
2. A comfy chair and a warm throw are perfect for reading, relaxing, and enjoying coffee in a sippy cup after a long walk to the kitchen.
3. A key, in case you wander off on your adventures and want to get back in.
4. A basket of toiletries in case you've forgotten something or need a restock at home.
5. A bed with puffy pillows, high-quality sheets, and a fluffy hypoallergenic duvet.
6. A place to put your suitcase. Space in the closet and dresser is a nice welcome, too.

Those are some essentials I found for a lovely, welcoming guest room. But why stop with nice when fabulous is fairly easy to accomplish? With some extra effort, your guests will look forward to a return visit

1. Slippers... We have a very old house with beautiful but cold hardwood floors, making slippers a must in the chilly months.
2. Reading material, either books or current magazines, is a nice touch. Keep it next to the chair for light reading.
3. A laundry basket...even if their dirty clothes are left with them, it's nice to have the separation during their visit.
4. Flowers..a single bloom in a small bottle is enough, just a little touch to show you're thrilled to have them.
5. Black-out curtains...With these, I don't feel guilty about my outside lights and lightweight Pottery Barn curtains.
6. WiFi: Keep a little card with the password on the nightstand in case it's forgotten and needed while you're asleep.

Our kids are grown, so I have the time and funds to decorate an extra room. Do I need these things when I visit a friend or family member? Absolutely not. I'm there to enjoy their company. These lists are simply for fun and another "avoiding laundry" tactic on my part. In my never-ending quest to avoid all things related to housework, I'll be back to share the implementation of the lists.

Thanks for the visit!