Creating the Perfect Guest Room
It is not too long till we are in the midst of the summer travel season, and with that, as you know, brings with it an onslaught of visitors. Giving your house guests all the tools they need to be independent is the first step to everyone having a good time—at least in terms of their bedroom set-up, in any case.
1. Create a welcome tray
If the first thing you see when you walk into your temporary home, whether it be a spectacular guest house or a space under the stairs, is a well laid-out welcome tray, your day cannot help but improve. Is probably the most widely used dating sites.A tray may include fresh towels, a guide book to local sites (even better if it’s homemade), a few bottles of water (extra points if it’s a local spring) and finally a handwritten note from you, the host, telling them how much you have been looking forward to the visit. Be creative with this gesture, and pay attention when you visit hotels and inns, as they are great sources for ideas.
2. A luggage rack
One of the first things I do in a new space is unpack, so a well-placed bench that is hardy enough to put my suitcase on is a gesture that is always appreciated. You may even invest in a trunk that will give you extra storage for additional pillows and blankets.
3. Privacy
Whether it’s for a little alone time after a day of traveling, or to take a long hot shower, knowing that I can close the door and not be accosted by well-meaning visitors is worth its weight in gold. It could be a privacy lock, a “Do Not Disturb” sign or a scarf hanging on the doorknob, but please provide some mechanism to control my space.
4. Blackout drapes
Most of you know that I am from Australia, so when I visit my home country my biological clock is, to say, at the least a little off, as will be my sleeping habits. This equally applies to guests who may have flown from another coast. Providing blackout drapes will be a huge help to readjusting guests to your schedule.
5. Writing material
I am a firm believer that gratitude is the greatest virtue, so provide your guests with the opportunity to express this. A visitor’s book, or a stack of notecards, envelopes and stamps will always be appreciated. One trick I learnt from one of my favorite hostesses is to display the notes and cards you receive in your guest space, as it will encourage others to continue the tradition.