Create a Comforting Guest Room
The guest room is no longer the catch-all room where the laundry and ironing board live. Follow these tips to add just the right touch and make your guest feel more than "at home".

In most homes, we are not blessed with the luxury of an extra room to devote solely to the weary traveler. The rest of us are left with a scenario that usually begins with a sofa bed and a few extra pillows.

However, these pieces today, offer considerably more comfort that their relatives of old and they are much more ascetically pleasing as well. On the market as well are attractive and easy to open day beds, futon sofas and flip open sofas and chairs.

If you have to use your main living space for guests there are a few things you can keep in mind to bring comfort and privacy into your room.

Privacy

How about adding a folding screen? They are a beautiful accent placed in the corner of your room and will bring functionality when strategically placed to add privacy. Keep your window coverings heavier in this room. Certainly use sheers for maximum light but adding heavier curtains that remain drawn back during the day can give your guests a feeling of privacy and solitude. Opaque, darker shade is a minimum must. One might even add a drapery at the entrance of your living room, bringing an elegant touch to the portal which can effectively isolate the room for guests when they visit.

If you do have a room to devote strictly to guests, first give some thought to your guest list. Cribs and roll away beds can be rented easily for overflow, so don’t clutter your guest room with extra sleeping spaces.

Space

Make sure your bed fits your room without clutter. Your guests should be able to easily walk around the bed and be able to get to everything in the room.

Providing a flat surface for opened suitcases is a courtesy your guests will appreciate throughout their stay. This is an absolute must unless you can provide adequate dresser and closet space for them to unpack and settle in. You don’t want your guests fumbling through a suitcase on the floor for their stay, particularly if it is an elderly guest.

The Little Things

Remember, it’s the little luxuries that make us all feel comforted and special. Don’t forget to add fresh flowers before your guests arrive. Keep plenty of extra pillows on hand of various materials and softness. Give your guests a choice to insure a good nights rest. Good, fresh linens rinsed in linen water will finish your guest room off in style.

If you do have the closet space, offer your guests padded hangers for their clothes. Set out sundries such as shampoos and lotions which can be purchased in sample sizes and lots of fluffy, clean towels. I loved to have unisex, terry robes hanging on the back of the door for my guests to wrap up in and feel just that much more special.

Give your guests a comfortable chair to sit in with adequate lighting to read by. Most of us like to retire to our own private retreat at the end of the day to wind down a bit before bedtime.

I had several early risers visiting my home from time to time and I had purchased a small coffee maker for the guest room. A small basket with sugar, creamer, sweeteners, filters and fresh coffee completed this special touch along with tea bags for our tea drinkers.

WARNING!!!!!

They will be back. Your guests will feel pampered and special and they will RETURN! They might even tell your other friends what a wonderful place you have and how welcome you made them feel.

Be sure to let them know
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