- move over Donna Reed
As a designer, I’m abnormally obsessed with the way things look and work in my house, much to the lament of my husband who wishes I were a little less particular; hosting a guest is never as easy as a blow-up mattress and a spare towel.  I want my guests to feel comfortable and welcomed. Part of my self-expression is how I construct and design all of the space in my own home – the guest room is just another opportunity to create an interesting, comfortable, welcoming space – even if it’s a yoga studio, or an oversized closet when not housing guests.
Having said this, the process of creating a comfy cozy guest space that says, “we’re so glad you’re here” -is mostly about thoughtfulness. What I’ve found is that thinking of ways to make your guest feel welcomed, even, dare I say, special, is golden when you host – even more important than Frette linens or providing a guest wing. (although those don’t hurt)
Because it’s what I do for a living, I take special pleasure in hosting, whether I like my guests or not. And let’s be frank, shall we, who always likes who’s coming to dinner? Perhaps you crazy family or nutty in-laws, maybe your sister’s buzz-kill of a boyfriend, or an adored old college friend is coming – whoever it is, take pleasure in putting out, if not the red carpet, than a set up that fits your home and makes you feel good. I can’t help with the dinner conversation or the uncomfortable silence in the hallway, but there are ways to create a bedroom that everyone will feel good about.
You need to think about the basics before you get fancy – a place for your guest to lay her head, her suitcase, her keys. Even if you’re putting someone up in the living room, you can do this for them. But go further than the bottom line – what’s the worst part of being a guest? Not having the stuff that feels like home to you. If I can’t make my guests feel like they are at their home, I at least want them to be comfortable and welcome in my house. Here are some ideas to create an inspired space for your guest:
1)     Let them arrive to a made bed ready for their weary body. (assume their journey has not been pleasant – it probably hasn’t been) Whether you’re offering a pull-out couch, a blow-up mattress or a high-quality queen-sized bed in its own bedroom, make the bed, comfortably well, and you’ll instantly make your guest feel good. I have a friend, Christina, who always manages to have beds that beckon in her guest room. I don’t get the sense that her sheets are overly extravagant – but they are always good quality, freshly laundered, and complete – everyone gets two pillows, turned-down sheets, wrapped in a comforter complete with a duvet and an extra blanket just in case. The bed is made but not stiff and, what can I say? I love sleeping at her house. Her linens are all the same tones – pale pastels and lots of white – so she can mix and match – it’s never a bed of all the same fabric. No “bed in a bag†look here.
My favorite sheets for this time of year are jersey-cotton. (also called T-shirt sheets) They don’t have the weight of flannel if your house is warm, and they don’t get cool or stiff – they are the goldilocks of sheets in my book. The Company Store is having a sale on solid-colored jersey sheets at this very moment…
2)     Cut the clutter. Provide good lighting and good surfaces for travel items. Guest rooms usually house extra furniture and stuff we don’t know what to do with. No problem if this is the case in your house – but put it away when your guests come. Nothing says, “crap, you’re here…†like a bed covered in papers, bills and stuff labeled “good will.†Put away the stuff that’s collecting in this typically under-used room and let your guests feel that it was made for them.  A lit candle seems to say “we’ve been expecting you.†I like the un-fussy, lightly-scented candles from Beeluxe, made from organic and sustainably harvested bee-wax.
3)     You’re a hotel for the night – revel in it! The other sucky thing about being a guest? Having to ask for everything. Outfit your inn, chez you, with anything you can fathom your guest needing – fresh towels are the beginning, but how about an extra toothbrush + paste, a bottle of water, snacks, a robe, a newspaper, magazines, hair dryer? If isn’t practical because of space – make sure these items are easily accessible and pointed out when your guests arrive. And let’s be choosy about what we leave in the room. I like to outfit my guest rooms with a certain statement – not over- the-top-luxe – everything should say “use me and enjoy me†not backpacker-crunch – not “will this give me a rash?” I love these little all natural fortune cookie soaps from Bathjunkie.com, each with unique messages inside. They are quirky, festive and fun. Who doesn’t like fortune cookies and smelling good at the same time?
4)     Something fresh please. Another nice extra to leave in a guest room is cut flowers. They need not be super-expensive or fancy – a simple bud glass with a single flower in water is elegant and simple – akin to the candle trick, it also says, “we’ve been in here to prepare for your arrival†as opposed to what is often the case which is “no one ever sleeps here and the dust is a half-inch thick.â€
Gift bearer beware….
Hostess gifts are one of those lingering traditions from a few generations ago which really need a better name and a little reinvention. Candy and napkins are done. Make the gifts little silly surprises or something simple and pretty that you just wouldn’t buy yourself. And why not buy a little something for your guest to boot? Maybe something they can use during their stay? Gifts set the mood.
The idea is to give a thoughtful and festive token – not a new fur coat – not something you wouldn’t want like that box of chocolate-covered cherries (who eats those things?) from your office manager from last year. There is the random box of candy or bottle of wine, but if you’re staying for more than a few hours, bring something handmade, cheeky and interesting – or ideally, all three.
Once again, etsy is my partner in crime on this one:
I’m sort of in love with this sassy, cheeky French Berry Hostess Apron when I’m the one visiting, available on etsy.com for $25. (photograph at the top of the page)
sweet swinger coasters worthy of vince vaughn's early career
Your hipster host will totally appreciate these retro coasters, above, which are handmade and available on etsy.com for $12.50:
For those staying with you, these lovely lavender sachets say, “breathe me in and take me home.â€
pink twinkle lights + lavender? A match made in heaven
When all else fails, how about a pin-up Christmas towel – for guests to use at hour house and take with them – one less thing for you to launder when they leave – genius.
ooh la la - it's a pin-up christmas!
Hosting guests can be tiring extra work, but designing the guest experience well can also mean less work– answering needs before they ask means less middle-of-the-night rummaging of your hall closet. Giving your guests what they need removes any chance of them using something you wish they wouldn’t – like one of your guests ink-blotting her face into your favorite not-to-be-actually-used towel, with post-face wash mascara remains. Small, thoughtful (not necessarily expensive) touches can also set the tone for the real purpose of the visit – connection and revelry.
Enjoy the time of year – revel in having a full house – don’t try to do it perfectly.
