The snow has arrived. Store shelves are lined with toys and festive decorations. They’re playing Christmas songs on the radio. There’s no denying it— the holiday countdown is on. And that means, before long, family members will be pulling into your driveway, suitcases in tow, ready to enjoy the season while staying in your spare room.
It’s okay to admit that preparing for holiday visitors can be overwhelming. There’s so much happening in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Cleaning, baking and shopping are just the tip of the iceberg.
Which is why, for many of us, hosting simply falls by the wayside.
But with the right approach and a little bit of advanced preparation, it’s possible to take the frenzy out of having family stay at your house for the holidays. You can even provide a welcoming guest room that’s clean,comfortable and fully-equipped with all the essentials your loved ones could need or want.
The secret? Having a plan and getting a head start.
Here Are My Top 7 Tips for a Welcoming and Organized Guest Room
1. Clear Out the Clutter
A neat and tidy room doesn’t just make it easier for your guests to relax. It also improves the functionality of the space, ensuring your guests have enough space to store their belongings and move around without feeling restricted.
Start by eliminating as much clutter as possible from your closets and temporarily storing these items in your basement or in another unused area of your home. This will give your family members the option to hang their clothes or hide wrapped gifts away from the curious eyes of children.
I also recommend clearing out dresser drawers and bedside tables, as your guests will definitely appreciate having access to these spaces to keep their personal belongings tucked away.
2. Do a Deep Clean
It doesn’t take long for dust to accumulate in corners, on surfaces, and in fabrics. The best way to avoid having your guests discover it is to do a deep clean before they arrive.
More specifically, I recommend focusing on three key areas:
- Furniture (surfaces, mirrors, handles, etc)
- Light fixtures (lamp bases, lamp shades, chandelier arms, ceiling fans, etc)
- Windows (blinds, glass, sills, curtains)
These areas tend to accumulate the most dust and therefore require the most amount of cleaning. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust, as they attract and hold dirt better than other cloths. Then use a glass cleaner to make glass lamp shades or mirrors sparkle, and a furniture polish to give wood surfaces a sparkling sheen.
3. Dress the Bed in Fresh Linens
The bed is a critical part of guest room organization. Nothing makes guests feel more at home than a well-made bed with freshly laundered linens.
To guarantee your loved ones feel good about where they’re staying, I recommend putting extra care into this area. Start by adding just-washed pillowcases and sheets, along with a cozy comforter. Next, add extra pillows so your visitors can adjust based on their sleep preferences.
The cherry on top? Fold down the top sheet and duvet to create that luxurious, hotel room feel and neatly fold a throw blanket to drape across the foot of the bed. You can even place a couple of chocolates on the pillows for that extra special touch.
Trust me, your loved ones will rave about your hospitality!
4. Put Together a Welcome Basket
Knowing how to organize a guest room for the holidays isn’t just about dusting and washing the bed sheets. It’s also about giving your guests a warm welcome.
My favorite foolproof way to knock it out of the park? Preparing a welcome basket! It’s a simple yet thoughtful gesture that can be put together in a matter of minutes.
Simply fill a wicker basket or storage bin with essentials and goodies like:
- Candles
- Travel-size soaps, lotions, hair products, etc
- Face masks
- Slippers
- Mini water bottles
- Snacks
- Bottle of wine
- Shower cap
- Loofa
Your family members will feel they’re getting the royal treatment and you can rest easy, knowing they have all the necessities at their fingertips.
5. Add Festive Holiday Decorations
It’s one thing to have an organized guest room. It’s another thing to have one that’s festively decorated for the season. Ideally, you want to achieve both!
The good news? Creating a welcoming guest room that’s neat, tidy, and full of good cheer doesn’t have to take a ton of time or energy. A few simple decorations are all that’s needed.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Decorate a mini artificial Christmas tree and place it in the corner of the room or on top of a dresser
- Place festive hangers on the exterior door knobs of your guest rooms
- Write a holiday-themed greeting on a small chalkboard sign and display it in the room
- Hang Christmas garland in window frames
- Leave a collection of holiday-themed books on nightstands for late-night reading
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6. Think About Temperature Control
Always keep temperature in mind when preparing for holiday visitors. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to how warm or cool a room should be at night. For this reason, allowing visitors to control the temperature in their room is important for a comfortable stay.
If your spare room has its own thermostat, be sure to let your guests know where it is and how to use it. If not, I recommend leaving a space heater in the room or keeping extra blankets folded on a chair. You want your guests to be able to adjust to their comfort without having to ask for help.
7. Provide Entertainment Options
You’ve got a festive and organized guest room. Technically, your job is done! But if you want to hit a ho-ho-home run (see what I did there?), this last tip is a must-try. Pick a selection of card games, magazines, or puzzles and leave them out for your guests to find. You can even include a little note that encourages them to enjoy a little holiday fun.
Sure, your loved ones will probably have their cell phones with them. But there’s something nostalgic and jovial about these classic favorites!
Give Yourself the Gift of a Stress-Free Holiday Season
Imagine being able to relax and enjoy the holidays, knowing your home is in tip-top shape, and that all the tidying has been done for you. No, it’s not wishful thinking! Our team of professional organizers will transform your home into a haven of peace and joy.
