Make Your Home Cozy for Holiday Guests

The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness. So, it’s natural to want loved ones from out of town to stay a while during this special time. Putting together a guest room that makes guests feel comfortable is so easy. Create a checklist of things that are perfect for your home and your guests’ interests. Choose the touches that make a stay in your home feel extra relaxing. When making your guest room checklist, consider pieces that add softness, warmth and organization to your guest space. These ideas from us at Pottery Barn will help you cozy up your home in no time.

Spotless and Spacious

Air out unused rooms before guests arrive. Make sure every surface is clean by going through the room with a dust cloth. Put fresh linens on the bed and hang plush towels on the towel racks in the guest bathroom. Give everything a good dusting and final once-over to be sure it’s clean and fresh when visitors walk in the room. For a room that’s currently in use, making room for house guests is important. Give the room a quick, but thorough, cleaning to make sure floors, bedding and window dressings are clean. Prepare some empty drawers in your dresser or nightstand and clear out some closet space, so guests have plenty of places to put things.

Oh, So Organized!

It’s always easier to get around in a new setting when things are organized, which is especially helpful if your guests haven’t been to your place before. Create organization in the guest room by putting a few empty baskets or catchalls on the dresser. Put a notebook and pen in the nightstand for your guests to use. Be sure the bedside lighting works properly in case your visitors want to read in bed. For an extra thoughtful touch, put a nightlight in a basket by the bed so your loved ones have the option to illuminate the room or sleep in total darkness. Pack a container of grooming supplies to store in the closet or bathroom cupboard. This makes it easy for anyone who forgot to bring deodorant, toothpaste or shampoo to simply grab their needed items. Finally, add a small wastebasket and hamper in the room for convenience.

Cuddly Softness

Sinking into bed at the end of a busy day is a blissful experience. When you’re preparing your guest bed, put softness high on the list ­– it’s a surefire ticket to coziness. There are many great ways to surround guests with softness. Toss a few beautiful throw pillows on the bed. Make sure the mattress is extra plush by putting a mattress topper under the mattress pad and sheets. Put a comfy chair in the room, too. This lets guests sit up and enjoy quiet moments when first waking up and when relaxing before bed. A chair is also great for curling up in when reading a book or magazine.

Toasty Warmth

Warmth and coziness go hand in hand, especially on cool winter-holiday evenings. If the room tends to be chilly, spread a warming pad or electric blanket on the bed. Unpack thick comforters, duvets and soft throw blankets for guests to wrap up in and snuggle into at bedtime. Toss an extra throw over the backs of your chairs. Hang fuzzy, warm robes in the bathroom for guests. Also, for a sweet touch, get each guest a pair of cushy slippers to enjoy while visiting and take home when the stay is over.

Peaceful and Blissful

Some of the most thoughtful and cozy guest bedroom ideas are the ones that simply make guests feel at home. Create a welcoming vibe with framed photos, flowers and plants. These items add visual interest to the guest room, and they’re the touches that make a space feel full of life. Provide some activities for quiet times, too. Place some magazines, puzzle books or card games in the nightstand drawer or the paper tray of a desk set. This provides your guests with plenty of relaxing activities to keep them occupied in their downtime.