Mom’s Coming to Visit!
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A Guest Room? What is that?!
If you’re a fellow New Yorker, this is exactly what you’re asking right now.
Sad (but very true) jokes aside, this is the first time I’ve had an apartment or home with a spare room! Can you feel my excitement?!
We’ve had many friends and family couch surf (sorry, Mom), but never had a real room with a proper bed and privacy to offer.
I’m happy to share that as recent first-time homeowners, we now do! Hotel M is open!
With my Mom visiting for the Holidays, you can imagine how eager I was to make our spare room a cozy and inviting place for her. We could finally offer her a private space where she could be comfortable and more importantly, not feel like she’s awkwardly in the middle of our living room for several days.
First things first: Make the Room welcoming and fun.
Naturally, I thought of Hotels we’ve stayed in; how do they make the rooms charming and accommodating? How can I replicate that feeling in our home, on a budget?
Here is my short list on making a Guest Room feel fancy and your guests more welcome on a dime!
5 Simple Steps to a Fancy Feel Guest Room
1. A Welcome Sign
You don’t need calligraphy skills for this one! I just happened to learn a little during the Pandemic (right along with bread baking and gardening, as it seems most of us did lol).
All you need is a board (be it chalkboard, dry-erase, or even Poster-board), and a fun message.
My chalkboard is a throwback from our 2019 wedding, and I’ve been putting it to use at parties, dinners, and events for a little extra special detail ever since.
I’ll use it to write messages for company, writing fun menus, and recently as a welcome sign for our Baby Shower and a friend’s 30th birthday.
*If DIY is your thing, check out this DIY to make your own framed chalkboard
Similar boards:
2. Clean Linens & Pillow
This is a must! Do not give your guest that dusty blanket that’s been sitting on your couch collecting crumbs.
Think of it this way: you know when you’ve been away and you finally get home to your own bed with your soft sheets and favorite snuggly pillow? Make that happen for your guest!
A personal pillow (and not just one of your decorative pillows from another room) and some fresh sheets are a simple gesture that go a long way to making someone feel at home.
I placed one of my mom’s favorite chocolate candies on the top to give it a little whimsy.
3. Fresh Towels & Washcloth
Who doesn’t love a fresh towel?
Instead of rummaging around for a towel in your closet, have fresh towels and a washcloth neatly folded and waiting for your guest. This is another simple gesture that shows the care and consideration you put into their expected stay.
4. Thoughtful Toiletries
This one is definitely my favorite and the most fun!
I compare it to the little goodie bags you get as a wedding guest when you stay in a hotel; they’re always such a treat!
This step really lets you get personal and playful as you cultivate a tray or basket packed with thoughtful items just for them.
Some basic items to include can be Aspirin, a Toothbrush, Airborne/Emergen-C, and lotion.
But again, customize the goods for your guest!
Do you have your Aunt staying over who can’t leave the house without Tums? Throw some Tums in there! Is your Lactose Intolerant cousin coming over? Hey, include some diary pills and give them one less thing to worry about.
Other items to consider: Cough-drops, mints, vitamins, travel shampoo and conditioner, small face wash, hair ties, brush. You can find these and more in the Travel section of your local CVS for just a few dollars.
5. Scented Candle
Smell is the strongest sense associated with memory; make your guest’s stay memorable with a softly scented candle. This is a great way to give the room a little ambiance and coziness for that Hygge feel.
My Mom was visiting for Christmas, so I went with a festive Pine scent and placed several matches in a small glass holder to be visible and within reach.
No Spare Room?
No problem!
Listen, we work with what he have!
If you don’t have a spare room or guest room, take these steps and apply them to wherever your guest will be staying.
You can make them a gift basket or bundle in the corner of a room- whats most important is that you can host and spend time with those you love.
Remember: a little goes a long way!
Whether you write a kind note, make breakfast, or have a goodie bag waiting for them, any thoughtful gestures will certainly be appreciated.
Take care!
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