The Perfect Guest Room

WORDS:: Chyka Keebaugh

PHOTOS:: Lisa Atkinson

ENTERTAIN HOUSEGUESTS LIKE A PRO IN A FEW SIMPLE STEPS.

There is something very special about being a guest. It may be the little things like a burning candle or fresh flowers that welcome you, small touches like this say a lot. When we have guests I do go a little overboard with the styling of our guest room.... All of a sudden I am channelling a very chic hotel room and ironing towels! Welcoming a guest into your home is often fraught with stress but it really shouldn't. It should be a time for fun and relaxation so as long as the room is organised before their arrival with these few tips I am about to share, you are sure to impress!

Basics like crisp clean sheets, toiletries and space in a wardrobe are a must, but you already knew that right? But what about the rest of the room? I have pulled together a little checklist for you to create the perfect guest room.

In the room::

The bedside table should have a functioning lamp & alarm clock on it. A few coffee table books, magazines and a lovely candle, most guests travel with their own novels so no need to style with the latest John Grisham in hope that you can compare notes on who the killer was! An outlet for their charger, the WiFi password and a notepad and pen. If you have space for a chair in the room then perfect, style it up with an extra throw and cushion.

Toiletries::

This is when you can offload your stolen hotel toiletry bottles! Soaps, lotions and bath gels, shampoo and conditioner, extra toothbrushes and toothpaste can all be organised in a small tray or hamper along with two fresh towels and face washers. Having these at the foot of the bed or a top a dresser is perfect. A small cosmetic bag containing pain reliever, cotton buds, make up remover, deodorant and lip balm is a nice touch, just incase your guest has forgotten some essentials. A fluffy robe hanging behind the door is touch of luxury but of course not a necessity.

Extras::

A jug of water and extra glass is a lovely touch or if you have an active visitor - a few bottles of water they can take with them on their day trips. Packaged snacks also give that hotel mini bar vibe without the price tag. There has been many a night where I've been peckish and felt too awkward to raid the fridge - some snacks would have definitely saved me!