Guest bedrooms see more use during the last couple of months of each year than they do the rest of the year combined.
From Thanksgiving to the New Year we often have a constant influx of visitors coming through our homes – but how do you prepare a guest room for Christmas to make them feel at home during the busy holidays?
From adding things every guest room needs to stay organized to decorating with some bedroom Christmas decor for a festive touch, the experts do this to make their guests feel at home during the holidays.
How to prepare a guest room for Christmas
How you prepare the space may depend on how many guests are staying and how long they are staying, the basics are always the same – from common cleaning tips to ensuring guests have suitable storage and privacy.
1. Clean guest spaces from top to bottom
No matter what time of year you have guests, working through a pre-guest cleaning checklist is important to ensure no corner is left dusty and no linens unwashed.
When it comes to guest spaces that you don’t use as frequently, such as bedrooms, Alicia Sokolowski, cleaning expert and founder of AspenClean reminds us to remove dust first, as it accumulates more quickly than you might think, even in rooms you don’t use. ‘You might clean your windows and mirrors regularly in the rooms you spend time in but forget about your guestrooms. So wipe them down to make sure they are streak-free and sparkling,’ she adds.
Once you have dusted, you can move on to cleaning the floors, using a vacuum cleaner to help remove all dirt and debris, as well as any dust that may have become dislodged when cleaning. ‘Mop hardwood floors or tiles using a natural floor cleaner, too,’ she adds.
‘Finally, for cleaners, try to choose green, eco-friendly ones,’ Alicia recommends. ‘It will be better for your and your guests' health, maybe your furry friends and the planet. Always check the labels and certifications (don't trust all the cute bunny symbols, for example).’
2. Make space in storage for belongings
Whether organizing a small guest room or decluttering a guest suite, it is important to clear away some space in guest bedroom storage to allow guests to hang or fold clothes away during their stay – even if it is just for one night, reminds APDO's president & founder of Sorted! Siân Pelleschi:
‘Like at any time of the year, it’s important to let your guests feel welcome in their sleeping space. Declutter the space as much as possible and allow space for them to have both clothes and toiletries out (or put away) where possible.’
3. Wash guest bedding, even if it hasn't been used
Guest linens that have been folded at the bottom of a cabinet or sat out on a bed unused can begin to smell musty over time, meaning doing laundry should be a priority on your to-do list, says Maria Mooney, cleaning expert at Truly Free. This also helps to eliminate dust mites that might set off guest allergies, she explains.
‘The chilly Christmas season is the perfect time to add an extra layer of comfort to guest rooms, so be sure to have warm, cozy blankets and duvets for your guests to use and ensure they have a restful night of sleep.
‘I recommend using a non-toxic laundry detergent like Truly Free’s Laundry Wash, available at Walmart, for the cleanest clean without exposing your guests to harmful chemicals and toxins.’
4. Add some festive touches
Bedrooms may be some of the more unexpected places in the home to decorate for Christmas, but adding a simple festive touch can make your guests' stay that little bit more magical, suggests Jamie Hord, professional organizer and founder of Horderly.
His tip is to make sure you're not overdoing it in this space and only ‘sprinkling Christmas in so that it feels cozy and in spirit. Consider adding in a little tree with fairy lights, have lamps or sconces for all mood light options, and offer a scented holiday candle,’ he recommends.
For a truly nostalgic touch, add in a Christmas stocking at the end of the bed filled with goodies to welcome your guests in – a Christmas card, some self-care items such as relaxing face masks, sweet treats, and a pair of fluffy socks or slippers to use around the house makes for the perfect Christmas welcome.
For a luxury touch, consider personalizing the stockings for your guests to take home, too.
5. Ensure guests have spare essentials on hand
When staying in someone else's home, it is easy to feel awkward asking for some extra essentials, so ensure they are laid out ready for the guest to use as they need them, recommends professional organizer Jamie Hord.
‘I like to offer two different types of pillow options on the bed and extra blankets available in case they want the extra layers and towels easily available,’ he shares. ‘A few other things to keep in mind when setting up a guest bedroom are a sound machine, phone charger, luggage rack, hooks for towels or a robe, a floor length mirror, and a hanging rod with empty hangers.’
Stephanie Deininger, professional organizer and founder of The Organized Flamingo, adds that it can be handy to also include a piece of paper with all the important info about the house such as the WiFi password and details about where to find other essentials around the home (such as the coffee maker, as well as instructions on how to use it).
‘After all, this is not their home and they might know where things go or how to find something,’ she says. ‘Things I'd point out are WiFi login info, where they can get clean towels and place dirty items, and any special instructions on how to use a device or door. Give them answers to the questions they may feel embarrassed to ask directly.’
This is not just a good tip for getting your home guest ready for the holiday season, but year-round – such as preparing a guest room for Thanksgiving.
FAQs
Should you give a gift to a host at Christmas?
When going to someone else's house for Christmas, it is customary to take a gift, both to help celebrate the season and as a token of your appreciation for hosting, be it for the evening or a few days. Consider giving a traditional gift and bringing something for the Christmas meal.
How long should a guest stay at a house?
How long a guest stays with a host will depend on the guest's relation and the occasion they are visiting for. A safe rule of thumb is to only stay for around three days, however, especially during busy seasons such as the holidays to avoid treading on the host family's toes.
It is not just your guest rooms you need to spruce up and prepare for incoming guests. It is also a good idea to prepare an entryway for Christmas guests to make welcoming friends and family a seamless experience and get a kitchen ready for hosting too, for perfect nights in with tasty homemade dishes without added stress.
