Hints for making your visitors feel at home

BY ASSIA MORTENSEN

Recently our family had the pleasure of visiting the big island of Hawaii. Our hosts put us up in their comfortable guest quarters located downstairs in their expansive home. They were kind enough to provide us with great ideas about sights not to be missed and the best places to shop. They even offered us home-baked bread, juice, and coffee in the morning. The guest suite was charming and decorated in bright, floral fabrics. It had an entertainment center with a television and DVD player, as well as a kitchenette, a private bath, and above all, a cozy bedroom. We had a terrific stay, and when we returned home to California, I was inspired to update our extra room. Here are 10 simple tips I discovered for making up a guest room that provides relaxation, respite, and above all, a good nights sleep. Most of these ideas are inexpensive and relatively quick to accomplish, yet can make a key difference.

1. Clear the space: Often guest rooms double as storage for collectables and other accoutrement, so it’s important to make sure your guests have enough room to put away their belongings. It’s a wonderful gesture to clear space in the closet so they can hang jackets, pants, or dresses—and don’t forget to provide some extra hangers. If possible, make some additional room in a dresser for folded clothing and other small items. Many guests will feel more comfortable if they can put away their clothing and tuck their suitcases in the closet.

2. Provide good lighting: A light by the bed for reading is an essential component for a guest room. A handy lamp on a nightstand will also mean that your visitors will not be fumbling around to find the main light switch if they have to get up during the night. An additional fixture or lamp near a desk would be an added plus.

3. Reading and writing materials: If you have a few books in mind that may interest your guests, be sure to offer them. Regional magazines (like Frontiers), newspapers, and/or travel guides are also a thoughtful touch. If possible, place an extra phone in the room, along with blank paper and pens for note-taking or journaling.

4. A comfortable bed: Mattresses can be enhanced with a feather bed topper. Make up the bed with a down or fiber-filled comforter, fresh sheets, and extra blankets. Look for high quality cotton sheets, and if possible, designer covers. A variety of soft pillows are always appreciated.

5. A cozy chair: An easy chair with a cozy throw or blanket will make a fine addition to your guest quarters. This is the perfect place for your guests to curl up and read. A slipcover will quickly spiff up an older piece of furniture. Add a throw pillow that coordinates with your bedding and you’re all set.

6. Offer breathing room: Try to give guests space and privacy; many guests do not need or want to be entertained all the time. Be sure to balance activities with some quiet time so it seems like a restful vacation for them.

7. Bath essentials: A basket full of fresh bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths, extra soap, shampoo and conditioner, as well as lotion, can provide a welcoming addition to a guest bathroom. A lighted mirror and hair dryer are extra pluses.

8. Entertainment center: A television with a remote control, and a DVD and/or CD player will allow your guests to watch a movie, catch up on the news, or listen to music.

9. Fresh flowers: Flowers add a lovely touch to most any room; potted plants will also provide a fresh look to the space. We also really love scented candles. One caveat: If your guests suffer from allergies, you will want to skip flowers and use only unscented candles.

10. Provide refreshments: It’s wonderful to wake up to a fresh cup of hot coffee or tea; many guests will also appreciate bottled water on a tray in the room, as well as some nibbles like chips or nuts. Fresh-squeezed orange juice and baked goods are wonderful treats, if you have the time to prepare them.