Before you start:

Spend the night in your guest room.  This is the best way for you to determine what your guest will experience.

Install a full length mirror if possible.

If the configuration of your home allows, have your guests stay in a room that is out of the normal traffic of your family activities.

Install a lock on your guest room door.

You can still pamper your guests even without a guest room.  Take the extra time to provide a lush experience… let thoughtfulness be your guide. 

Function

There are five pieces every guest room should have: 

• A bed – choose a somewhat firm mattress.  Make this as comfortable as possible.  This is, after all, what the guest room is all about… a good night’s sleep.
• A chair and ottoman for reading or quiet time – think cozy… maybe club chair.  Your guests will apprieciate having a cozy, quiet place to retreat.
• A chest of drawers- or built in if that is what you have.  This is critical for those guests staying more than a day.  Nobody enjoys living out of a suitcase.
• A reading light – at the chair (having one bedside is a good idea, too).
• A luggage rack – a bench is fine… great for packing/unpacking.

You might also consider these: 

• A vanity with well lit mirror.
• A television with media player
• A sound system with MP3 capabilities.

To be sure you are providing a delightful guest space, put yourself in the place of the guest and imagine what would make your stay more enjoyable.

Here are a few things to have on hand:

·         Extra hangers

·         Alarm clock

·         Reading material – a couple of novels and magazines

·         A bedside carafe of water

·         Fresh flowers

·         Pad of paper and writing instrument

·         Plain postcards and stamps

·         Snacks

·         Extra pillows of varying sizes and firmness

·         Extra blankets of varying weights

·         A small fan for temperature control and white noise

·         Eye mask to block out light

·         A listing of available television stations on cardstock

·         A sewing kit

·         A candle

·         Some warm, fuzzy socks or slippers