Creating a Cozy Guest Room

When you’re setting up a guest room, do it with the comfort and convenience of your guest in mind. If you are able to go beyond the basics, include a few extra touches to make your guests feel pampered. But even if you can’t turn your guest room into the Ritz, spend a night there yourself to make sure all the amenities are in place. Your guest room should include:

1. A comfortable bed. Firm mattress, clean, soft sheets, two pillows per bed, one firm enough for reading in bed (or extras for that use), blanket, bedspread and extra blankets, and a mattress cover.

2. Box of tissues—one for the bedroom, one in the bathroom.

3. Reading light.

4. Water glass or tumbler near the bed.

5. Adequate closet and drawer space. If drawers in the room are usually in use, clear a few before guests arrive and point them out. Provide wooden or padded hangers for jackets and skirts or pants.

6. Alarm clock.

7. Radio.

8. Wastebasket. One in the bedroom, one in the bathroom.

9. Bathroom amenities. Soap and towels are required; but toothpaste, shampoo, a hair dryer, and other toilet articles will be a welcome surprise.

10. Telephone. Not necessary, of course. But a nice touch if you have a spare jack.

11. Reading material. Provide a selection of current magazines and books, including short story collections.

12. Fresh flowers. A vase of flowers welcomes guests and suggests their visit was anticipated with pleasure.