Summer is here! Which means your guest room may soon be a hot spot for friends and family. For us in LA and Nashville, there’s a pretty good chance it’s going to be a rotating series of houseguests all year round. From weddings to bachelorette parties, spring break to summer vacations, you’ll want to be sure you have the perfect place for guests to rest their head, relax and enjoy a little vacation.
We've compiled some of our favorite things (along with some necessities) that will have your guest room feeling like a home away from home:
Extra Linens
Everyone has different sleeping patterns. Whether they like to be bundled up with the fan on high, or enjoy extra pillows for reading, you want your guests to feel comfortable and cozy. You never know what they might prefer, so go ahead and load 'em up with plenty of options. Be sure to include some chunkier knits and lightweight linens as well.
Bathroom Toiletries
We love the idea of creating a little basket of bath essentials with: a few washcloths, your favorite mini shampoo/conditioner, body wash, facial cleansing wipes, an extra toothbrush/toothpaste, razor and q-tips. We all know those things are easy to forget and travel sizes can only last so long! It's a nice touch that will make their stay all the more enjoyable and could save them, or yourself, a trip to the store.
Bath Towels
A few extra towels always come in handy! We are particularly fond of these Turkish Towels by Green Body Green Home. They're lightweight and quick-drying which means your guests won't be using damp towels to dry off each time they shower. Be sure to provide a place for the towels to hang as well! If you're dealing with a shared bathroom scenario, make sure you have an extra hook or over-the-door rack available.
Candle and Matches
Because sometimes, you just want your room to smell good. Traveling can be a little stressful, so a scented candle is the perfect addition to help your guests feel relaxed at the end of the day. We love the idea of adding in a candle from a local candle company- check out your farmer's or flea markets and you're sure to find one!
Reading Material
These travel guides from Wild Sam are a great resource for anyone traveling to a new city and residents alike! They're beautifully designed and provide great/current recommendations of things to do and places to eat around the city. These can be especially useful for guests who plan to do a little exploring on their own. Currently available: Charleston, Brooklyn, Nashville, New Orleans, Detroit, San Francisco, and Austin.
Chair or Bench
If you have the space, an extra chair or bench is a great addition to your guest room. It will give your company a spot to place their bag or just a place to sit and put their shoes on. Add a throw or small pillow for a decorative touch.
Closet Space and Hangers
Most travelers pack at least one nice outfit and sometimes several, depending the purpose of their trip. Giving them a space to hang their clothing will minimize wrinkles and help keep the room and their suitcase a bit tidier. And please, no wire hangers!
Water and Snacks
Chances are, your guests will be on the go throughout their stay, so leaving them with water and snacks to tide them over in between meals will be much appreciated. Also, let them know where they can find things in your kitchen: dishes and utensils, coffee and creamer and anything else they might need. We recommend checking ahead of time for a list of their faves as well as any food allergies.
A few more thoughtful additions:
- Robe or slippers
- Box of tissues and small trash can
- Wifi Password
- Notepad and pen
1: West Elm Throws
2: Sachajuan Shampoo and Conditioner + Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Wipes + Izola Toothbrushes
3: Greenbody Greenhome Turkish Towels
4: Paddywax Candle + Urban Outfitters Matches
5: Wild Sam Field Guide
6: Crate & Barrel Upholstered Bench
7. Wood Hangers
8. Assorted Snacks