Preparing For Guests Over Christmas
Whether you having family staying overnight this Christmas or have friends visiting for a New Years Eve party, now is the time to prepare for holiday guests this festive season. Consider how many guests you will have, where will they stay, and do you need to accommodate for four-legged friends or special dietary requests? It is better to know all these things before your guests arrive so that you are ready for anything.
Welcome Home
Create that welcoming atmosphere as soon as your guests set foot in the door. They may be tired from travelling so will be pleased to be offered a refreshing drink on arrival and the chance to sit and relax. Leave a couple of hooks free on the coat rack in the hallway so your guests have a place to hang their coats and bags. Make sure their room is ready so that they have a place to put their things and have the chance to freshen up or get changed. With more guests in the house means more seating may be needed, so make use of ottomans and footstools, extra dining chairs and occasional chairs like our elegant Grace armchair.
You want your guests to feel at home therefore make it easy for them to help themselves to drinks and snacks. Set up a drinks cabinet in the dining room like our Jade black 2 door sideboard, and ensure tea and coffee are accessible for the morning.
Declutter & Organise
Firstly, think about where your house guests need to stay this Christmas, do you have a dedicated guest bedroom or do you need to create a space for them to sleep. Sometimes the spare room or guest room can be used as a storage space when it is not being used, so it is time to tackle any clutter. Sort out the washing pile, take that bag to the charity shop, and organise any household admin before giving the room a thorough clean.
If you don’t have a guest room then consider a sofa bed for the living room, the Hugo pull out sofa bed is a 3 seater sofa with chaise and easily pulls out into a sofa bed. Finished in warm taupe this sofa bed will complement a neutral living room beautifully. Our Madeline bed in a box is a single pull-out bed cleverly hidden inside an upholstered box which doubles up as an extra seat when not in use. Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms this handy space saving bed is ideal for a night or two.
Guest Bedroom Reset
Once the decluttering has been done, you can organise the space. If you have a room that already has a function like a study or playroom then a sofa bed is a handy and versatile piece of furniture to have. The Una sofa bed is available as a single and double bed and comes in a shade of oatmeal for a calm and neutral look. Alternatively add a pop of colour to the spare room with the mustard or blue velvet version of Una. The compact design makes this sofa bed ideal for smaller spaces.
If guests are staying in a home office, then ensure your work things are out of sight, with a small cabinet or desk with storage. Style the bed with cushions and throws to add cosiness and personality and include a bedside table with a lamp so that your guests have a spot to pop their things and read in bed. Add a soft rug in the bedroom for a stylish look and a cosy feel. A few personal touches such as artwork, candle holders and a mirror styled thoughtfully will complete your guest bedroom.
Final Touches
Your guests will appreciate a few little touches to make their stay comfortable. Be sure to add a side table with a table lamp if you are having guests spending the night in the living room. If they are staying in the guest bedroom, then ensure that they have space to keep a few belongings. This could be an empty drawer in a chest of drawers or some hanging space in a wardrobe. Have some fresh towels ready in the bathroom and a vase of flowers in their room for a homely feel. For a hotel inspired look, pick up some travel size toiletries and display them in a storage box or basket for your guests to help themselves, they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness. Most importantly enjoy celebrating over the festive period.
Shop all Laura James sofa beds here.