Escape Editor
jwalker@the-signal.com
Posted: Nov. 27, 2009 10 p.m.
In one of the early scenes in the movie “Christmas Vacation” the out-of-town relatives arrive at the front door, announced by the door bell’s “ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong” — with each ding-dong clanging slower, deeper and more ominous. It sets the tone for the rest of the movie. And whether or not your holiday guests’ arrival will be ominous, you probably want to make them as comfortable as possible in their bedrooms — that way maybe they’ll stay in those bedrooms, and away from you, more of the time.
“Merry Christmas and pass the eggnog.”
With so much going on this season, the one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is your guest room. You want to feel confident that your company will have a comfortable and pleasant stay at your house.
According to a 2009 Wellness Survey by mattress maker Tempur-Pedic, 83 percent of people consider it important that their guests get a good night’s sleep when visiting their home. As such, the guest room will inevitably be on the minds of many who are welcoming family and friends this holiday season.
Luckily for all of the holiday hosts and hostesses out there, a few simple touches can help transform any guest room into a peaceful retreat for visitors, according to Nancy Glass, a home decorating expert, six-time Emmy Award winning HGTV show creator and Tempur-Pedic Wellness Advisor.
Carolyn McLintock is the manager of the Valencia Decor Store, the head designer for that store and one of the buyers for the overall company. She also feels that fine touches make all the difference — especially holiday-related touches.
“It’s all about helping guests be independent,” she said. “Think of a charming country inn. You, as a guest, want to feel the warmth and charm of the homey atmosphere but would never want to count on the inn owner for all your needs — and you would certainly never wish to wake him or her to ask for something.” A few touches will help your guests enjoy a little more privacy, she added.
Test drive the room
To really grasp the experience, a host should spend a night in his or her guest room. Many people assume that if their extra bedrooms are clean and equipped with the basics, the room is visitor-ready. But the reality is, no one can truly know how a room sleeps until they’ve experienced it themselves.
“Before your next guest arrives, give the room a try yourself and see what you discover,” Glass said. “Is the room a little drafty? Are the pillows comfy? Do the windows effectively block light out? These are the things that make a big difference and will ensure you are placing your attention on what the room needs most.”
Bed and ’boards
Another key feature to consider is the bed. Are the mattress and pillows comfortable? Do they appeal to guests of varying sleep styles and preferences? If not, consider replacing your current mattress and pillows with something more versatile.
Additionally, does the guest bedroom have the appropriate bed accessories to make it feel just like home? Guests should be provided with both heavier blanket overlays, like duvets or comforters, and lighter throws that, collectively, accommodate varying temperature preferences. Make sure both firm and soft pillow options are available to accommodate different pillow density preferences.
McLintock said that a luggage rack set up in the guest bedroom can be very helpful. Not only will it help keep suitcases out of the way, but your guests won’t have to reach down to the floor to retrieve items from their suitcases. “A luggage rack also acts as a piece of furniture, so if you are looking for a low cost way to fill a corner or bare space, a luggage rack can do the trick,” she said.
“Be sure to provide enough shirt and pant hangers in the closet,” McLintock said. “Any type of hanger will do, but if you really want to add pizzazz to the guest room, the fabric hangers are really beautiful.” And if you don’t have a closet in the guest room, consider investing in an armoire, where clothes can be hung and pillows and blankets can be stored.
McLintock said a night light of some sort is a very good thing as well, since many times people get up in the middle of the night and need to orient themselves in an unfamiliar room.
Alternatively, she said you can use a small fiber optic Christmas tree. This will add a festive touch and provide enough light for navigation without making it hard for your guests to sleep. She added that small, battery-operated candles will accomplish the same thing.
Ambiance
Next, focus on some key points, beginning with the general atmosphere, Glass noted. While many hosts feel comfortable decorating their guest rooms more lavishly than their own, they might overlook providing a relaxing ambiance. Using natural, neutral colors such as soothing celadon greens, pale blues and creams on the walls, avoiding excessive clutter and laundering bed linens with soothing lavender scents will help create an environment where visitors can unwind.
“Atmosphere is essential and can also be easily enhanced through lighting,” Glass said. “Turn off your overhead lighting and rely on natural light and floor and table lamps with dimmers. For larger budgets, consider adding a small chandelier over the bed. This creates a beautiful tableau and instantly transforms a room’s atmosphere.”
Fine touches
Finally, don’t underestimate the big impression that smaller, less expensive touches can have on a guest. If the floor gets cold in the morning, consider putting bathroom rugs on each side of the bed. If the room basks in abundant natural light, consider investing in thicker curtains or shades so that sleeping guests do not wake prematurely.
“The next time you’re at the drugstore, pick up sample-sized toiletries, as people feel more comfortable opening something new,” Glass said. “You could also consider tucking away a mini-fridge in the night stand — they’re inexpensive, easy to install and provide guests quick access to some of the little luxuries, like bottled water, in the comfort of their own space.”
McLintock went even further. She said to make sure to have small bottles of conditioner, shampoo, soap and the like handy. And she suggested you might fill a tea cup with a few biscotti or decadent cookies and place it in the guest room. “It’s a pleasant surprise after a long plane or auto trip,” she said. “How about those mints that cruise ships put on your pillow at turn-down time?”
She said turning down the bed while your guests are busy with family activities is another way to add a special touch.
McLintock suggested you might add a goodie basket, with cookies and such, to the room to welcome your guests. “You can get 10 items for $10 at the dollar store,” she said.
She added that “diversions” are a good thing to put in the guest room. “The room should be an escape for your guests, where they can relax in privacy. Adding reading material, a few puzzle books and a few pads of paper for quick reminder notes are nice touches,” she explained. “If you know your relative loves ‘cozy’ mysteries, an Agatha Christie paperback shows you’ve been listening. Also, throw in a few magazines, making sure there is a variety.”
When it comes to holiday flair, McLintock suggests placing a wreath on the guest room door or on the closet door. You can also drape artificial garlands over bed posts. “It all depends on how far you want to go,” she said.
Other possibilities for holiday accents include small artificial floral arrangements or a small artificial Christmas tree (larger than the fiber optic one). A variety of holiday décor items awaits you at the Decor Store, including small “trees” made out of artificial fruit, and small stuffed reindeer.
With a few simple touches, guests will be comfortable in no time and appreciate the extra effort — and let’s face it, a rested guest will be a welcome guest.
Well, you hope so, anyway.
The Decor Store is located at 25658 The Old Road in Valencia (next to Old Navy). The phone number is (661) 255-7445 and the Web site is www.thedecorstore.com.
ARAContent contributed to this story
Email Article
Print Article
Sign Up for Our Qwik-e Newsletter
