Guest Room Ready for the Holidays
Thank you Serena & Lily for the gifted product. All opinions and styling are my own.
I’m going to do something that’s totally out of character for the perfectionist that I am. I’m going to share a room with you that’s not completely finished (GASP). But before I do, let’s take a look at the “before”…because this is how our upstairs guest room has sat since we moved into this home almost three years ago.
To be fair, we do have a beautiful main floor guest room. I’ve often said it’s my favorite room in the house and I’m envious that I don’t get to use it! But with three young children and most of our extended family out of state – it’s typical that we host more than one family at a time around the holidays. And after a long day of travel, our guests have to draw straws for the “booby prize”.
I give you, the “booby prize”. Otherwise known as my storage unit for all the crap I either want to sell or donate. Some of the girls’ toys have also made their way up here…funny how they manage to take over the entire house.
So bad, right? OK, so assuming your eyes aren’t permanently damaged – let’s take a look at how the room looks today with just a few, small changes!
Much better, don’t you think? In short – for a quick fix, focus on your bedding. Serena & Lily is currently in the middle of their “Sleep Well” event, so you can get their best-in-class bedding and beds for up to 30 percent off through October 28. Candidly, I’m eyeing this bed …the frame seen here is more than 10 years old and my style has changed over time.
I kept the bedding neutral with their Solana Collection so I can easily change out the accent pieces. The Palomino Alpaca Throw is the perfect layering piece to add some warmth. As I mentioned, this is phase 1 – over the next six months I’d like to add additional decor, a light fixture and rug.
Can we pause for a minute and give this mirror the attention it deserves? My biggest challenge will be keeping it for our guests and not snagging it for the master.
There are a few easy ways to make guests feel more welcomed in your home. I’ve heard of some folks putting together little welcome baskets and to be frank, I don’t have time for that every time an aunt or uncle rolls to town (LOVE YOU).
But here are some of my quick + simple tips:
Accent lighting – before your guest arrives, turn down the bedding in a way that says, “you’ll feel so cozy here!” and leave a bedside lamp on. A little low light is inviting.
Luggage rack – I really love having a designated place for folks to put their bags. It feels resort-like and lets them know this space is just for them.
Fresh towels – obvious, right? We love the Banded Border Bath Collection from Serena & Lily. Leave them out and visible so they don’t have to ask for anything. Having them folded on a bed, or in a basket just says, “hey, we’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival and want you to be comfortable!”
Keep it simple – there is nothing I hate more than clutter. We know this, right? I feel this way especially about a guest room. Family and friends are arriving with their own things that they’ll need room for – don’t go to town with unnecessary styling. I love a good bed tray, but don’t fill it to the brim. Same goes with the nightstand.
Next week is Halloween folks…which means you’re going to blink and it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas. Focus on your guest room today, so you aren’t scrambling later!