When we think of summer, we think of travel and vacations. So now is the time to get your guest room ready for any family or guests who may decide to pop in for a visit. Maybe you are having a 4th of July family reunion - that's another reason to get that guest room in order.
 
I think it's important to make guests feel at home when they visit, but they should also feel special, so I like to make the room inviting and I leave lots of special goodies for them to enjoy. So, lets clean the guest room and clear any clutter in anticipation for their stay!
 
THE BED
 
Lets start with the bed. Invest in a really good sheet set and keep it just for guest room use. Make up the bed, and don't forget those hospital corners! Before your guests arrive, turn down the bed - a nice welcoming gesture. Make sure you have plenty of blankets for their use. Store an extra one in the closet. If you don't already have good pillows on the guest bed, please go out and buy some. There is nothing worse than spending the night at someone's home while trying to sleep on a cheap uncomfortable pillow! I like to have plump down-like ones for my guests. Be sure to have some extras.
 
BEDSIDE TABLE
 
Make sure you have a good bedside light for late night reading. Have the bedside light turned on for their arrival. Also, have a digital clock and a box of tissues. I like to leave a selection of current magazines and also a best-selling novel just in case they want to read. Having a couple of bottles of water nearby is a nice gesture too, along with some special chocolates either on the bed or the bedside table. I also think a vase of beautiful flowers is always a must along with a nice candle burning before their arrival.
 
BATH TOWELS
 
Make sure your guests have luxurious, extra large bath towels, matching hand towels and flannels (Oops, sorry - that's Australian for facecloth!) and plenty of them. There's nothing worse than staying at someone's home and needing an extra towel for your wet hair and not being able to find one! Having a couple of towels arranged nicely on their bed will avoid this disaster!
 
GUEST TOILETRY BASKET
 
I also keep a basket in the guest room full of things my guests might enjoy and need. Included are a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, a pack of chewing gum and mints, a mini-sewing kit, trial size shampoos and conditioners, lotion, hairspray, razor and shaving cream. I also throw in some snacks like pretzels, nuts, and candy In addition, I leave some brochures and maps of things to do in Huntsville, along with Huntsville postcards, stamps and a pen. This is a great way to make them feel welcome. Have an extra set of house keys available so they can come and go as they please.
 
GUEST CLOSET
 
Make sure that you have an ample supply of hangers for their use, and if possible, a bath robe. If you have a dresser in this room, free it up for your guests use or have a rack available for their suitcase to sit on.
 
GUEST BATH
 
Along with the luxurious towels mentioned already, have an assortment of lovely hand soaps, bath gels, body lotions, shampoo and conditioner available for their use. Perhaps even a body sponge. Make sure there is plenty of toilet paper so they don't have to come asking for it!
 
GUEST TOUR
 
Make sure that once your guests arrive that you give them a tour of your home. Be sure to point out where the coffeemaker and coffee is, how to use it, where the cereal lives, etc. You want to make them feel at home as much as you can.
 
Now, go ahead and enjoy their stay!!!