Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!
Prepare for houseguests and extended visits with these three picks.
Hosting overnight guests can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. When I’m preparing for guests to stay with us for a night or two (or 10) I try to stick to the following strategy:
Reduce Clutter — Put away anything non-essential so your guests have space to spread out their items and find what they need.
Make It Cozy — Keep the temperature in mind, provide fans or additional linens if needed and always have soft, clean towels on hand.
Be Prepared — Ask if they have any dietary restrictions or allergies, stock up on their favorite foods and drinks and have everyday medicines available.
Keep It Fresh — Make sure the scents of pets, old takeout and your gym bag are long gone. In other words, make sure your home smells nice and clean.
Be Flexible — Needs will change and something unexpected will usually happen when you have someone staying over. Keep calm and host on.
When it comes to shopping for guests, you want your home to feel as comfortable as your guests’ own space, but in keeping with your style. No matter how much room you have or how often you have people stay over, you don’t want to acquire a litany of items you can’t use for any other purpose. The three picks this week can help turn your guest room into a proper suite you’ll want to stay in yourself.
Happy hosting!
1. Apotheke Liquid Soap ($18)
One of the best things about staying in a hotel is the toiletries, right? The soap you get in a hotel room always has a yummy scent that makes the experience feel more luxurious. When hosting overnight guests, having some quality hand and body soaps around makes their stay extra special. Apotheke (previously featured here) makes my all-time favorite candle, and they also have a line of liquid soaps that can be used on the hands by the sink or in the shower as a body wash. With seven scents to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your space and visitors.
2. Brooklinen Linen Quilt (£279)
Cozy bedding is essential for hosting overnight guests. I think thin layers work best so your guests can customize their sleeping setup. I loved my Brooklinen linen sheets (featured here) so much that I had to go back for this bedspread last summer during a heatwave. It’s become one of my favorite bedding pieces—soft and providing just enough warmth during the summer and fall months. You can also add a thicker throw on top if needed. The quilt is currently on sale for $237.15 for just a few more hours in honor of Labor Day in the U.S., so grab one quick!
3. Abigail Ahern Faux Botanicals (£2.80 and up)
Whenever I have guests over to our home, I love to have fresh flowers out in as many places as possible. However, when someone is staying over for an extended period, they can start to look less than fresh. Your guests may also have an allergy you’re unaware of. Abigail Ahern is one of my favorite British interior designers (previously featured here) and she has a wonderful line of faux plants and flowers to add a natural element to your space. Shop for grasses and flowers by the stem or in bundles to create a custom look.
Something to think about …
Severe flooding has led to casualties, catastrophic damage and mass displacement in Pakistan. If you’re looking to help, here’s a list of charities to donate to.
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