5 Secrets to Make Your Home Guest-Ready This Season
“Hey, I’m in town. Any chance I could crash at your place tonight?” We’ve all gotten that bittersweet text. It’s the dreaded (but really beloved) last-minute guest! And as we’re gearing up for the busy holiday travel season, it’s more important than ever to prepare to host that friend who’s suddenly in town.
When square footage is at a premium, you have to be smart about the details that make a guest room feel just like home. These five secrets will help you set up a space that’s always guest-ready, even at a moment’s notice. For the essentials you’re missing—like a few multipurpose accents that tie your space together, or mood-setting candles and diffusers—Pottery Barn has what you need to help make it happen. Here’s what to do:
Stock Up on Entertaining Essentials
Nothing says “welcome” quite like a freshly prepared cheese board and a glass of wine. So if you’ve got a nice cheese serving set and a fancy wine cooler, you’re halfway there. Pottery Barn’s Black Marble serveware is decidedly on-trend with dark marble that contrasts nicely with cheeses. All you have to do is stop by the grocery store for some nibbles on your way home.
Create an Instant Guest Room
No guest room? No problem. Make your main space a guest space with an easy pull-out and extra pillows and bedding. Pottery Barn’s Cameron Sleeper Sofa is GREENGUARD Gold Certified (meaning it’s been screened for chemicals that contribute to indoor pollution), is made with eco-friendly materials, and is fully customizable by fabric and color. Don’t forget: a good set of guest sheets is also essential—Pottery Barn’s organic sheet sets start at just $59.
Add the Perfect Extra Layer
A versatile throw can do wonders when it’s time to have guests over. From giving your space a pulled-together, cozy look to providing extra bedding, it’s the ultimate last-minute guest accessory to have on hand. And why not do it in style? A faux fur throw goes a long way in both style and practicality. Look for faux fur that’s machine washable for easy care and has ombre gradients to give it an extra sheen.
Make a Statement with Accents
Ask yourself about your accents. Are they practical? Or just pretty? A few well-placed accent pieces will make entertaining last-minute guests a whole lot easier. A good bar cart, for instance, can be rolled in or out depending on company (but is also stylish enough to keep around every day). Likewise, quirky pieces like these faux fur footstools can be accents on their own, and easily moved out of the way or used as extra seating when you have friends over.
Go for an Easy Ambiance
Ever wonder why first-class hotels smell so good? It’s because they know scent is one of the first impressions their guests encounter. Follow the same philosophy at home with diffusers that make your space smell great and look good doing it. Continue the calm with a set of no-fuss flameless candles that spark a sense of serenity for anyone who walks in.