8 Ways to Prep A Welcoming Guest Room with Serena & Lily

With the holidays around the corner, nothing makes me happier than to have our guest bedroom + bathroom ready for all of our friends and family (but it wasn’t always like that)! When we were newlyweds, the idea of hosting overnight guests seemed a little daunting. We were, after all, living with some of the bare necessities ourselves. But we continued to work on the house, and I began developing a checklist of items that always made me feel comfortable and welcome after a long day of travel.

Nowadays, I love creating a pampered ‘hotel experience’ for guests, and this year our guest bedroom + bathroom feel more luxurious than ever thanks to Serena and Lily’s best in class bedding and linens!

Here’s how I prepare a welcoming guest bedroom + bathroom:

1. Invest in Quality Layered Bedding

Living in the south is basically like playing roulette with the ‘winter’ weather – it could be snowing on Thanksgiving and 90 degrees on Christmas day. So I like to prepare the bed with layers of breathable bedding so guests can adjust as they like. These crisp, cotton striped sheets pair well with a warmer woolen blanket, and of course, a classic, cotton duvet and textured cotton throw at the end of the bed can provide an extra layer of warmth for those extra chilly nights.

Bed / Duvet / White Sham / Navy Coverlet / Navy Sham / Sheet Set / Nightstand / Lamp / Rug

2. Simplify the Pillows

The one instance you’ll hear this from me! As much as a love layering vintage pillows and textiles in design, guests will appreciate hopping into bed without having to undress a mountain of decorative pillows (and it will save your prized vintage covers from getting used and abused). I like to provide two sets of ‘sleeping’ pillows and a sham or two. Having a bench or stools at the end of the bed also provides a convenient spot for guests to store any unused pillows/bedding.

3. Accessorize with Nightstand Trays to Collect All The Things

A little trick to keeping your nightstands protected from drink rings and clunky phones while still looking polished: decorative trays or even small cheese boards. Set the trays on the edge of the bedside tables for an intuitive spot to corral guest’s things.

4. Fill a Water Carafe

Save your guests from that awkward moment of rummaging around in your kitchen at midnight in pajamas in search for a water glass. A cute, lidded carafe and set of glasses prepped and ready on arrival is always a thoughtful touch (and speaking from experience, our guests loved this)!

5. Dedicate Space For Guest’s Baggage + Clothing

I knew I was getting a hang of this ‘adulting’ thing the moment I purchased a pair for leather luggage racks like this ;). Our guests love having a dedicated spot for their bags up off the floor. I also clear out some closet space so guests can unpack, and have this beautiful teak ladder mirror set up nearby to make dressing easy!

6. Provide Plenty of Soft Bath Towels

Moving over to the guest bathroom (I’m still a little envious that this space is nicer than our un-renovated master bath ;)), it’s all about providing plenty of towels and toiletries so guests can enjoy their privacy. These fringed, Healdsburg bath towels combine the luxurious texture and absorbency of traditional towels with the cute, fringe detail of  Turkish towels. In addition to having fresh towels on the hooks and washcloths and a bath mat displayed by the shower, I always point out the additional stash of towels tucked under the vanity for guest’s use.

Bath Towels / Washcloths + Hand Towels / Trash Can / Mirror / Towel Hooks / Soap Set

7. Hotel Shower Soaps

What’s more hotel-like than providing a set of specialty shampoo + conditioner + body wash in the shower? I discovered this set through The Ace Hotel, and ordered through Amazon!

8. Prep a Toiletry Basket

Finally, a toiletry basket with extra disposable toothbrushes, travel toothpaste, contact solution, makeup wipes, mouthwash, advil, etc. – basically all those annoying little things we tend to forget in the packing rush! Guests will appreciate not having to make an emergency drugstore run and you can spend more time doing what really counts.

Creating such a luxurious retreat for our guests would not have been possible without the beautiful bedding and linens provided by our friends at Serena and Lily! They make refreshing your spaces easy with so many options that mix and match effortlessly – be sure to check out the entire collection!

– Kelsey –