I recently blogged about tips on preparing your home for winter and this time of year sees many of you preparing your home for guests during the festive period. My guest room is a sofabed in the living room and so where I can’t offer much privacy, I try to offer my guests some home comforts to make them feel as welcome as possible. I live about 80 miles away from my family and have friends all over the UK who visit regularly and so I hope some of my tips will help you!
At this time of year, we’re all so busy buying and wrapping gifts, decorating our homes and preparing for Christmas that the thought of guests arriving can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be, after all your guests won’t want you to go to too much trouble and fuss over them. As long as your home is clean and comfortable – you’ll be just fine!
Things like fresh cotton towels, cotton bed sheets, a spare blanket or throw are a good start for preparing your home for guests. I’d also recommend keeping some spare toothbrushes (the cheapest ones are fine) and some travel toiletries in your bathroom cabinet in case anyone forgets something. I have wooden floors in my home and a ‘no shoes’ policy, so I keep some spare slippers for guests so their feet stay cosy! If, like me, you only have a small kitchen table – keep some folded chairs in a shed or cupboard to bring out when you need them. It’s these small touches that make people feel welcome.
Here’s a selection of my favourite items to prepare your home for guests – remember keep it simple (and have plenty of wine!).
1. John Lewis Bizet sofa bed in grace oyster £1,200 | 2. John Lewis Kip sofa bed in pier duck egg £500 | 3. John Lewis Egyptian cotton towels in eau de nil £2-£24 | 4. John Lewis Anthea bedding in duck egg £10-£70 | 5. Tempur medium traditional pillow £85 | 6. Grey John Lewis sheepskin rug £35 | 7. John Lewis Monty & Mabel cushion £15 (small) | 8. John Lewis Buiani folding chair £21
I love this Babushka bedside carafe made from handblown glass – a perfect touch for guests who may need a sip of water through the night.
1. Grey and cream wool throw from Notonthehighstreet.com £59 | 2. Babushka bedside carafe from Notonthehighstreet.com £15.50
Natalia xo
*Prices are correct at time of writing but please check individual sites for changes to pricing
