Guest-Room Essentials: Creating a Home Away from Home

Providing overnight guests with a clean, bright, welcoming place to stay is a pleasure for guests and host alike. According to "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook," the trick is to make guests feel at home, but also away. Let us explain.

Start Slideshow

1 of 12

No More Guesting Games

Guest quarters should be furnished sparsely, but the beds and linens should be as comfortable as those in every other bedroom. In addition, consider stocking your guest room wth the following amenities.

2 of 12

Home How-To

Write up a list of helpful details about your home. Include notes about where to find extra supplies and toiletries, Wi-Fi passwords, and instructions for your television and other household systems.

3 of 12

Hydration Station

A carafe or bottle of water and glasses is a welcome addition to the nightstand.

4 of 12

Words of Wisdom

Your guests will likely want time to themselves -- and so will you! Set out an assortment of interesting fiction and nonfiction books, as well as a local paper or pamphlet to highlight nearby activities and attractions.

5 of 12

Hi, Tech

Kate Mathis

Many of us rely on cell phone alarms, but a clock on the nightstand can be a helpful stopgap. And speaking of cell phones, consider leaving an extra charger in case your guest's is forgotten.

6 of 12

Climate Control

A bedside fan and extra bedding will help guests adjust the temperature to their liking. Include a light blanket and a heavy comforter in the closet or chest, plus a throw for afternoon naps.

7 of 12

Washroom Welcome

If there isn't an adjacent private bathroom, leave a set (or sets) of towels in the guest room. A blow-dryer and an assortment of favorite soaps, shampoos, hand creams, and lotions will also be appreciated.

8 of 12

Hang Space

James Ransom

If the room has closet space, ensure that it is equipped with hangers and a full-length mirror. If there is no closet, install hooks on the back of a door.

9 of 12

Toe Guard

Have a night-light in the hallway to protect late-night wanderers from accidents.

10 of 12

Bright Idea

William Abranowicz

Provide adequate lighting, whether it's a bedside lamp or a table lamp with adjustable brightness.

11 of 12

Ground Keeper

If the floors are wood or stone, place a small rug beside the bed for cold mornings -- or even a basket of slippers in different sizes.

12 of 12

Waste Not

Include a wastebasket and make sure that it is emptied before the guest arrives and soon after he or she departs.

Replay gallery

Account

More

Guest-Room Essentials: Creating a Home Away from Home

1 of 12

No More Guesting Games

1 of 12

2 of 12

Home How-To

2 of 12

3 of 12

Hydration Station

3 of 12

4 of 12

Words of Wisdom

4 of 12

5 of 12

Hi, Tech

5 of 12

6 of 12

Climate Control

6 of 12

7 of 12

Washroom Welcome

7 of 12

8 of 12

Hang Space

8 of 12

9 of 12

Toe Guard

9 of 12

10 of 12

Bright Idea

10 of 12

11 of 12

Ground Keeper

11 of 12

12 of 12

Waste Not

12 of 12

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery