How to Fix Up Your Guest Room in Style

Everyone has friends and family visit from time to time. But, don't panic if you expect guests in your home this year. There's a lot you can do to make your friends and family feel welcome, cozy and comfortable while staying in your home. But, it will take some effort and creativity on your part to get the job done.

Looking for home entertaining and guest room ideas? Think simple. Gather toiletries from recent hotel stays into a decorated basket or pretty container for your house guests. Use your best linens and finery when your friends and family come to town. Put a special note on their bed or bureau to welcome them to your home. Tie a bow around Fido's neck and roll out the welcome mat for family visits. The skies the limit on ways to make your house guests feel warm and welcome in your home.

If you have a spare bedroom or den, you'll want to dust and vacuum in advance of your guests' visit. Ideally, you'll do this 2-3 days before your friends and family arrive so that the smell of Pledge doesn't overwhelm you or your house guests. Use a HEPA filter when you vacuum to make sure dust and dirt is removed from the area. You'll also want to put out your very best guest towels, washcloths, guest soap and more so that your friends and family don't even have to ask for them. Finally, put something special in your guest room to show how much your friends and family mean to you. A book of poems, pictures, chocolates, flowers, and more will hit all the high notes with your house guests this year. For a winning touch, put a shiny, metal tray with two glasses and some bottled water in the guest room before your friends and family visit. Shop at Target, Marshall's, World Market or TJ Maxx for household gifts and other items for a fraction of the cost you would spend at a Department or specialty gift store.

Don't have a spare bedroom in your home? Not to worry. Look around your home to identify the best place for guests to sleep. But an inflatable air mattress that can be easily tucked away in between uses. I recommend the AeroBed Luxury Collection (from $199). Or cover the floor with extra fluffy comforters and a sleeping bag for two will always do. Will your guests sleep on the couch instead? Make sure you cover the couch with a pretty flat sheet and your very best pillows and comforter. That way your guests will feel welcome and at home while visiting you and your family. Fine linens and other household items don't have to break the bank. Shop at Kmart, JC Penny, Macy's, Sears and more for great deals on an inflatable air mattress, pillows and guest linens.

Looking for other ways to help your house guests settle in during their visit? If your den is just the spot for company, invest in a pull-down or Murphy Bed or drag an extra twin mattress into the room for ready-made guest accommodations. Look in the Yellow Pages for an original Murphy Bed dealer.

HOUSE AND HOME RESOURCES

Martha Stewart
www.marthastewart.com

Perfect Entertaining
www.perfectentertaining.com

Home and Family Network - Decorating Guest Rooms
www.homeandfamilynetwork.com/decorating/room

Country Living
www.countryliving.com