How to Prepare a Guest Room in One Hour or Less

Out of town guests have an especially lovely habit of showing up on your front door step as a result of just "passing through" your area with little to no notice. While we can't completely rid ourselves of the possibility of an unexpected visit, and we can't have a guest bedroom perfectly primed at all times, there are steps to be taken on a moment's notice to make a guest room feel more comfortable and luxurious without the need for a sudden rush to the store for brand new linens. Prepare your guest room in one hour or less while managing to add a cozy bed and breakfast feel with items already lying around the house. Consider using the following tips to get started.

Guest Room Emergency Step #1: Freshen linens with linen spray. If you only have an hour, you don't have time to wash and dry sheets, blankets, and pillow cases. Have no fear. Keep a "cotton" scented linen spray on hand at all times and lightly mist your guest bed for instant freshening. Be sure to keep the misting light and try not to overpower the room. The point is to give linens a clean, fresh-out-of-the-dryer scent, not a strong aroma. Guests shouldn't be aware that what they are experiencing is a manufactured perfume. Let them believe the linens really are that fresh.

Guest Room Emergency Step #2: Iron the pillow cases. Sound strange? Take an iron to those pillow cases and watch as they transform into hotel quality smoothness. Be careful to keep the iron on a low setting and gently steam out any wrinkles sans starch.

Guest Room Emergency Step #3: Cut fresh flowers from the yard and place the around the bedroom. There's nothing more quaint and thoughtful than a fresh wildflower bouquet. If you have roses or large flowers growing in your yard, pull out your best vase and arrange a few stems for the dresser. If you only have smaller blooms, use a small casual vase and create an eclectic arrangement for the nightstand.

Guest Room Emergency Step #4: Dry dust. If you only have an hour or less to prepare a guest room, using a dusting spray on furniture will leave behind a strong chemical odor for guests upon their arrival. Not only is the result unpleasant and irritating to the senses, but it's also a dead giveaway that the room was not in order when they called to announce their plans to visit. Dry dust the entire room from top to bottom, and leave the spray for another time.

Guest Room Emergency Step #5: Open windows and doors. Rooms that are rarely used develop a musty and stale environment that in most cases the homeowner will become immune to. Assume that the room needs airing out and open all windows and doors as quickly as possible, and run a ceiling fan if one is available. If the weather allows, keep windows open and a ceiling fan on upon the arrival of your guests for a pleasant airy entrance.

Guest Room Emergency Step #6: Add an extra throw blanket for daytime warmth. Not wanting to disturb a made bed, house guests often feel uncomfortably cool in the daytime while relaxing in their rooms (especially if you tend to keep the house cooler than they do theirs). Adding a throw blanket to your guest's bed is an inviting and appreciated touch.

Guest Room Emergency Step #7: Clear out, line, and perfume a drawer just for guests. With only an hour or less to prepare room for a guest's belongings, it isn't likely you'll be able to do much with your closet space. Instead, completely clear out an entire dresser drawer (the largest available), line it with drawer paper, and add a perfumed satchel.

Guest Room Emergency Step #8: Add extra pillows. Even if they're only decorative, adding extra pillows to your guest's bed is a charming gesture. The result is a guest room that appears more comfortable and inviting.

From fresh flowers to perfumed drawers, your guest room will be ready for visitors in no time. Just be careful...with a room this inviting, you may find yourself preparing for unexpected guests more often!