I’m so excited about this post today because 1.) I’m sharing another completed room in our house – the guest room;  2.) This is my first project as part of the BHG Live Better Network;  3.) I’ve included everything you need to know to create an inviting space for overnight guests!

Having guests stay overnight is the ultimate in home entertaining, and we’re heading into the holiday season where you may begin to feel like you have a revolving door as friends and family come and go. I’ve been working on getting our guest room “guest ready” and I’m sharing my tips with you! This room has been sitting here for the better part of a year, filled with all the furniture pieces that have no home {castaways as I’ve updated other rooms}. Once I began my partnership with BHG at Walmart, I knew this was the perfect time to get it into shape for visitors, and give it a personality of it’s own.

I love how it’s turned out! I think it has a “lounge-y” feel for every day use, but appeals to guests whether male or female. The one thing I knew would not change is the daybed {which used to be my daughter’s}. It’s the perfect transitional piece of furniture for the space as it’s a “sofa” by day, and with a pop-up trundle bed underneath, it can sleep 2 at night.

• The bedding is basic and neutral making it the perfect canvas for decorative pillows – a MUST for a daybed. It’s all about balance when it comes to mixing and matching pillows. For this room I wanted to add some color, some graphic prints, some texture, and some gold. I used the orange/cream pillow, the fuzzy fur pillow, and the black and white pillow from the BHG at Walmart line, to help do that.
• A gold throw at one end of the bed is necessary so you can curl up with your feet underneath, and read a book or magazine.
• I thought about buying bedside tables, but I ended up really liking the eclectic look of what I already own. A tray table is used at one end, while a stack of vintage suitcases is used at the other. On one side, I provide fresh water and glasses for guests, as well as fresh flowers. These pretty roses were only $5 and the color is just perfect for the room!
• It’s also a good idea to have an alarm clock and box of tissues close by. I also added this scented candle which actually freshens the room without even being lit.
• A green plant adds ‘life’ to the room and makes it feel very ‘homey.’ I’m crazy about these lightweight planters that have the look of pottery without the weight!

• Add a side chair for guests to sit in if they don’t want to lounge on the daybed. It can also double as a drop spot for purses or jackets. Add a pillow to bring color to that side of the room.
• I needed to hang curtains in this room, which I already had…but no rod to hang them on yet. I chose this curtain rod for it’s dark finish with a touch of gold. We have that dark oil rubbed bronze on all the fixtures throughout the house so this blends in nicely with that.
• I love this small drum table that sits in front of the bed. It was originally a grayish metal look but I painted it a matte gold to coordinate with the room. It’s a great spot to set a drink, place a book, or holding a notepad and pen for jotting down notes.
• I also added a gold ampersand to the window. I just love that!

• The left side of the room is the real work horse of the space. It has the closet and a console table that I’ve turned in to an amenities center. I found decorative boxes that add color to this very neutral zone, as well as splashes of gold. I also added a little “welcome” tag where you can add your WiFi code to the back so guests can log online if they need to.
• Provide snacks for your guests to enjoy without feeling like they have to ask. I filled one box with chips, nuts, snack bars, apples, and mints. If you don’t want to have a carafe of water in the room, you can add a couple of bottles of water here too.
• Another box holds toiletry items they may have forgotten. Along with the usual bath items, I’ve included a shower cap, a lint roller, wrinkle remover spray, makeup remover wipes, deodorant, and hairspray. I’ve stocked up on travel size items {found at Walmart} as well as unused bath gels and lotions from hotel stays.
• I’ve also included soap displayed in an apothecary jar, some fabulously chic toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
• Underneath the table I’ve provided a storage chest filled with towels, some magazines to read, and a trashcan.
• I’ve stocked the closet with flocked no-slip hangers {I love these} and pant/skirt hangers, as well as a clean robe.
• Extra pillows and blankets are neatly folded and at the ready, while a small stool is awaiting our guests’ suitcase or travel bag.

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• My obsession with art wall collages continues in the guest room with lots of black and white and gold, and a punch of color. It’s fun to mix inspirational quotes, with star-burst mirrors, colorful prints, and empty frames.
• I’ve used a few of these frames in various sizes around the house, and love the sleek simple lines. I added a colorful piece of scrapbook paper to one here, to bring color to the white and gold wall – one of my favorite “tricks”!
• I’ve been wanting a rawhide rug for the longest time, but couldn’t decide where it would go, or even which color way to go with. I finally decided on this black and white {faux} hide for the guest room and I just love it!

I think that covers everything. I’m ready to take reservations! Who’s coming over?

Here’s a FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST so you can have everything ready for your guests needs:

Is your guest room ready for visitors? I hope you’ll use these tips to make your guests’ stay as comfortable as possible. The key to being a good hostess is to think about their needs ahead of time and be prepared. Decorate in your own style but make it comfortable and inviting.

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Cheers!

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I was compensated by BHG at Walmart as a member of the Better Homes and Gardens Live Better Network. All ideas and opinions are my own.