My mom has a knack for decorating her home with love.  This skill is most obvious when staying in her guest room. She typically chooses a theme reminiscent of her travels or a showcase of her hobbies. No matter what the decor, the room is always comfy cozy, full of peace and serenity. A formal guest room provides house guests privacy during their visit and limits the number of personal sacrifices made by household members. Here are some tips to create a guest room your visitors will love.

1. Let your personality shine through. Choose a theme and decorate the room according to your liking.
2. Furnish the guest room with a bed, chair, mirror and dresser. Add a lamp on either side of the bed for reading.
3. Ensure each person has at least 2 pillows. To protect the pillows, use zip on pillow protectors before applying the pillow case. Place a comforter or light blanket (depending on the season) at the foot of the bed. Tie extra pillows together with a decorative wire ribbon and place at the top of the guest room closet. Place additional blankets in a basket in the closet.
4. Install closet organizers to keep clothes and shoes in order. Add extra hangers in the closet and place an over the door hook on the closet door. Put amenities such as an iron and ironing board in the closet or let your guests know where they can be found if you prefer to store them somewhere else in the house.
5. Move a small TV, DVD and CD player into the guest room in addition to an alarm clock radio. Write down local station call numbers and the type of music that is played. Once guests arrive, let them know where they can find your coveted movie collection and tell them to enjoy.
6. Place a small coffee pot in the guest room along with decorative mugs. Place a basket near by and fill it with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, stir straws, powered cream, sugar cubes, napkins, spoons, etc.
7. Install a mini-fridge stocked with bottled water, soda and juice. Include a few healthy snacks (fruit, yogurt, etc.). Fill a small jar with your guest’s favorite candy and place it on the dresser. If they love chocolate, place a few wrapped pieces on their pillow before they go to bed each night.

Tips:

Wash the bed linens and make the bed shortly before guests arrive so everything is crisp and fresh.