Guest Picks: Comfy Touches for Holiday Guests
Fall is by far my favorite time of year. Leaves are falling, and plans are forming. Family and friends are pulling out calendars and plotting ways to gather everyone together for celebrations, feasts and memory making. Travel plans are happening, and vacation time is looming.
I'll be hosting overnight guests this year at various intervals, and that always puts me in the mood for cozying up my home for hosting and adding thoughtful touches to the guest space. I find myself considering getting cable-knit blankets, putting out faux-fur pillows and throws, hanging twinkle lights, choosing unoffensive candle scents and purchasing extra towels. It's a season for preparing and anticipating, and these picks have helped me tremendously as I prepare for my own guests. I hope they inspire you as well. — Sasha from Lemonade Makin' Mama
European Cabin Plaid Flannel Duvet Cover - $119 I want my guests to sleep well, and comfortable bedding is key. Soft flannels in seasonal shades are a must. I especially love to use neutrals like the soft, subtle colors in this set.
Threshold Apothecary Cabinet, Gray Wash - $149.99 This is one of my favorite finds. It's just a small chest of drawers, but it offers a nice place for storing extra linens, as well as a place for guests to tuck away items. Plus, it's priced reasonably and comes in two neutral finishes. I've got the perfect spot for one in my guest room, and I think it would look sweet topped with a lamp and fresh flowers.
Strandmon Wing Chair, Svanby Gray - $279 This is a nice time to consider seating needs, not only in the dining room but also in your living spaces. A few comfortable chairs that won't bust the preholiday budget are a great idea. I love the neutral gray of this one, and it will blend easily into my existing decor.
Woven Felt Baskets - $29 You can't ever have too many storage options, especially when you're preparing for seasonal company. Baskets always make stashing clutter a breeze and make things look prettier. I want to use these for extra blankets in the guest space.
Pendant Clock - $59 I always appreciate a nice clock when I'm away from home, and I love this pretty hanging version. It's the right size for a guest room bedside table.
Faux Fur Throw, Mongolian Lamb - $119 It's nice to know that my guests are warm enough on chilly evenings. This furry throw would be gorgeous draped over a side chair or sofa; it would add a luxe touch to any room. I can't think of a prettier way to top my guest bed.
Menlo Lamp - $148 I enjoy updating the lighting throughout the house from time to time. It's such a small thing, but it can make such a fresh statement. I love these Edison bulbs and the way they give off a nice glow. This would be a nice slim choice for the guest room bedside table.
Aiden Console Table - $289.99 A narrow table is one of my favorite pieces. It's handy to have a drop zone for everyone's bags, purses and keys, especially when company adds their personal effects to the pile. This table is wonderful because it's versatile enough to use as a buffet or drink station on Thanksgiving, but it would work equally as well piled high with games and baskets of extra linens. Plus, the wheels make for easy mobility.
Barn Pendant, White - $169 This creamy barn light is a personal favorite. I've got a pair of them hanging above my dining table — all ready for hosting a packed crowd for the big meal.
Sheepskin Pelt Rug, Paco - $99.99 Everyone wants to swing their legs over the bed and sink their toes into a soft rug in the morning. I want this rug to greet my houseguests each day.
Threshold Acacia Geo Wine Rack - $19.99 Wine storage is something I always forget about but always need. I love the simplicity of this modular wine rack. It's neutral enough for my space and would work well on a countertop, but I plan to use it on the small bookshelf in my dining room.
Set of Guest Toothbrushes - $16.95 If your houseguests forget something, you can be prepared by stocking up on a few basics. These wooden toothbrushes have an old-school vibe that I'm always looking for.
Sussex Train Rack, Satin Nickel Finish - $249 When preparing for guests, it's great to think about the logistics of things and take a nod from hotels. A wide towel rack in a powder room is an attractive (and practical) way to store your fluffy white towels.
Alseda Stool - $29.99 I have two of these sea grass poufs in my living room, and they are wonderful. They work great stacked for extra seating and are the perfect height for a game of checkers at the coffee table.
Mr. Boddington's Penguin Classics: Little Women - $17.99 I always like to include something interesting on the bedside tables or coffee table for when guests need a little break from visiting. A sweet, classic read like this is my favorite choice.
Deluxe Chrome Luggage Rack - $44 Some of my guests are older, and I feel that providing a raised surface for their suitcases to rest on is a really thoughtful touch. That way they won't have to always bend down to the floor.
Wood and Metal Colton Folding Chairs - $159.98 Each year as family and friends crowd around the table, I scramble to find enough chairs. As the family grows, so does the need for additional seating. I am crushing on this fun spin on the ordinary folding chair. This is even cute enough for everyday use.
Pipeline Clothing Rack - $299 I honestly don't know why I didn't invest in a rolling coatrack years ago. Heaps of coats, scarves, hats and shoes pile up at the front door each year, and this makes for a tidy, temporary solution. Bonus: It can be used year-round for out-of-season clothing.
Marin White 16-Piece Dinnerware Set - $119.95 White dishes are classic, and you can never go wrong with them. These have an unusual edge that sets them apart and sets a fun, casual tone for the table. I know my guests would appreciate that.
Interdesign Over-the-Door Rack, 5-Hook York Lyra - $24.99 I don't know about you, but the additional towels and robes always seem to need a home too. I like to provide my guests with an over-the-door hanging rack to help them keep things off the floor.
Next: Overnight Guests Coming? How to Be a Great Host