Decorate A Guest Bedroom Quickly

Dress up your guest bedroom in no time with these hotel-style decorating tips

Company's coming and you only have a day or less to get your guest bedroom in order. Think beyond a vase of fresh flowers and go for boutique hotel style with these quick decorating tips. Whether you have a dedicated spare bedroom or need to convert your home office, these steps will have your space looking sleepworthy in no time.

Instructions

1. Freshen the bed linens. Keep a clean set of sheets in the guest bedroom closet for a quick switch-a-roo. When guests leave, strip the linens and wash immediately so you're ready next time. Place a lavender sachet or dryer sheet among the sheets to keep them smelling sweet between visits.

2. Arrange a fluffy comforter and blanket on the bed. Instead of making the bed entirely, double the comforter at the base of the bed and arrange the blanket on top like a throw upon a couch. The turned-down bed will make guests feel instantly at home. Plus, it's perfect for making daybeds or airbeds appear more comfortable.

3. Light a scented soy candle. Soy candles burn cleanly and for longer periods of time than wax candles. Avoid overpowering scents.

4. Set a stylish water carafe with glasses on the nightstand. Place a colorful tray underneath to protect the stand, or opt for a natural look with a shallow basket. Before guests arrive, fill the carafe with cold water and toss in a couple lemon slices for color and flavor.

5. Create a "snack bar" by topping a cake stand with granola bars, rice cakes and other goodies you know your guests will enjoy. Place it on a dresser or bureau with instructions for guests to help themselves.

6. Place a basket full of basic travel-sized toiletries on the bed or in the bath. Try shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, disposable razor and shaving lotion, mouthwash, nail file and tweezers. For a chic touch, add a gift tag to the basket and leave your guests a personal message.

7. Fold a stack of three towels (bath, hand and washcloth) per each guest and wrap each set with ribbon. Add gift tags and personalize with names of each guest. For instructions on fold a towel, see the link in the Resources section.

8. Select a few coffee table-worthy books and magazines for your guests to peruse. They'll add interest to a nightstand or side table and give guests something to look at when you're unavailable. As a souvenir, buy a book or map of the area and let your guests take it with them.

9. Before bedtime, place a dark chocolate mint on a bed pillow for the ultimate hotel-style touch.

Tags: your guests, guest bedroom, carafe with, decorating tips, each guest