There’s nothing quite like this moment: home for the holidays. The front door swings open, and guests are ushered in from the cold. Here come the hugs, how-are-yous, and laughter as we’re greeted by familiar faces and introductions alike.
Whether it’s a long-held tradition—you offer to host every year—or it's your first time extending an invitation to family and friends, we’re here to help you get guest-ready, beginning with where loved ones will rest their heads. Maybe that’s a true guest room, but it could also be a spacious sofa you set up just for them. In this guide, we’re sharing a few of our favorite ways to turn any spare space into an inviting getaway for the company you’ll keep.
A note: Holiday hosting might appear intimidating at first. But with a bit of preparation and a reminder of the intention (time well spent together), we believe the whole process can feel seamless, fulfilling, and fun.
Guest Room Tips
CREATE ROOM TO WELCOME
First things first. You’ll want to define the space—whether that’s a separate guest room, a transformed office, or a pull-out couch in the living room. For wherever you find yourself in this season of life, do what you can to consider the essentials.
Set up key furniture pieces in a manner that feels practical while encouraging easy movement and flow. (Don’t forget about those suitcases guests will have in tow and need to store in the space!) The bed will be the focal point you build around, but consider a dresser or nightstand for placing lamps, chargers, and books.
If you have more surface area to work with, a bench and an accent chair are thoughtful additions. Think of them as spots where someone could put on socks, toss a jacket, or stash holiday gifts. Finally, we always recommend a rug for a tactile element that brings a sense of ease in new environments. Jo’s latest collection with Loloi is full of versatile styles and sizes to find one that’s right for you.
STAY BUNDLED UP
With furniture pieces in place, you’ll be set to start layering on all the cozy details and make the bed. Give visitors a soft place to land each night with duvets, quilts, pillows, and throws. When selecting textiles for the guest room, we suggest focusing on both comfort and longevity. Our bedding collection features lovely, long-lasting materials like cotton, linen, and velvet. Ideal for hosting, these fabrics look as good as they function—and are easy to clean in the wash.
This is also where you can get creative with pattern and color, selecting pieces that create a feeling of home (away from home) with their nostalgic look. Classic plaids and stripes are effortlessly charming, especially when styled alongside rich tones and floral motifs. Look for opportunities to weave in hints of holiday, like Christmas-inspired designs marked by reds and greens.
Psst, keep bath towels in mind, too! It’s always a good idea to lay these linens out somewhere your guests can find them without needing to ask. Something we’ve learned over the years: Make sure there are enough towels for everyone—and a few spares for longer stays.
DELIGHT IN THE DETAILS
While most of the decor in a guest space might remain the same throughout the year, hosting provides an excuse for subtle swaps. After all, the little details can go a long way in showing you care and ensuring loved ones feel seen. These can be simple gestures like a lit candle, a vase of their favorite flowers, or artwork you know they’ll appreciate.
Delight in going the extra mile this season. You could print out a card with wifi info or neighborhood shops they might want to stumble into during a morning stroll. We love the tradition of leaving out a guest book or a keepsake box to fill with handwritten notes from everyone who comes to stay. Lastly, make room for merriment! Adorn the room with whimsical Christmas accents, as well as strands of garland and greenery, that set a festive tone. Lean into sights and scents, and even taste. Freshly baked cookies or a box of candy can be a sweet element upon your guest's arrival to relax from the journey and reconnect over a treat. However you get in the holiday spirit, it’s always fun to invite others to join the fun.
We hope this guide helps you feel inspired—and ready—to open your doors this season. It’s this time that we look forward to all year long: a chance to come together and create new memories as a crew when company calls.
Happy hosting!
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