The holidays are here, and with them come the delightful chaos of hosting family and friends. But let’s be real—while you love having guests, the thought of them staying in your cluttered spare room might leave you feeling slightly stressed out. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with guest bedroom decor ideas for the holidays that can help you transform that spare bedroom into a cozy, festive retreat. Let’s dive in!
1. Start with Comfort
Your overnight guests might not remember your gorgeous centerpiece, but they will remember if they couldn’t sleep because the sheets felt like sandpaper. The first thing you want to do is focus on comfort. Start with the basics:
- Invest in quality bedding: Think soft, breathable bed sheets, plush duvets, and a blanket or two for extra warmth. A cozy, holiday-inspired throw blanket at the foot of the bed is a great way to create a design moment!
- Variety of pillows: Provide a mix of firm and soft pillows. No one wants to wake up with a crick in their neck, especially Aunt Susan who will definitely bring it up at breakfast.
- Extra blankets: Keep a few extra blankets on hand in a basket or easily accessible in a dresser drawer. Whether your guests run hot or cold, having options is always a win.
Expert Tip: Baskets are an easy way to store extra blankets or pillows, and also add beautiful texture to the room, which helps the room feel more cozy.
2. Add Holiday Decor Without Overdoing It
We’re going for festive, not Santa’s workshop explosion. Subtle, elegant touches can infuse your guest room with holiday spirit without overwhelming the space.
- Add a Mini Tree: Place a small Christmas tree on a dresser or in a corner to add instant charm. Keep it simple with a string of battery operated fairy lights or a few understated ornaments.
- Seasonal Pillows and Throws: Swap out a couple of regular throw pillows for ones in holiday colors or patterns. ‘Tis the perfect season for plaid throw blankets and faux fur pillows!
- Greenery for the Win: Drape a garland across the headboard or over a mirror. Hanging a wreath over the window with red ribbon, or adding a bouquet of winter white flowers and greenery will go a long way towards elevating the room.
3. The Welcome Basket
Channel your inner innkeeper and add a bed-and-breakfast-inspired welcome basket. Place the basket or tray on the bed with a draped throw blanket. It’s a thoughtful touch that will make your guests feel truly special. Here’s what to include:
- Two water bottles (hydrated guests are happy guests)
- A small book of poetry or a magazine
- Travel-sized toiletries or hand lotion
- Holiday candle or room spray
- Tiny plant, flower in vase, or seasonal sprig
- Snacks or a few indulgent chocolates (because everyone loves a little treat).
- The WiFi password: Laminate it on a card and add it to your welcome basket, or frame it and place it on the bedside table.
4. Light it Up
Lighting is everything, especially when you want your guest room to feel inviting at the holidays.
- Fairy Lights: String twinkle lights around a garland, over the window, in a glass hurricane, or along a shelf for a touch of magic.
- Bedside Lamps: Ensure there’s a lamp on each side of the bed for easy nighttime reading.
- Candles: Add a seasonal candle (think cinnamon or cedar) for ambiance. Flameless candles are a great alternative for safety.
5. Elevate Your Bathroom Game
If your guest bedroom has an attached bathroom, give it some love too. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a cohesive experience for your guests.
- Holiday Towels: Add a set of red, green, or neutral holiday-themed towels.
- Fresh Scents: Use a seasonal plug-in or reed diffuser to fill the space with seasonal scents. Think cinnamon, cedar, or a light balsam plug-in. Just don’t overdo it—no one wants to be overwhelmed by “Christmas in a bottle.”
- Bathroom Essentials: Stock it with shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and other toiletries, because someone always forgets their toothbrush.
6. The Finishing Touches
Show your guests you’ve thought of everything by adding small details that cater to their needs, especially if your guests plan to stay for more than a night or two:
- Fresh flowers: A bouquet of white roses with greenery or red florals with berries adds an elegant, festive touch.
- Books or magazines: Leave a few light reads on the bedside table for guests to unwind with.
- Nightstand necessities: A bedside table with space for a phone, glasses, and a water glass is a must. Add other room essentials, like a phone charger, small clock or a notepad with a pen for convenience.
- Cozy extras: A fluffy robe and a pair of slippers will make your guests feel like they’re staying at a five-star hotel.
- Holiday artwork: Swap out your usual art with Holiday-themed pieces to complete the look
- Seating and storage: Provide a chair or bench for guests to sit or place their belongings. Clear some space in the closet or provide hangers for their clothing.
- Make it personal: Small personal touches, like a framed picture of your visiting family members, will earn you some bonus points and make your guests feel valued.
Why It Matters
Decorating your guest bedroom isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an experience. By adding festive touches, comfortable bedding, and small personalized details, you’re showing your guests they’re more than just visitors. You’re giving them a home away from home, complete with holiday cheer.
Use these guest bedroom ideas to create an inviting, festive retreat for your holiday guests. When they step into your guest room and see the cozy blanket, the welcome basket, and the twinkling lights, they won’t just feel welcomed—they’ll feel celebrated. And that, my friend, is the magic of the holiday season.
Check out my post on Bedroom Decor Ideas for more tips and inspiration.
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