Guest Picks: Business is Coming!

‘Tis the season when friends and family from out of town come to remain. The ideal host is prepared and offers a warm welcome from the doorstep all the way through the next morning. — Maggie from Maggie Stephens Interiors

Ballard Designs

Francesco 4-Poster Bed – $1,499

If you have the space, a four-poster bed creates the greatest sense of luxury. I really like this bed is flexible enough to accommodate any style using a quick change of bedding.

Crate&Barrel

Circles Rubber Doormat – $16.95

The weather may be turning for the worse, but your guests will not monitor in leaves or mud with this pretty mat at your doorstep. It is such a beautiful way to say “Welcome!”

West Elm

Offset Bench – $349

This is the best chair to welcome your guests when they arrive. Offer it as a place to sit, take off their muddy boots and set their bag down on the horizontal tabletop. The pillow comes in various colors, so you’ll be certain to coordinate it with the remainder of your entrance.

Wisteria

Carved Stool – $259

Instead of a normal luggage rack, how about this elegant little stool? When business leaves, it is still possible to use it as a side table, extra seating or just a pretty pop of blue.

Crate&Barrel

Miles Side Chair – $299

Even those who get stuck at the kiddie table will appreciate these clean-lined and comfy chairs. I’d use these for routine seating paired with two bigger host seats which have arms.

West Elm

Alphabet Candles – $10

These candles are a pretty way to show your guests where to sit, and the flickering candlelight will be lovely on the table. Additionally, they make adorable favors for if your visitors go home.

MoMA Store

Frank Lloyd Wright Blue Butterfly Tumbler – $8.95

When it’s time for after-dinner drinks, impress your guests with those Frank Lloyd Wright–motivated tumblers.

Jayson Home

Barrymore Cabinet – $2,250

This armoire is a super elegant spot to store linens, hold extra books or screen wedding china. You can’t go wrong with it!

Pottery Barn

Raleigh Upholstered Daybed with Trundle – $1,499

A daybed is an excellent option if your guest room doubles as a workplace. This one even has a trundle to sleep longer than 1 guest. Line the back with cushions for lounging.

Restoration Hardware

Italian Vintage-Washed 600-Thread-Count Sheets – $289

Splurge on nice sheets for your visitors — unless you’d rather keep their visit short! In that situation, maybe you can get a set for your own bed.

Pottery Barn

Vintage Ticking Stripe Duvet Cover & Sham, Blue – $39.50

Ticking stripes are a timeless pattern, and I understand my guests will be happy sleeping under this simple and pretty duvet. You can even mix it with florals for a feminine appearance.

Layla Grayce

Cosy Relax Chair – $862

Make sure your guest area has a spot that isn’t the bed where they can sit, lay out an outfit or put on shoes. I adore the tufting and nailhead trim with this beauty.

Layla Grayce

Elizabeth 2 Drawer Writing Desk – $1,300

It is wonderful to have a spot for visitors to sit and write, or to set their notebook (particularly if they will be in town for several days). This miniature desk has loads of charm and two drawers for stashing touch pencils and paper.

Crate&Barrel

Samar Oval Basket – $39.95

Fill a jar with all the necessities your visitors may have forgotten in the home: cotton balls, lotion, pain relievers, a bottle of water, etc.. Leave it into their own room and they will know they’re well looked after.

Jayson Home

Brass Tyrol Horn Bowl – $28

This is a smart little dish for your guests to place keys and loose change. I’d place it on the nightstand or dresser.

Pottery Barn

Barrel Mirror – $299

Do not make your visitors sneak out to the restroom simply to check their morning bedhead. This mirror will go with any style design.

Traditional Bath And Spa Accessories – $300

If money is no object, your visitors will swoon (like I did) over these horn bathtub accessories to get their makeup and jewelry.

Anthropologie

Rivulets Quilt – $288

It is always good to have an extra blanket stashed for chilly nights. I really like the blue color in this.

Anthropologie

Clothbound Penguin Classics – $20

Do not forget to bring some reading stuff! The covers of these are quite enough to use as decor if your guests aren’t big contributors.

One Sydney Road

Today is a Good Day Tea Towel – $20

If your guests are the kind to pitch in after breakfast (mine are), don’t hand them the old ratty dishtowel! Hand them this cheery one, or skip the chores and framework it rather.

Next: More ways to spruce up a guest bedroom

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