One of the best things about Christmas is spending some solid bonding time with our families. All those raucous games of Monopoly and fights over who gets the purple Quality Street.
For the host, however, preparing for the arrival of loved ones can be stressful. Dust appears in places you didn’t think could get dusty and long multiplication is necessary to work out who is sleeping where.
On top of all of that, the guest bedroom looks like a store cupboard.
But never fear. A few little touches will help you elevate your guest room from forgotten to festive—transforming it into a sanctuary for those moments when your guests are a few too many glasses of mulled wine down.
Whether you choose to add scented candles to create harmony between warring siblings (see our guide of best Christmas candles here) or decide to give your mother-in-law extra privacy by adding a kettle and tea set, we’ve found the gear that will help you to effortlessly feel house proud.
Christmas Spice Eco Candle, Etsy, £6.95
Not only does this festive scented candle smell gorgeous, it looks beautiful too. Your guest can soak up the scent of cinnamon, ginger, thyme and nutmeg, with a dash of fresh orange. It is a Christmas feast for the olfactory senses.
Microlight Berber Throw Blanket, Amazon, £19.99
This super soft blanket will help keep your guests warm on winter nights as well as making the room look extra plush during the day.
BaByliss Nano Lightweight Travel Hair Dryer, Argos, £14.99
Having a mini hairdryer in your guest bedroom means the occupant won’t need to go knocking on everyone else’s door to find one post-shower. Plus, this small and lightweight one can be easily stored out of sight in a drawer.
Mini Letterbox Reindeer Tree, Marks & Spencer, £27
Pop this adorable mini tree on the windowsill or bedside table to add an extra Christmassy touch to your guest room. All the baubles you need to decorate are included so it’s minimum fuss for maximum festive impact.
De’Longhi Argento Flora Cream Kettle, John Lewis, £49.99
When you’re a guest in someone’s house it can be a relief to enjoy a few moments to yourself with a hot mug of tea. Including a kettle in your guest bedroom not only makes it feel like a fancy hotel, it also allows your guests some alone time — which is good for everyone.
Festive Tea Selection, John Lewis, £12
There’s no point having a kettle without a selection of tea and this selection of nine festive teas caters for all tastes and moods. Plus, the boxes are super cute.
Anngarsk Wreath, Habitat, £30
This bold and beautiful wreath will add sparkle and light to any space (even that windowless box room). Hang it on the bedroom door to create a festive entrance or craftily pin it to the wall inside to pep up a tired interior.
Star Navy Velvet Eye Mask, Oliver Bonas, £14
Sleep over the festive period is paramount but it isn’t always easy, particularly if you’re sharing a room. Help your guests drift off to the land of nod with this beautifully soft eye mask–particularly if your neighbours have gone OTT with the outdoor Christmas lights.
Umbra Wooden Waste Paper Bin, John Lewis, £20
I know it’s not very glamorous, but there really is nothing more frustrating than not having somewhere to throw your rubbish when you’re staying at someone else’s house. This wooden one is the prettiest bin we could find ― and in festive green, too.
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