It’s official: Christmas is now less than a week away. Are you ready for those guests that are about to descend upon your home? If not, we have some advice for you on getting the guest room all set up for any family or friends that will be gracing you with their presence. Make your guest room a source of comfort and joy for your holiday visitors, and they’re sure to feel right at home.

Tidy Up

Most guest rooms don’t get much use until company comes, so they sometimes collect dust and can take on a stale scent. Make sure to do a thorough dusting and vacuuming, change the linens if it’s been a while, and put out an air freshener or burn a candle. Make sure any clutter is put away. You don’t want guests tripping over the random items you might’ve stored in the typically unused room.

Create a Cozy Environment

The bed is usually the focal point of a guest room, so you’ll want to make it look inviting. Do this by piling on the pillows and layering textures like knits, fleece, and faux fur to create a cozy feel. Make sure there are plenty of blankets available for those chilly nights. Illuminate the room with softly lit bedside lamps instead of harsh overhead lighting.

Prep the Guest Bath

After you give the guest bathroom a quick scrub, step back and look at it from an outsider’s point of view. Is there anything missing that guests might have to ask for? Try to make things as convenient as possible by putting out items people typically need on a daily basis. Make sure to stock up on necessities like toilet paper. Put out freshly washed, fluffy towels and washcloths. Consider putting together a little basket of little toiletries people tend to forget.

Offer the Comforts of Home

If you really want your guests to feel comfortable, stock the room with personalized touches. Make up a gift basket with bottled water, local snacks, a book or magazine, a phone charger, a little notebook and pen, and maybe even a couple of postcards they can send to folks back home. You could even go as far as creating a little coffee station right in the room. And don’t forget to write down the WiFi password for your guests!

Add Some Holiday Cheer

Decorate the room with some greenery and soft white lights, a miniature Christmas tree on the dresser, and a wreath on the back of the door. You can go all out with the holiday decor or just put out a few little items here and there. It’s your choice!