How to Create a Cozy Christmas Guest Room Retreat

If family or friends stay with you over the holidays, why not make their stay extra special? Find out how these little extras will make your overnight guests feel at home as you learn how to prepare your Christmas guest room for the holidays.

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I enjoy entertaining guests any time of year, especially when they can stay a night or two. Whether you have a spare bedroom or a multipurpose room where guests can stay, preparing for overnight visitors during the holidays is something you want to do sooner rather than later.

What I enjoy the most is that you can add even more details during the holiday season over everyday decor. From cozy touches to festive accents, getting your Christmas guest room holiday-ready can be enjoyable and rewarding. 

Let’s review some simple, heartfelt tips to get your guest room holiday-ready!

How to Prepare Your Spare Room for Christmas Guests

The Christmas season is all about creating memories and sharing moments with loved ones. A well-prepared guest room is perfect for showing your guests how much you care. From cozy bedding to thoughtful touches, here’s how to transform your space into a warm and inviting retreat they’ll love.

1. Declutter and Clean

Guest bedrooms often double as catch-all spaces, but you will want to clear any unnecessary belongings before the holidays. Decluttering sets the stage for creating a cozy environment.

Start by removing items that don’t belong in the room and finding a proper place for them. Then, give the space a thorough cleaning:

• Wipe down all flat surfaces, wall plates, and doorknobs.
• Vacuum and wash the floors to ensure they’re spotless.
• Refresh the air by adding a diffuser with lemon or orange essential oil for a light and airy feel.

A clean, uncluttered room is the foundation for all the cozy and festive details to come.

2. Fresh Linens: A Bed They’ll Love

Nothing says comfort like fresh, clean linens. Before your guests arrive, wash and dry the bed sheets to ensure they feel crisp and inviting. Fresh linens give a calming, relaxing feel that makes settling in so much more enjoyable.

Here’s a pro tip: add a drop or two of essential oil to dryer balls when drying the sheets. This creates a soothing bedtime scent that your guests will love.

If you want a quality option, Saje Wellness has the best dryer balls and essential oil laundry kit.

Don’t forget to include fresh towels neatly arranged on the bed, side table, or in a nearby bathroom. Include:

• One bath towel, one hand towel, and one facecloth per guest.
• Makeup remover cloths for added convenience.

Consider replacing bathroom linens daily.

3. Include Cozy Holiday Bedding

Creating a cozy and inviting bed for your guests is all about layering. While holiday-themed bedding is optional, it’s always a good idea to include:

• A quilt for lightweight warmth.
• A duvet or comforter for added coziness.
• Wool throw blankets for an extra layer on colder nights.
• Extra pillows for added comfort.
• Throw pillows in the room’s decor. 

A winter or holiday-inspired throw pillow can add a festive vibe and personal touch your guests will appreciate. Whether you prefer neutral tones or pops of holiday color, choose bedding that complements your home’s decor while making the space feel special for the season.

Focusing on comfort and a hint of holiday charm will give your guests a restful stay and a lifetime of memories. 

4. Add Holiday Cheer with Decorations

Christmas decorations can transform your guest room from ordinary to fun, creating a cheerful and cozy retreat for your visitors. Consider adding:

• A little Christmas tree with soft lighting to bring the season’s magic.
• A wreath or garland for a natural, holiday-inspired touch.
• A floral arrangement featuring Christmas greenery or blooms.
• Multiple satin or velvet ribbons in the color theme.
• Add fairy lights to the wreath, greenery, or garland. 

The little details make a big difference – so try choosing one or all of these options.

I love adding Christmas decorations to bedrooms. Those little touches allow you to wake up surrounded by the Christmas spirit every day. Your guests will appreciate the effort and enjoy the festive atmosphere you’ve created.

5. Stock Up on Essentials

Traveling for the holidays can be stressful, and forgetting an essential item is all too common. Show your guests you’ve thought of everything by stocking the room or nearby bathroom with various everyday essentials. Don’t forget to add these to your Christmas shopping list.

Consider including:

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner
• A bar of soap and lotion
• Shaving cream for her and him, plus razors
• Bandaids for small mishaps
• Air freshener for added comfort

These thoughtful touches ensure your guests feel cared for, no matter what they may have left behind.

A basket or tray neatly arranged with these items makes them easy to find and adds a welcoming touch to your guest room or bathroom.

6. Share the Wifi Password

One of the first things most guests ask for when visiting is the Wi-Fi password. Make it easy for them by providing the information in the guest room so they can get connected right away.

Here are two simple and thoughtful ways to display the Wi-Fi password:

Notebook: Leave a small, stylish notebook on the nightstand with the Wi-Fi details written inside.
Picture Frame: Print the password on a decorative card and place it in a cute picture frame.

Grab my Wi-Fi password printable in my freebie library and put it in a pretty frame.

This small gesture ensures your guests feel welcome. It’s one less thing they’ll need to ask about, letting them settle in quickly. 

7. Surprise them with a Welcome Basket

Adding a holiday welcome gift basket to your Christmas guest room is a thoughtful way to show your guests how much you care.

Going the extra mile with this personal touch will make their stay more enjoyable. Create the basket to suit your guests, but here are some fun and practical ideas to include:

• Bottled water to keep them hydrated.
• Individually packaged snacks for a quick treat.
• A holiday treat or ornament to add a festive touch.
• A phone charger to ensure they stay connected.
• Something to read, like a book or magazine.
• A crossword puzzle or word search for some light entertainment.
• A notebook and pen for jotting down thoughts or ideas.

Place the basket in a visible spot in the room, such as on the bed or a side table. This gesture makes your guests feel extra welcome with a bit of surprise. How beautiful would adding your special touch to a holiday welcome gift basket be? 

Finishing Touch: Step Into Your Guest’s Shoes

Once the room is ready, look at it through your guest’s eyes. Does it feel extra cozy? Does it have everything they might need? Walk through the space to double-check for any missing details. Do you have a storage space for their belongings? Do you want to add a luggage rack or an extra wool blanket? 

With these simple yet thoughtful steps, your Christmas guest room will be holiday-ready in no time. Your loved ones will appreciate the effort and feel right at home, making their visit a time to remember. 

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Over to You!

What’s your favorite way to prepare for holiday guests? Do you have a go-to detail that makes their stay unforgettable? Share your Christmas guest room ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re getting your guest room holiday-ready!

With these tips, your guests will feel they stayed at one of the most comfortable places, making their holiday visit truly special.

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