Arriving at your destination after hours in the car or plane, most likely one of the first things you'll want to do is refresh yourself in your long awaited guest room.  The last thing you want to find is a bedroom stocked full of sports equipment, office supplies and piles of clothing that obviously didn't have a proper place in the home.   Or worse, when you  go into your guest bathroom to wash your face, you find the only white towels to dry off with are fringed, nubby, and have spots of hair dye all over them.  "Welcome" is the last thing you're going to feel for your week's stay.   The room I just described said a lot about the people I was staying with at the time. At the end of the day, where your guests sleep at night will say a lot about you.   It'll say more than the touristy finds you show them over their stay.  More than the one-of-a kind restaurants you take them to;   More than the souvenirs you buy them.  IF YOUR GUEST ROOM ISN'T INVITING, DON'T PLAN ON INVITING THEM AGAIN. THEY WON'T COME BACK.   Plain and simple.

           When decorating a guestroom there are two routes I'd recommend: Clean and Fresh or Warm and Inviting.   Most likely your guest aren't going to share your same themed- passions.  A room plastered with Stephen Speilberg posters  isn't going to make your friend feel at home.   Instead, take the knickknacks out, store the clutter in the basement and begin with a clean slate.  I'd suggest a room with clean lines: A big white fluffy down comforter and pillows accented with light charcoal walls and a mini chandelier.   Or, if you want to go for the warm and inviting affect I'd try chocolate brown walls trimmed in white; A bright green comforter with yellow accents throughout the room and a large vase of gerber daisy's on one of the bed stands.  

         However you choose to decorate, their are essentials you need to include.  A gift or something that will immediately catch your guest's attention is a wonderful idea.   A small box of gourmet cupcakes or an item reminicient of  the city your home is in is an easy start.  I found some great antique looking magnents of famous places in Nashville like the Downtown Farmer's Market, The Union Station Hotel and The Pancake Pantry; all of which are possible places I'd take my guests during their stay.  This would be a cute gift to leave on the vanity.

            Make sure there are plenty of empty drawers and open closet space with hangers for your guests to unpack their suitcases.  It's always so lovely when there is some sort of bench or ottoman at the end of a bed to be able to leave a suitcase on for quick access. This keeps your guests from feeling cluttered in their room; not having to step over suitcases. The bench in the top left corner is the perfect example. 

         Upon entering the guest bathroom, make sure there is a surplus of thick, plush towels  and wash cloths along with completely filled bottles of Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc.  If you feel like going the extra mile, provide travel size toothpaste, hairspray, etc. 

      I visit one of my college friends on a regular basis.  Every time I travel to her and her husband's home,  I  enjoy a shabby chic room with comfortable wicker furniture,  light that streams from a vaulted-ceiling window and my own flat screen tv.   This is a far cry from stained towels, a sweaky bed and clutter as described earlier.   A room can set the mood for a guest. Take advantage of being in control of someone's positive attitude and their delightful stay by creating a welcoming atmosphere!