A Guests’ Comfort Is Detailed Matter

Question: I have guests coming to stay for the holidays. My kids use the spare room as a playroom; it looks like a battlefield. What can I do quickly to produce an instant guest room?

Answer: First, enlist the kids to help make the transition. Buy some large plastic or cardboard file storage boxes and put away toys, puzzles, games and other kids’ stuff. Store what stays and donate what goes. The gecko and the gerbil go in the garage. You may want the television to stay.

Next, inventory sleeping accommodations. Is the bed or sofa bed comfortable? If not, consider adding an “egg crate” mattress on top that is 2, 3 or 4 inches deep.

Add a mattress cover, nice sheets, warm blanket and a fresh bedspread. For young guests, a futon or rollaway bed may be practical. Good pillows are a must.

Wash the walls and add a wallpaper border or stenciled designs to cover the worst spots. If that doesn’t help, paint them a soothing color.

Window coverings for privacy are important. Clean drapes or wash curtains and drapes. New roller shades and mini-blinds look neat and are inexpensive.

Your guests will need a place for their possessions. Refinish an old chest of drawers or purchase plastic stacking drawers; the kids can use them later.

Add a comfortable chair, a free-standing reading lamp or a small table with a lamp so guests have a place to rest far from the holiday hoopla. A soft cushion, wool throw, current magazines, small sewing box and toiletries are thoughtful additions.

Be careful using plants, potpourri or candles. Your guests may be allergic to them.

Clean out the closet or provide a collapsible coat rack for dresses and coats.

To unify the space, keep to a color scheme pleasing to both male and female, young or old guests. Neutral colors are always safe. Add a touch of color with a soft area rug or throw pillows.

Provide fresh, fluffy towels and a new bar of soap for extra pampering. Now relax and enjoy your guests and the holidays.