If you’ve ever stayed in a five-star hotel and appreciated how the housekeepers went above and beyond to pamper you, the memories probably lasted long after your trip was over. There are some things you can do to help guests feel like they’re going on a retreat when they stay with you, too.

Photo: Instagram

Capitalize on a Theme

Some of the world’s most upscale boutique hotels have themed rooms that focus on certain movies, famous people, types of animals, and more. Spend some time thinking carefully about the types of themes that would fit best with your bedroom, then pick one and decorate with gusto.

The themes you gravitate towards may be specific to your region or state. For example, Kentucky is famous for horses and North Carolina celebrates the azalea bush at an annual festival. Once you’ve chosen a theme, find colors and fabrics that complement it. If you select an ocean theme, blues and grays are probably most suitable. Fabric with an anchor or fish print would also match well.

When you demonstrate to guests that you’ve taken the time to decorate the room in a themed way, it conveys to them that you genuinely care about creating an atmosphere that makes them feel welcome. Highlighting a themed look also helps answer some tough questions if you’re trying to figure out what shade of towels to buy or which colors should be part of the rug by the side of the bed. The colors that comprise your theme offer good decorating guidance.</p>

Give Guests Some Candles or a Diffuser

Getting your guest room ready is all about showing how you’ve thought of all the little details that combine to help guests have luxurious visits. Making the room smell nice is a great step to take because it gives guests good impressions as soon as they enter the room.

Photo: Domaine Home

Regardless if you give guests candles, a diffuser, or both, set these items on a hard, flat surface to reduce the possibility they might get knocked over and cause fires. If you’re feeling stuck about what scents to choose, think about what’s most likely to please the greatest number of people.

Clean linen is one possibility because you don’t often hear guests grumbling about disliking the smell of freshly laundered items. Also, remember that guests may be feeling frazzled after traveling and would likely appreciate a relaxing scent like lavender or vanilla.

After setting up the candles or diffuser in the room, don’t forget the accessories. A candle holder or small plate is a great decorating idea that prevents wax from dripping down onto surfaces below and a book of matches or a cigarette lighter is essential for helping guests light the scented item and start breathing in the fragrance.

Offer Finely Crafted Toiletries

Although it’s common for people to stock toiletry baskets for their guests, not all of them go further and specifically find the most enticing items possible. Instead of just buying a travel-size container of well-known body lotion from the supermarket, take a more exotic approach and find a hydrating balm that includes the essence of a Hawaiian flower and a special ingredient that tightens and moisturizes skin simultaneously.

Photo: Top Decorated Home

The idea is that you want guests to realize you’re trying to give them experiences that allow them to discover new things while in your guest room. Maybe you found a type of shower gel that combines pomegranate and bergamot scents. Even if people know what those things smell like individually, they’ll probably feel especially intrigued if you stock a product like that in their toiletry basket.

Make the Bed an Amazing Place to Sleep

Most of the time guests spend in the room will probably be to sleep. With that in mind, it’s smart to think about what you can do to make the bed as comfortable as possible. As a starting point, sleep on the guest bed for a night before you make it up for the next occupant. If the mattress has a sagging section or feels too hard, it’s time to invest in a new one.

Also, consider how things like high-quality, well-reviewed bamboo sheets offer a pleasing surface for guests to lie down on at the end of their long and action-packed days. Once you’ve put a sheet set on the bed, turn to things like the pillow and comforter. Plushness is a key factor here, as is softness. You might also want to put a bottle of linen spray on the bedside table so guests can spray the bedding just before they crawl under the covers, treating themselves to an amazing aroma as they drift off to sleep.

Think ahead and stock a deep wicker basket with extra linens, as well. Even if guests are visiting during the summer and you don’t think they’ll get cold, everyone responds to temperatures differently and you can never be too sure. Putting the basket in a prominent area prevents guests from having to ask for what they need because they’ll see the items right away.

Place Local Literature and Brochures in the Room

Hotels usually have many travel brochures that give guests ideas about what to see and do, but they’re often located in the lobby. Because your home doesn’t have a lobby, you’ll need to do the next best thing and give guests an assortment of travel guides, maps, and promotional materials about attractions inside the room.

Photo: Home Bunch

Collect a few books about your state or town too. If possible, it’s thoughtful to offer both fiction and non-fiction titles. If the guest room doesn’t have adequate natural and overhead lighting, consider investing in a floor lamp for the corner or a lamp that sits on the nightstand. These accessories make it so your guests don’t have to strain their eyes to read.

As you can see, it’s not as hard as you may have thought to turn your guest room into a truly relaxing place. The more thought you put into it before people arrive, the better the outcome is likely to be.

We love candles, and like most candle fanatics, we’ve got a bunch of practically empty candle jars lying around. The jars can be reused for many things like storing q tips in your bathroom, or you could use it as a vase. The possibilities are endless, and this easy trick will have you cleaning out those jars in no time! Keep reading for the genius solution!

Step #1:

Boil some hot water and pour it into the candle jar.

Step #2:

Allow the water to cool completely. This step is so incredibly important because you do not want to pour any warm or hot wax down your drain!

Step #3:

When the water has cooled, you will notice the wax float to the top. Simply break the wax in half using a butter knife and take out the wax. If there’s any leftover bits, they’re easily removed using warm water and a scrubby sponge.

Photos: A Pumpkin and a Princess, Yellow Brick Home.

These gorgeous lanterns are easy to put together, and the best part is that they’re free! Scour your yard for various greens and drop a few cranberries in for a pop of color. This is an easy way to transform your front porch or yard into an instant winter wonderland!

Step #1:

Grab 2 different sized tupperware bowls. One has to be larger than the other.

Step #2:

Fill up the large bowl with water, stopping 1/3 of the way from the top. Add in your greens and cranberries .

Step #3:

Fill up the smaller bowl with water and place it inside the larger one. This will make room for your candle. Place the bowls into your freezer overnight.

Step #4:

When the lanterns are frozen, you can run the bowls under warm water to loosen them. Place a candle inside and put your new icy lanterns on your front porch or walkway!

Photos: Raised in Cotton.

Nature-inspired decorating ideas for Christmas are always in style, and it’s not that hard to recreate your favorite looks since you can find these items outdoors! We love using branches in our Christmas decor, and we’re totally loving this branch centerpiece! It’s a great project you can make if you’re on a budget, and it requires minimal supplies. Let’s get started!

Supplies:

1) A branch

2) Spray paint (gold or silver)

3) Candles

4) Nail-on glides

5) Hot glue gun and glue sticks

6) Christmas decorations to decorate the branch (optional)

Step #1:

Hunt around for a fallen branch that can hold your candles. Try to find one that has thicker branches.

Step #2:

Trim your branch until it looks the way you want it to. Flip the branch around and experiment with different sides to see what would look best. Attach the nail-on glides using a glue gun.

Step #3:

Take your branch outside and spray paint it in the color of your choice. Allow it to dry before bringing it back inside.

Step #4:

Place the candles on your candleholders and if you wish, decorate the branch with various Christmas decor.

Photos and idea: Herballistic Garden.

If you’re unsure of how to decorate your mantle this fall, take a look at this one! It’s simple, festive, and you can put it together on the cheap! Scroll down for more pictures!

The first thing we noticed about the mantle is the neutral backdrop. The mantle itself is a crisp white, which makes the fall accessories pop! For your mantle, choose fall shades that stand out. The bright oranges work great against the white, and if your mantle is more of a beige color, choose contrasting, but similar tones. Since the crisp white of the mantle is a cold tone, the fall accessories are as well. Choose what fits your mantle best.

The rustic crate makes the perfect stand for these flowers. To fill up the crate, a pumpkin nestled on top of leaves works great. The mini pumpkin, squash and pinecone look so cute inside, too!

One of the easiest ways to accessorize is with pillows! You can use slipcovers if you don’t want to buy new ones. For festive but cheap pillows, check your local Wal-Mart or Target.

Add warmth to your mantle with candles! Grab cheap candleholders and candlesticks at the thrift store and spraypaint them to match your mantle.

The top of the mantle is kept simple, with a salvaged piece of fence painted white, a leaf wreath, and more mini pumpkins. The garland adds a cute touch to the mini shutters, which can easily be replicated at a larger scale, if you like. You can make a large garland covering the entire mantle with burlap, which is a great choice for those on a budget.

Photos: The Frugal Homemaker.

Gothify your home this Halloween with these creepy decorating ideas like our favorite bloody candles! They can be made in under an hour, and are the perfect accessory for your kitchen table, mantle, front steps, coffee table, windowsill, or wherever you like! You can use different colors of candles if you don’t like red, and this project also works with crayons. For a scary touch, add nails to the side of the candle if you want! So, let’s get started!

Supplies:

1) Parchment paper

2) White taper candles

3) White pillar candles

4) Red candle (or crayons)

5) Cut tacks

6) Push pins

7) Nails

8) Tinfoil

Step 1:

Cover your work area with parchment paper. Remove any plastic or stickers from the candles.

Step 2:

Light the red candle and allow it to drip onto the white pillar candle. If you’re using crayons, hold a lighter under the crayon and allow it to melt and drip onto the white candle.

Step 3:

Press the cut tacks, push pins, or nails into your candle. This will make the candle look like it’s pierced and gushing blood! Scary!

Step 4:

For the taper candles, squish a small amount of tinfoil underneath the candle to hold it upright. Drip the red wax onto the candle and allow it to drip down the length of the taper candle.

Step 5:

Arrange your creepy candles in groups around your home to scare your visitors! You can easily create a spooky home by placing them in glass jars or candlesticks. You can find cheap candlesticks at your dollar store or thrift store. Experiment with different color candles and crayons for a unique look!

Photos: Pop Sugar, Emiline House.

Pressed flowers aren’t just for grandma’s house anymore! Their natural beauty can be used to decorate almost anything! Here are 7 ways to use pressed flowers!

The first step to decorating with pressed flowers is actually pressing the flowers! This simple tutorial from Martha Stewart tells you everything you need to know about this easy craft.

1. Flameless Candles

Decorate flameless candles with pressed flowers using a couple coats of Mod Podge. Mount them on vintage candle holders to complete the look.

2. Decorate Gifts

Add pressed flowers to simple white wrapping paper to dress up gifts. Tie the package with twine for an added vintage feel.

3. Coasters

Arrange pressed flowers onto white stone tiles and give it a couple coats of Mod Podge. This also makes a great gift for those on a budget.

4. Simple Wall Art

If you’re a minimalist, this artwork is for you! Place individual flowers in simple frames and arrange them on your wall.

5. Decorate Light Switches

Decorate your plain white light switches with pressed flowers using Mod Podge.

6. Make a Monogram

Make a cute monogram for your bedroom using a frame and one variety of pressed flowers.

7. Easter Eggs

These pressed flower Easter eggs are just too cute! Get a head start on Easter by drying flowers this summer. Tutorial here.

Photos: Etsy, Home and Garden, Mod Podge Rocks Blog, Willow Day, Rook No 17.

Vintage doilies can be used to decorate tonnes of things around your home, and they’re making a big comeback! Decorate pillows, table runners, or bowls with doilies for that delicate vintage look. We’ve got 7 adorable doily ideas that look great and won’t break the bank!

1. Doily Bowls

These bowls look just like crowns, and you can use them to hold jewellery or as a candle holder. They’re easily made using starch! Tutorial here.

2. Table Runner

Stitch a few doilies together to create a one-of-a-kind table runner. This would look great at a vintage-themed wedding! Add white candles in mercury glass candle holders to complete the look.

3. Wall Art

Display your vintage doilies by hanging them on your wall. Simply wrap a canvas in burlap, and glue on the doily. This also makes a great gift! Tutorial here.

4. Luminaries

These doily luminaries are so cute! Simply use spray adhesive to attach the doily to the jar and decorate with ribbon, buttons, and twine. Tutorial here.

5. Pillows

Attach doilies to pillows by stitching them on, or using fabric glue. Use contrasting colors to make the delicate doily patterns pop.

6. Lamp

This lamp only looks expensive, but you can make it for cheap! Follow along with this easy tutorial to make your own doily lamp! Tutorial here.

7. Bunting

Decorate your home with this adorable doily bunting! Hang it up on your mantle, or use it at your next outdoor party!

Photos: Time Washed, How To Set a Table, The Happy Housewife, Crafts by Amanda, Grains of Earth, Handmade Ology, Stirling Design.

Nothing says summer like sipping cold lemonade on your front or back porch. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to get your porch ready and summer festive! Take a look at these colorful 7 ideas you can use for your porch this summer.

1. Reuse

Use your imagination and think outside the box. Scour flea markets and thrift shops for unusual items you can use on your porch. We love this vintage chicken cage that was turned into a rolling coffee table. Remember, almost anything can be refinished and painted!

2. Add Light

Candles and lanterns can give your porch a cosy and enchanting feel. They’re perfect for late-night summer talks on the porch. Arrange them on a coffee table in front of your porch benches or wicker chairs in various heights and sizes to add interest. Lanterns can be hung around the porch to add light and charm.

3. Paint the Floor

Give your floor a new look with a pop of color! Choose a shade that matches your home and your porch furniture. We love the cool blue of this porch, it makes the floor look like water!

4. Add Curtains

Curtains are a great way to provide shade on hot days and for privacy. These drop cloth curtains give the porch a rustic feel, and they’re really cheap at the hardware store!

5. Hang a Mirror

Adding a mirror to your porch makes it look more like an actual room. At night, the mirror will reflect the candlelight, adding more light to your porch. This large antique mirror adds drama to the porch, and the light creamy walls make the mirror pop.

6. Add Color

Add a pop of color to your porch! Paint your wicker furniture a bright color, or add colorful pillows. These blue wicker chairs pop against the grey walls and floors of this porch. This can be replicated by simply spraying the furniture with a few coats of an outdoor spray paint. Vintage wicker furniture can be found on the cheap at yard sales or thrift stores.

7. Choose Durable Fabric

To help save your cushions and pillows, choose a durable fabric that can withstand spills, and is easy to clean.

Photos: Home Decor Wall, Dying of Cute, The Lettered Cottage, House Beautiful, Dofaso, Between Naps on the Porch, Melinda Jennings, Bombay Outdoors.

There are so many little things that are needed for a party, BBQ, or any special occasion, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Setting that perfect table is one of the things many people have trouble with, but don’t fret! We’ve got 10 tips on how to set the perfect table for that special occasion, stress not included!

1. Table Runner

You don’t have to use a conventional table runner to decorate your table. Try using a pretty scarf, or you can stitch doilies together for a vintage look. Use your imagination, and the sky is the limit!

2. Napkin Rings

If you would like your silverware to look a little more organized, try using some napkin rings. You can buy your own, or get creative and make your own! We’re loving these simple print-out napkin rings that can be assembled in minutes.

3. Centerpiece

A gorgeous centerpiece is the highlight of any beautifully set table. Be it flowers, succulents, or candles. These lanterns and pink flowers look gorgeous on this table. Look for simple lanterns at the dollar store that can be spray painted, and decorated any way you wish!

4. Place Cards

If you have a seating arrangement, placing the names of your guests on cute place cards can help everyone stay organized. An easy way to keep your seating plan organized is printing out names in a fancy font on card stock and placing it with your silverware. If you’re feeling creative, these message in a bottle place cards are just too cute to pass up!

5. Lighting

For lighting, there are many options to choose from. For a rustic look, hang mason jars with tea candles inside. For a more casual party, paper lanterns are a popular choice, and they come in any color. What we’re loving these days is outdoor chandeliers that add a touch of elegance and romance to any party or get-together. Scour thrift shops for chandeliers and give them a new coat of paint to freshen them up. Hang the chandelier above the center of your table, or add two or three in a row for even more light.

6. Chair Covers

To save money, you can rent chairs and cover them with a unique slipcover to fit your party or get-together theme. Once you’ve outfitted the chair with a slipcover, decorate it by wrapping the back of the chair with a large bow, or even a small bouquet of flowers.

7. Charger Plates

Charger plates are a great way to dress up your table and they act as a base for food-bearing bowls and dishes. Since they’re not meant to be eaten off of, you can decorate them any way you wish to fit the theme of your table. These faux mercury glass charger plates would fit any elegant or winter-themed party.

8. Party Favors

Although optional, party favors add a little extra surprise for your guests. Place them in the middle of each plate, as a little thank you to your guests for coming. You can place candy inside cute packaging, or even a small succulent in a mini pot can be a delightful gift. We love the small paper bags at this western-themed party. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones!

9. Glassware

From fancy wineglasses to simple mason jars, your glassware reflects the theme and feel of your party. If you’re looking for a more elegant look with your glassware, large frosted wineglasses will do the trick. For a casual party, try mason jars and straws in the color of your theme.

10. Elevate Your Food and Drinks

To add interest to your table, place your drinks and food on cake stands and tiers. For extra serving space, place them on a bar cart or small table close to your main dining table. This is also a great way to store extra napkins and silverware within reach of your guests, and without crowding your dining table.

Photos: The Graphics Fairy, My Big Day Company, Ashley Ann, Etsy, Sheila Zeller, Style Me Pretty, Tip Junkie, Rustic Wedding Chic, Tidbits and Twine, Mid West Living.