The secret to a beautifully welcoming guest room is a clever mixture of calm colours, cosy textures and a few considered touches. Interiors journalist Nicky Rampley-Clarke shares his tips.

Welcoming one and all can be a joy for hosts during the holiday season, whether it’s serving up drinks and nibbles on arrival (try a wintery twist on a negroni with crushed ice and a sprig of rosemary) or bidding them farewell with a thoughtful keepsake (a framed photo, for example). But how do you make the guest room – or makeshift space – you give loved ones feel as comfortable and stylish as their bedroom at home? Luckily, as with most things, it’s about the little details that make a world of difference.

Firstly, think about the bed linen that you offer guests for getting their all-important shut-eye – festive season or otherwise. Crisp, new sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers are always conducive to quality sleep – even more so when you’re staying under someone else’s roof, so invest in a fresh set for visitors to create somewhere they can look forward to retreating to at the end of a long, fun day. Whether it’s a king-size bed in a separate wing of the house or simply a fold-out sofa in your home office, soft, fine bedding will give them a five-star experience. 

Next, why not leave a little gift on the bed to welcome them to your home and set the tone for the generous hosting to follow? From lotions and potions to candles and fragrances, a beautifully presented gift left on the pillow or at the end of the bed is like a personal turn-down service and tells your guest you appreciate their time and company. Better still, actually turn down their bedding just before they retreat to their room, complete with a lit candle and a quick spritz of linen spray. 

It's not just about the bed, though. To really dial up the luxe factor, you’ll need to provide guests with everything they need to recreate their own bedtime rituals away from the comfort of home, whether that’s a beautiful mug to fill up with hot chocolate just before lights-out, a faux-fur hot water bottle to snuggle up with between the sheets or luxurious slippers and a silky robe to throw on before they come down first-thing in the morning.

Next, think about a guest’s bathing and grooming experience. Fresh, fluffy towels they can envelop themselves in after a good soak in the tub will make them feel like they’ve just had a spa day at a top hotel, as will stocking your bathroom with lots of lovely toiletries that can make use of. Alternatively, have fun creating a bundle of bath foams, oils, shower gels and soaps packaged up in a beautiful basket to leave in their bedroom. A candle or diffuser is always a nice touch, too, whether you encourage them to use it while they stay or take it home with them afterwards.

It may sound silly, but giving your guests somewhere they can properly fold and hang clothes makes any space feel luxurious, as so often when you’re staying at someone else’s house you’re living out of a suitcase on the floor, unable to see what you’ve brought or hang out any creases prior to getting all dressed up for the celebrations that await. Feeling extra? Fold an irresistibly-soft cashmere jumper in the top drawer as an early Christmas present for them to discover as they’re unpacking – brownie points, guaranteed. Finally, invest in a luggage rack they can pop their holdall or suitcase onto once they arrive so they don’t have to stoop when they’re unpacking and to save on all-important floorspace. It’s a stylish and practical addition to any guest bedroom or space.