While we'd all love an extra room to accommodate visiting family and friends, that's not always possible. That shouldn't, however, prevent you from hosting loved ones this Christmas. Here, we share tips on how to host guests without a guest room, including multipurpose furniture recommendations and practical advice on how to ensure your guests have the most comfortable stay. 

 

Get a sofa bed, day bed or modular sofa 

Forget inflatable mattresses that turn your living room into a campsite, and consider a stylish sofa bed instead. We have a huge range of cleverly designed, space-saving sofa beds, which can easily fit into your lounge, home office or bedroom, providing seating at daytime and a place for your guest to sleep at night. Choose from a variety of materials including fabric, velvet and faux leather to work with your existing style scheme. Daybeds with trundles or modular sofas with chaises are also great versatile pieces for hosting overnight guests, especially when they have storage features too.  

   

Make the bed like a pro

Even though you might not be providing an actual "bed" for your guest, you should still treat it as if it were one, making sure it's properly made with all the necessary layers and with the most comfortable bedding. That means wrapping a fitted bed sheet around the sofa seat cushions, adding a top sheet and then a light quilt. If you're stuck on what quilt to get, check out our blog post on how to choose a quilt, doona or duvet. When it comes to bedding, linen bed sheets make a great choice for the warmer months. They're beautifully soft and breathable, plus we have plenty of on-trend colours to choose from. Make sure you also provide a quality pillow so your guest can have the best night's sleep. Check out our blog post on how to pick the perfect pillow for more tips. 

   

Create a bedside area

Provide your guests a designated bedside area to house a water glass, any books and their phone. Instead of a bedside table, use a small side table, stool or a nest of tables, which can be stowed away when not in use. Don't forget to add a small table lamp for late-night reading and other thoughtful items such as a scented candle, a small bowl or tray for jewellery and loose change, some magazines and a tissue box.   

   
   

Ensure there's storage

Providing a place for your guests to park their belongings not only makes them feel more at home, but also ensures there's less clutter in shared spaces. Storage ottomans are fantastic to house clothes, bedding and towels, but to also double as a luggage rack. If you have the space, consider adding a few wall hooks in corners or a hall tree in the entryway for your guests to hang jackets, hats, bags or clothes that they don't want getting creased.

   
   

Consider privacy 

If your guest is going to be staying in a shared space, they may want extra privacy. Room dividers are perfect to add a partition, plus with so many styles and materials on offer, they can add a beautiful feature to your living space when not in use. 

   
   

Think about temperature control

Cater for your guests' preferred temperature and be prepared for any scenario. Leave a basket of extra blankets and provide a fan for warmer nights or for those who sleep better when it's cooler. Fans are also great at providing white noise to drown out traffic or any snoring from the next room!

   
   

Make a welcome basket 

Go the extra mile and give your guest that hotel-like experience with a special welcome basket. Fill it with fresh rolled bath towels (Egyptian cotton all the way, but check out our blog post on how to choose towels for more tips), as well as essential toiletries and handy extras such as a water bottle and power adaptor.