With Christmas and the summer holidays fast approaching, it's the time of year that guests arrive – some for a night or two, some for much, much longer. (What is that Chinese saying again? Fish and guests stink after three days – harsh but sometimes true). While bunking down on a sofa is fine for backpacking chums, it is not going to cut it with your elderly mother-in-law.  If you have a spare room you are off to a good start as the essentials will be in place – a bed, a cupboard with hanging space and a door that can be closed.  You might then consider new sheets (even pillows), towels, a candle, a vase of flowers and some beautiful books. Pat on the back - you are in the 'sorted' camp. The rest of us are not.  There are those who look at the spare room and their heart sinks – it has been used as a dumping ground for the running machine we have fallen out of love with; the cupboard bulges with out of season clothes and oh, is that where the old dog bed was parked.



Here is a list of thoughts that might help you gain control of the spare room and so when you throw open the door to show your guest, you are proud (even slightly smug) rather than have to sink into a sea of apologies.

1. Start early enough to make a difference – that means now.


2. Take everything not essential out and resolve to make a decision as to what you do with it – the charity shop, storage, or elsewhere in the house. Be brave and honest with yourself. (I am not good at this bit. I will try on a jacket I have not worn in 5 years and think – 'not too bad' – and back in the cupboard it goes – note - do not use me as a role model).


3. Does the room still look sad and neglected? Take a photo at this stage.


4. Painting a room really does work wonders. Choose a soft, clean white. Dulux Chalk USA and Antique White USA are decorator's favourites.


5. For some reason the light shade in a spare room is often wonky and a bit battered. Invest in a new one.  Take another 'work in progress' photo.


6. You need to clear a decent amount of cupboard and drawer space (even if you leave a few of your own things in there). Don't leave a few desultory wire hangers swinging in an unloved fashion, rather buy some decent wooden ones.


7. The bed may well need the mattress turned. Three or four times a year is recommended so now might be the time. Also check the state of pillows and consider buying a couple of new pillows. (I stay with a friend who has the best pillows and somehow it makes a night there really special. Hungarian Goose Down I believe).


8. Check out your bed linen. Is it up to scratch? If not now is the time to buy something you have always wanted. Linen bedding? A beautiful new bed throw? A decorative cushion? I can always find an excuse to buy something I really want but, hand-on-heart, it is to make Auntie Maud's visit special!  A mattress protector is also a good idea – no reflection on Auntie Maud.


9. Add the atmosphere. A vase of flowers, a room fragrance, some books and magazines, an artwork. Take another photo. You are there.

In my case I will be turning a ten year old's bedroom into a guest room. First get 10 empty cardboard boxes  - one for the ballet trophies, one for the ceramic cats, one for the … you get the picture

Happy Holidays.

Karen