Design Your Guest Room for the Holidays

Written By Terri Tripp

How to Create a Warm Welcome…Even When You’ve Just Moved In

There’s nothing quite like welcoming family and friends into your home for the holidays. The laughter, the shared meals, the late-night conversations over cocoa; it’s what makes this season so special.

But if you’ve just moved into a new home, the idea of setting up a guest room might sound… overwhelming. Between boxes, unpacking, and decorating, it’s easy to feel like you’re not quite ready to host.

You don’t need a perfectly styled house to make your guests feel perfectly at home.
You just need a few thoughtful touches, some creativity, and a plan that blends comfort with heart.

Whether your guest space is a full suite, a spare room, or even a cozy corner, here’s how to design a welcoming retreat that says, “We’re so glad you’re here.”

Start with the Essentials

Before you think about décor, think about comfort.
A well-rested guest is a happy guest, and the right basics go a long way.

Guest Room Essentials Checklist:

  • Fresh, high-quality sheets and pillowcases

  • Fluffy pillows and extra blankets

  • Nightstand with lamp and phone charger

  • A carafe or bottle of water

  • A small wastebasket

  • A mirror (full-length, if possible)

  • Space to unpack: a dresser drawer or hanging rack

Even if the room isn’t fully decorated, having these staples ready will make your guest feel instantly cared for.

Pro Tip: When you move into a new home, pack one labeled box with “Guest Room Basics” so you can set it up quickly, even before you’ve finished unpacking the rest of the house.

Add Texture and Warmth

The fastest way to turn a plain room into a cozy retreat? Layer it.

Mix soft textiles, warm lighting, and small details that evoke calm:

  • Add a throw blanket at the foot of the bed.

  • Use a rug underfoot (even a small one changes everything).

  • Place a few decorative pillows in neutral or seasonal tones.

  • Add bedside lighting — warm bulbs, not bright white.

If you’re short on time, pick one corner to style beautifully — like the bed or reading chair — and let that become the focal point.

Create a Small “Welcome Station”

When guests wake up early or stay up late, it’s nice for them to have what they need without searching through your new kitchen.

Set up a simple hospitality tray with:

  • Coffee, tea, sugar, and mugs

  • Bottled water or a small pitcher

  • A few snacks (granola bars, fruit, or local treats)

  • A small note that says “Welcome Home”

It’s an easy, thoughtful way to say “we thought of you” — and it makes your space feel instantly more personal.

Add Holiday Cheer — Without the Clutter

You don’t need to turn your guest room into the North Pole.
Simple, subtle holiday décor is often more inviting:

  • A small tabletop tree or garland over the headboard

  • A candle or diffuser with a seasonal scent (pine, cinnamon, or vanilla)

  • A cozy throw in festive colors

  • A sprig of greenery in a vase on the nightstand

If you’ve just moved, choose decor that doubles as everyday style — neutral, elegant, and timeless.

Bonus Idea: Leave a handwritten note with your home Wi-Fi password and a little “holiday itinerary” of what’s nearby — local cafés, shopping districts, or neighborhood light displays.

Give the Gift of Comfort

Think beyond décor. Think about how your guest will feel waking up in your home.

  • Provide a small basket with essentials like travel-size toiletries, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.

  • Add cozy slippers or a robe to borrow.

  • Leave a favorite magazine or book for unwinding.

  • Keep extra towels and washcloths within reach.

These small touches transform a basic guest space into something that feels curated — even if you just moved in last week.

Let Lighting Set the Mood

Lighting changes everything, especially during the holidays.

If your overhead light is harsh, skip it.
Instead, use table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights for a soft glow that feels relaxed and restful.

If your guest room doubles as a home office or multi-use space, warm dimmable bulbs can help create flexibility between “functional” and “cozy.”

Focus on Feeling

A beautiful guest room isn’t about perfection; it’s about how it feels.

When your guest walks in, they should sense:

calm, warmth, and care.

Even if your walls aren’t painted yet or your décor isn’t complete, your attention to detail — the scent, the softness, the space to breathe — is what they’ll remember most.

Inspiration:
Fast & Fabulous Guest Room Ideas

Quick Comforts

  • Use a plush air mattress with crisp bedding until your bed arrives.

  • Add a foldable luggage rack for instant hotel vibes.

  • Keep a portable diffuser with lavender or cedar oil for relaxation.

  • Borrow a side table and lamp from another room for a finished look.

Easy Style Wins

  • Use leftover moving boxes as nightstand risers (covered with fabric or scarves).

  • Hang art or photos you already own — even if temporarily — for a sense of personality.

  • Pick a simple color palette: cream, olive, navy, or blush for universal appeal.

  • Add curtains early — they instantly make a room feel “complete.”

Holiday Hosting Hacks

  • Use string lights or battery candles for instant glow.

  • Offer a “hot cocoa bar” corner with festive mugs.

  • Display wrapped chocolates or candy canes in a small dish.

  • Leave a note that says, “We’re so glad you’re here.”

Last-Minute Touches That Feel Luxe

  • Spray a light linen mist before guests arrive.

  • Play a soft instrumental playlist in the background.

  • Add a decorative tray with their name or initials.

  • Include a small welcome gift — like a candle or local treat.

A Better Tripp’s Tip: Move Smoothly, Host Beautifully

If you’ve just moved into your new home this season, A Better Tripp Moving & Storage can help you go from unpacked to unforgettable fast.

Our white-glove moving and setup services make it easy to focus on what matters most — celebrating the holidays and welcoming the people you love.

Because whether you’re hosting for one night or one week, a well-prepared guest room isn’t just a space — it’s an experience.

48-Hour Guest Room Setup Checklist

From Boxes to Beautiful: How to Create a Cozy Guest Retreat in Just Two Days

Moving into a new home right before the holidays?
This 48-hour guide helps you create a warm, welcoming guest room quickly, so you can focus on making memories, not managing mess.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN | PREP SMART

  • Unpack your labeled “Guest Room Box” with essentials (sheets, pillows, lamp, toiletries)

  • Clear the space of unpacked boxes and create an open layout

  • Check outlets, lightbulbs, and Wi-Fi connection

  • Set thermostat for comfort (between 68–72°F)

  • Light a candle or diffuse a subtle scent (vanilla, cedar, or pine)

DAY 1 | COMFORT FIRST

MORNING | Make It Functional

  • Assemble or position the bed — even a temporary frame or air mattress works

  • Add clean, crisp sheets, fluffy pillows, and a cozy blanket

  • Plug in a bedside lamp or reading light

  • Place a small nightstand or table beside the bed

  • Add an accessible phone charger or power strip

AFTERNOON | Small Luxuries Matter

  • Set out fresh towels and washcloths

  • Add a small mirror or vanity space

  • Place a carafe or bottled water on the nightstand

  • Add tissues, a small trash bin, and spare hangers

  • Spray linen mist for a fresh, inviting scent

EVENING | Create Atmosphere

  • Add warm lighting (lamps or string lights)

  • Play soft background music to test acoustics

  • Unpack one piece of art or décor item to personalize the space

  • Add a seasonal throw or accent pillow for instant warmth

  • Make sure guests have privacy (close curtains, test blinds)

DAY 2 | STYLE, SCENT & SURPRISES

MORNING | Style It Up

  • Add a rug or runner for warmth underfoot

  • Set up a small seating area or reading chair

  • Hang temporary wall décor — framed prints, wreath, or mirror

  • Create space for luggage (foldable rack or cleared dresser top)

  • Add bedside flowers or greenery for life and color

AFTERNOON | Welcome Station & Details

  • Arrange a “hospitality tray” with:

  • Coffee or tea packets

  • Bottled water

  • Snacks or local treats

  • Mug and spoon

  • Print and frame your Wi-Fi password

  • Add a local guidebook or list of favorite spots (coffee, restaurants, parks)

  • Check guest access to outlets and light switches

EVENING | Finishing Touches

  • Spray light room fragrance or diffuse lavender oil

  • Add a handwritten welcome note

  • Place a holiday candle or twinkle lights for seasonal charm

  • Make sure all bedding layers are fluffed and fresh

  • Dim lights, step back, and admire your work — it’s officially guest-ready!

BONUS IDEAS (IF YOU HAVE TIME)

  • Add a mini gift basket: cocoa mix, snacks, small candle, or hand lotion

  • Keep a cozy robe and slippers ready for overnight guests

  • Prep a breakfast basket with pastries, fruit, and napkins

  • Add a small speaker with a mellow playlist queued up

YOU DID IT!

In just 48 hours, you’ve turned a spare room (or post-move chaos) into a beautiful, restful space your guests will remember, not because it’s perfect, but because it feels personal.

A Better Tripp’s Tip

Our white-glove moving and setup services help you go from unpacked to unforgettable.
Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or hosting loved ones year-round, A Better Tripp Moving & Storage makes it easy to settle in beautifully — so you can focus on what really matters: making your house feel like home.

Service with Southern hospitality…no matter where you go!
Let’s get you moving. Request your free quote today!

___________________________

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Get a FREE quote today or relocation tips tailored to your needs!

CALL (713) 266-8348 or complete the FORM below to get your custom moving quote today.
Let’s make your next move A Better Tripp!

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Terri Tripp
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