With Thanksgiving now behind us and December looming in the near future, we are beginning to prepare for Christmas. My husband is from the county where we live, and most of his family is within 15 minutes of us. Most of my extended family resides at least 3-4 hours north of us. While we usually travel to them, there are rare occasions when we host.

What makes a guest room inviting and comfortable? I like to think about my favorite hotel room experiences and what made them so special.

1. Clean, comfy linens

White bed linens evoke cleanliness and comfort. This room has a great balance of color, lighting and dark, moody undertones. A comfy hotel room usually has several pillows, lamps and sconce lighting, and bright, white linens. Even if your duvet isn’t white, white sheets go a long way in making a room feel like home.

2. A relaxing scent

A comfy room needs a comforting scent. The scent must be fresh and light, and not overpowering. I like to hang a Scentsy circle or burn a candle before the guests come. You can also ensure pleasant smells by using freshly laundered sheets and sprinkling your mattress with baking soda and vacuuming it off.

3. Include some snacks and waters

Have you ever been at someone’s house and gotten thirsty in the middle of the night but didn’t want to wake anyone? Include a little basket full of small snacks and bottled waters just in case.

4. Provide the Wi-Fi password

There is no service at our house, so if you want to use your device, you have to use the wifi. Providing the wifi password makes it easy for guests to use their devices while at our house.

5. Fresh towels and “just in case” toiletries

Have plenty of fresh bath linens in your guest bath, as well as extra toothbrushes, toothpaste and small shampoo, conditioners and soaps.

What do you do to get your guest room ready for company?