PUT YOUR MAGIC TO THE TEST : 15 THINGS EVERY GUEST ROOM NEEDS

1 - Hangers

We're all adults here and we need to hang up things so they won't wrinkle any further than they did on their voyage to the guest room.  I think 5 hangers a person is a reasonable amount - and please do make sure there is room for your guests to hang their items, even if you have to push your stuff to the side.   These black velvet hangers come in a pack of 30 and are my go-to. If a closet isn't an option, make sure you have hooks (see #4).

2 - Curtains (preferably blackout)

I just don't see a way around this - you gotta have darkness to sleep in, and if I'm away from home, I'm technically vacating, and with vacation comes sleeping later and to do that, we're back to curtains.  It's a must for me.  We have some funky windows in Aspen, so #realnews I don't have a way for guests to block out the light, but I must seek an exception because of... mountains?  If you can do it, do.  And the Pottery Barn Emory Linen in white can look entirely fancy enough if you hang them with curtain hooks.

3 - A basket for dirty clothes

If your guests are staying for any real amount of time, give them a basket or bag to stash dirty clothes - and even better, teach a friend to fish: show them where the laundry is and empower them to use it if they'd like.  I love this basket (it's expensive) because it does double duty as a chic planter holder, or a blanket catch-all in the living room - here's a more budget-friendly buy, and it's on sale).

4 - Hooks

These are great all around for a guest - a place to hang their clothes, wet towels, and jackets.  I love the Eames hang-it-all - we have one in NYC by the door, and in the guest rooms in CO.

5 - Bedside rug

Make getting out of a bed a little less sucky with a soft rug.  An easy trick if you don't want to go for a large area rug under the bed is to just add a smaller throw rug to each side.  This beauty is 3' x 4' - the perfect size landing spot for starting your day in style.

6 - Bedside lighting

Good lighting is a must for a grown-up bedroom situation.  Ideally on both sides, but if you can only accommodate one lamp, go for one with two bulbs like this splatter lamp (you can control the level of lighting with just a tug), or get a three-way bulb.

7 - Fan / Air Purifier / Noise machine

Most of us sleep with some type of white noise, so make sure your guests can tune out and snooze in with a fan, air purifier or a noise machine.

In Raleigh, we have the Dyson Cool and it's pretty good.  I could use less grinding distracting noise from it (it's not a consistent sound like I prefer), but I am planning to call Dyson soon - I think something isn't quite right).  In NYC, we use this noise machine and it's now a go-to.

8 -  A chair

Guests need a spot to put shoes on, toss their bags and sweaters, or have coffee and take a call in private.  This can be a simple as an extra dining chair, or do the most and make it a comfy occasional chair like this one.

9 - Good towels

My absolutely fave towels are from the classic collection from Parachute.  I'd go for an initial order of 4 bath towels and 2 washcloths.  Make sure to discourage makeup removal by also adding in one of these cute black washcloths - it really does make all the difference when you launder.

10 - Good sleeping pillows

There is absolutely nothing worse than a shitty night's sleep because of a no good pillow moment.  Often overlooked, I venture that the pillows are the most important part of the overnight guest experience.  Go ahead and get 4 of these - and make sure each pillow gets a pillow protector (I like these cotton sateen ones).  You'll keep these on the bed, behind the euro shams we're gonna discuss shortly.

11 - Trays

Add a tray to their nightstand, and another on a dresser or desk.  They are infinitely useful for keeping your iphone, cash, jewerly, etc all in one spot so you don't feel so scattered.  My go-to are the Poppin trays from the Container Store, and when I can, I add a lacquered Belles Rives tray to the bedside for extra-fancy points.

12 - A nightstand

You've got to have a spot within comfortable reach to keep some water, your phone while it's charging (btw, I stock up on these chargers and have one or two in the room for guests) and any other necessities you need to reach in the night. I've used this basic nightstand from Pottery Barn a bunch. It's simple and very chic and can go with any combo of styles. On sale right now!