GUEST ROOMS Hosts, think inside the box



It's easy to have everything together that a guest needs for an overnight visit.
By STACY DOWNS
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Except for the couch or floor, there isn't room for company to sleep at your home.
And when people do spend the night, you feel harried hunting down an extra comforter, a spare pillow and whatever toiletries they might have forgotten.
Here's an easy, always-on-hand solution: a guest room in a box. Friends and family will thank you for your hospitality, even if they must sleep on a half blown-up air mattress or fold-out sofa.
The idea is perfect for people who bunk their guests in the kids' rooms, for apartment and dormitory dwellers and for folks who just like being organized.
Barbara Kellerman of Leawood, Kan., said she would enjoy having more adult houseguests in the three-bedroom bungalow she shares with her husband and eight children -- if it were easier.
Building up a supply
But to make adults comfortable, you need to build an arsenal of supplies for an overnight stay. Think about the comforts you would want if you were spending time in a home that's not your own.
Start by finding a large, but not-too-cumbersome fabric or plastic box. A useful one includes a lid and handles.
A clean set of sheets and a pillowcase are the most essential items. There's nothing worse than a host rushing around and throwing sheets in the washing machine while a tired guest waits for clean bedding.
Add a decent pillow -- one that's comfortable for back, side and stomach sleepers. Soft towels and washcloths also should be included. That way you don't have to worry about finding clean ones at the last minute.
Then stock up with things that will help a guest sleep comfortably. Cramped quarters often mean lots of noise and light filtering into the room, so ear plugs and a sleeping mask are good options. An alarm clock also helps ease a guest's mind.
Pick up toiletry items at drug and grocery stores -- people always forget toothbrushes. Keep toiletry items clean or replenished with new ones because it's nasty to see crud-covered bottles of stuff you know others used.
Ready-made line
About four years ago, Restoration Hardware introduced toiletries especially designed for house guests. The "Guest Room: The Art of Being a Gracious Host" line features razors, small bottles of shampoo and soap in bulk from $4 to $6 a bag. They also have a ceramic tray with an assortment of guest items including a sewing kit.
The line was discontinued briefly then resurrected because customers kept asking for them, said Dave Glassman, spokesman for Restoration Hardware.
"People are entertaining at home more and more," Glassman said. "Having things ready for guests is a nice welcoming."
The finishing touch to your guest room in a box should be a guest book that your company can sign. It's a fun keepsake to remember good times you enjoyed together at your home.

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