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Friend staying over - ideas for making her room comfortable?

83 replies

Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 17:51

My dad stayed at mine last night for the first time since I’ve been in my new place and said it was lovely, he slept really well and he had everything he needed - which was good for someone who is 6’ 2’’ in a single bed! But he’s also very low maintenance in general.

One of my best mates is coming to stay next month, she’s equally not hard to cater for, but just was wondering what else I could do to her room to make it a good place to stay, again bearing in mind it is a single.

Room has:

  • Single bed with double duvet, four pillows, throw at the end for warmth
  • Bedside table with lamp and all the drawers are empty for her stuff
  • Triple wardrobe, one third has boxes from my move, other two thirds are free for her to use
  • Small desk - I’ll clear my work crap off it, but it has a six point plug adaptor for charging stuff, including 2x USB sockets
  • Desk chair with a cushion
  • Mirror unit that is on the window sill but can be put on the desk for make up etc if she wants
  • Little sheepskin rug on the floor next to her bed

It’s a small room, but I like to think it’s cosy and quite cute, and of course I will give her towels and toiletries etc. Should I get hold of a little bin and put it in there? Her room is next to the bathroom which has a good sized bin, also there is a full length mirror in the corridor just outside her door. I want her to have a fab stay because she’s going through the mill at home at the moment. She won’t be in there a lot because we will be out and about, but I wondered if I was overlooking anything because obviously I live there and so everything is very convenient for me! TIA.

OP posts:
Diversion · 01/06/2024 18:26

A torch or a lantern in case she needs the bathroom in the night and does not want to turn the main lights on?

Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:26

Thanks so much everyone - and for your lovely comments - also sorry I posted one answer twice, battery on iPad ran out and when I tried to connect via my phone it duplicated! But I really appreciate all of your input, I want her to have a lovely time where she feels looked after.

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:27

Diversion · 01/06/2024 18:26

A torch or a lantern in case she needs the bathroom in the night and does not want to turn the main lights on?

Another excellent idea - thank you! I have an LED lantern she can use, that’s great, thank you.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Nigellasstickytoffeepudding · 01/06/2024 18:29

Box of tissues
Nice toiletries
Comfy slippers
Dressing gown

Wilma55 · 01/06/2024 18:33

Echo dot
Spare blanket/throw
Basket of mini toiletries and spare toothbrush

Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:33

ichundich · 01/06/2024 18:26

When my mum comes to stay I make her bed like a hotel bed with fresh sheets, lots of pillows and cushions as well as a throw. I put a bottle of sparkling water by the bed and a selection of books she might like to read. You could also have some lanterns / tea lights to make it look cosy. Maybe a radio or Bluetooth speaker so your friend can listen to music.

Edited

Sorry I missed this before when transferring from my iPad to my phone. Wow this all sounds amazing, I bet your mum loves staying with you! All such lovely ideas and definitely yes to books, the lantern, water and a speaker. There are four pillows, a cushion and throw on the bed, but might make them extra nice when I wash and dry them and put some really good fabric conditioner in with them. Thank you!

OP posts:
rainbowbee · 01/06/2024 18:34

I stayed with a friend who put a hot water bottle in the bed before we went up; that was a nice cosy touch. An eye pillow is also luxurious.

Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:34

Nigellasstickytoffeepudding · 01/06/2024 18:29

Box of tissues
Nice toiletries
Comfy slippers
Dressing gown

Yes tissues - completely forgot about! Good call. Toiletries all taken care of and have told her she has new slippers, dressing gown and pyjamas - great minds think alike! Thank you.

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:36

Wilma55 · 01/06/2024 18:33

Echo dot
Spare blanket/throw
Basket of mini toiletries and spare toothbrush

She’ll be able to connect to Apple Home
and have her own speaker so that should be fine. Throw at the end of the bed and two blankets in the cupboard if needed. Thought I had toiletries sorted but forgot about a spare toothbrush - thank you! Think Ocado have nice Waken bamboo ones on sale right now. Cheers!

OP posts:
StarlightLady · 01/06/2024 18:36

You really have thought of everything OP, can l come and stay next? 😀

Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:38

rainbowbee · 01/06/2024 18:34

I stayed with a friend who put a hot water bottle in the bed before we went up; that was a nice cosy touch. An eye pillow is also luxurious.

Yessss, hot water bottle just in case because I do live in Wales and not the south of France! Excellent idea. I’ve also got a spare eyemask that’s new so will include that too. Thank you!

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:40

StarlightLady · 01/06/2024 18:36

You really have thought of everything OP, can l come and stay next? 😀

Aww bless you! Of course!! I live five minutes from two miles of sandy beach and also all the fun of the city about half a mile in the other direction! My dad said, when he left today: “I loved staying here - you really have picked the right spot.” He never says anything like that!!

OP posts:
DiaryofWimpy · 01/06/2024 18:40

Sounds lovely. I would love to visit Wales and come stay in your spare room Grin

Absurdgiraffe · 01/06/2024 18:43

I usually put flowers and a small basket of snacks.

Some guests have also wanted a yoga mat.

Can I join the queue for a visit to Wales?

FuckMeUpFlorida · 01/06/2024 18:43

A chocolate on the pillow Smile

Sounds great OP, we put a plug in night light en route to the bathroom/near stairs which gives off a low glow but enough to move safely during the night if needs be.

It sounds as if you've thought of everything Brew

familyissues12345 · 01/06/2024 18:44

StarlightLady · 01/06/2024 18:36

You really have thought of everything OP, can l come and stay next? 😀

Oi, get in the queue!

Hotttchoc · 01/06/2024 18:44

You sound lovely.

I think laying out a towel and miniature toiletries is nice unless you're sharing a bathroom and everything is there.

I wouldn't bother with a kettle personally if she's your friend and will be comfortable using the kitchen or you'll be spending time together. I probably wouldn't bother with a bin either if there's one in the bathroom but up to you.

A nice, clean, uncluttered room with space for her stuff sounds great.

Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:47

DiaryofWimpy · 01/06/2024 18:40

Sounds lovely. I would love to visit Wales and come stay in your spare room Grin

Love it! 😆 I’ll have to start a list!

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:49

Absurdgiraffe · 01/06/2024 18:43

I usually put flowers and a small basket of snacks.

Some guests have also wanted a yoga mat.

Can I join the queue for a visit to Wales?

Snacks is good - she loves those chilli corn things that you get in those glass jars at All Bar One - will get some in! I have a yoga mat if she wants it but she’s more of a stroll along the beach kinda person. Yes of course - bookings are now open! 😀

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:51

FuckMeUpFlorida · 01/06/2024 18:43

A chocolate on the pillow Smile

Sounds great OP, we put a plug in night light en route to the bathroom/near stairs which gives off a low glow but enough to move safely during the night if needs be.

It sounds as if you've thought of everything Brew

Ooh I could get a little box of something nice for her pillow for sure! Hopefully the lantern will be good but I can put a nightlight in the corridor too. Ah thanks - but with help from everyone on here, I appreciate it so much. I live alone so didn’t want to overlook things because I’m set in my own little ways!

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:52

familyissues12345 · 01/06/2024 18:44

Oi, get in the queue!

🤣😆🤣😆

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:54

Hotttchoc · 01/06/2024 18:44

You sound lovely.

I think laying out a towel and miniature toiletries is nice unless you're sharing a bathroom and everything is there.

I wouldn't bother with a kettle personally if she's your friend and will be comfortable using the kitchen or you'll be spending time together. I probably wouldn't bother with a bin either if there's one in the bathroom but up to you.

A nice, clean, uncluttered room with space for her stuff sounds great.

Thanks so much, that’s really kind. The uncluttered thing is really important isn’t it and a good reminder. It’s my semi-work space (I usually work at the breakfast bar in the kitchen) but I need to make sure I clear it totally so that it just feels like a bedroom with plenty of space for her and her stuff (i.e. I won’t just move my work papers but will relocate the printer to my rook too!) Thank you!

OP posts:
SeaToSki · 01/06/2024 18:54

I usually try and have a charger block / multiblock on the bedside table as I know I like to charge my devices overnight close to hand (so I can use my phone as an alarm etc)

If you wanted to go all out, you could put a charger block and a selection of cables (lightening, usb c, micro usb) in case she forgets a charger

Arlanymor · 01/06/2024 18:58

SeaToSki · 01/06/2024 18:54

I usually try and have a charger block / multiblock on the bedside table as I know I like to charge my devices overnight close to hand (so I can use my phone as an alarm etc)

If you wanted to go all out, you could put a charger block and a selection of cables (lightening, usb c, micro usb) in case she forgets a charger

To be fair she is fairly useless at remembering chargers so this is a great suggestion and I’ve just exhausted one of my cables so when I pop into town to replace it I will pick up a few extra. The good thing is she has plenty of power and USB sockets to choose from. Thank you!!

OP posts:
DaffydownClock · 01/06/2024 19:01

A tin with nice biscuits
Some mints or fruit sweets in a little dish
Do you have any sample sized bottles of shower gel or shampoo?