An Incredibly Easy Method That Works For All
10 Apr 2021
Creating a Guest Bedroom Kit with Cedar Storage
Hosting overnight guests should feel like a pleasure, not a scramble. When someone arrives after a long journey, the last thing you want is to be hunting for a matching pillowcase or wondering whether the spare duvet smells musty. A guest bedroom kit solves that problem. It is a ready-to-use collection of natural textiles and small comforts, stored in one place, so you can make up the room in minutes and then relax with your visitors. The kit also protects your linens: natural fibres last longer when they are kept clean, dry and away from pests. A small cedar box is the ideal home for the smaller items, and it brings a subtle, reassuring scent that says “this room is cared for.”
The foundation of any guest kit is the bed itself. Choose bedding made from natural fibres where possible. Linen and cotton breathe well, feel cool in summer and warm in winter, and they soften with every wash. For a guest room, a crisp white or soft neutral set is practical because it can be laundered at high temperatures without fading. Keep a complete spare set in the kit so you are never caught out by a late-night accident or a sudden change of plans.
Wash everything before it goes into the kit, and then store the folded set inside a cotton pillowcase or a breathable linen bag. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and encourage mildew.
Guests rarely complain of being too warm, but a cold bedroom can ruin a night’s sleep. Natural blankets are excellent insulators because they regulate temperature rather than simply trapping heat. Wool is the traditional choice, but it can feel scratchy to some. A soft lambswool or merino throw, or a cotton waffle blanket, gives warmth without weight. Keep at least two spare blankets in the guest room: one on the bed for immediate use and one folded at the foot or on a chair. If you have space, a lightweight down or wool-filled duvet in a breathable cotton cover is a versatile extra layer.
For a truly welcoming touch, add a hot water bottle with a natural cotton or wool cover. It costs very little to run and provides focused warmth for a guest who feels the chill. Store the hot water bottle empty and dry, and keep the cover clean and ready to use.
Cedar has been used for centuries to protect textiles, and for good reason. The wood’s natural oils repel moths and other insects without the need for harsh chemicals. It also absorbs moisture, which helps prevent musty smells and mildew in stored linens. A small cedar box – roughly the size of a shoebox or a little larger – is perfect for guest room essentials. Look for a box with a tight-fitting lid but not an airtight seal, so air can circulate gently. If the cedar scent fades over time, a light sanding with fine sandpaper will revive it. Place the box in a dry, dark cupboard or on a shelf in the guest room, and keep it closed when not in use.
The box should hold the small items that make a guest feel looked after. Think about what you would want if you were staying in someone else’s home and had forgotten to pack something. Rotate consumables every few months, and check that nothing has leaked or perished.
Keep the box organised with small cotton drawstring bags or a simple divider. That way, a guest can find what they need without emptying the whole box onto the bed.
A guest bedroom kit is only useful if it stays fresh. Once a season, take everything out of the cedar box, air the box in a dry room for a few hours, and check the contents. Wash any linens that have been stored for more than a few months, even if they look clean. Natural fibres can pick up dust and faint odours from the air. Refold blankets and duvets loosely to avoid permanent creases, and store them in breathable cotton bags rather than vacuum-sealed plastic. If you have space, keep a small cedar block or a few cedar balls in the linen cupboard as well. Finally, make up the bed as soon as you know a guest is coming. A room that is already prepared feels calmer and more welcoming, and you will have time to focus on the pleasure of their company rather than the practicalities.
Linen Cedar An honest, everyday look at the things that make life a little better — with advice you can actually use.
April 25, 2019 at 10:46 am
Take in the iconic skyline and visit the neighbourhood hangouts that you've only ever seen on TV. Take in the iconic skyline and visit the neighbourhood.
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Soldman Kell
April 25, 2019 at 10:46 am
Take in the iconic skyline and visit the neighbourhood hangouts that you've only ever seen on TV. Take in the iconic skyline and visit the neighbourhood.