Juliette’s Tricks For A Cozy Stay This Holiday Season

It’s cold. 

Holiday lights have engulfed the city. 

You’re getting canva-designed get-together invitations and text messages from family members you (maybe) only see twice a year.

So what’s that all mean? 

It means you’re probably preparing for overnight guests. 

Here’s three quick tips that will help you become the go-to host!

Fresh Sheets

For whatever reason, there’s no better feeling than getting into a bed that’s freshly clean. Giving your guests a hotel-like experience will have them rave at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Consider washing your sheets a day or so before they arrive so they can smell fresh and feel the crisp new sheets.

Always read the care label before washing your bed linens. An excellent way to freshen linen is with baking soda. While your washer is filling with water, add ½ cup of baking soda to it. After adding the linens, let them soak for half an hour. Start the wash cycle after that. Use the soak function before washing your clothes if you have a front-loading or high-efficiency washing machine.Add the baking soda to the basin of your washer. Did you know that baking soda also brings the water's pH balance back to normal. Place in the dryer or line dry. The linens will be clean and fresh!

Give Them Options

Since it’s colder weather, consider layering up on the bedding to give your guests options on how they want to sleep. Maybe your aunt will want to be warm and snug under a heavy duvet while your uncle might run on the hotter side and prefer a lighter blanket. 

If you are using a duvet cover, take it off. You should use a mild detergent and use the largest capacity setting on your washer, along with a cold water cycle and delicate or gentle settings. The ideal washer for washing a comforter or duvet is a large capacity front load washer. You may want to take your comforter to the laundry if it fits very tightly and you have to jam it in. Run your washer through the rinse cycle once more after the cycle is finished. This is to ensure that the comforter or duvet has completely lost all of the detergent.

Ditch Decorative Pillows, Pack On Linen Mists

While six pillows may look pretty from first sight, realistically, trying to sleep with them could be a pain. Consider choosing 2-4 comfy pillows and instead go heavy on spraying linen mists.

Consider a scent that has calming and relaxing qualities for your guests. For reference, lavender can aid in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness in general. Bergamot can ease anxiety, and geranium is renowned for being a natural sedative.  Try placing a candle near the bed for an added layer of relaxation.