Comfy And Cozy

It's December, and the holidays are upon us - including out-of-town guests flocking south.

Whether you're hosting visitors for a few days or a few weeks, you should make them feel welcome from arrival to departure, and properly preparing a guest bedroom is essential. We spoke to interior designer Jennifer Knowles, of Boca Raton's Knowles Design, to get the scoop on ways to make your guest room as comfortable and inviting as possible this winter.

Think about space. "[Furniture] plays into the whole look and feel of the room and how those guests feel," Knowles says. So be thoughtful about use of space. Make sure the furniture is the right size for the room - otherwise it could feel cramped. Considerate touches include a chair for relaxing; a writing desk for working; and more than one kind of lighting so guests can see when they're unpacking as well as reading. Make sure there's closet space and drawers for clothing, too.

Remember the little things. What have you left behind in the past when dashing out the door on vacation? These are the kinds of essentials to have on hand for guests, she says, such as phone chargers, a pair of readers and little toiletries. "It's nice to have those items easily accessible in the guest bedroom," she says. "This is where your guests are going to come to retreat, so you want it to feel like a boutique hotel." You can also provide a basket of small snacks and bottles of water.

Let them luxuriate. Traveling is taxing, especially during the holidays, so try to provide your guests with a luxurious stay. Choose high-thread-count sheets, and invest in quality towels. Think about adding scented candles, indulgent bath products, and even robes and slippers to encourage guests to unwind. "You want [guests] to walk into their space for while they're staying with you and feel as comfortable as possible," Knowles says.