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Decorating Step-by-Step: More Comfort for Guests
Company coming? Relax. From a well-dressed bed to a thoughtful goody basket, we offer simple ideas.
By Sara Anderson / Photographs Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Alan Henderson
   
   
  Fill shadow boxes with small bundles of dried flowers, and mount pressed fern fronds in oval frames to create simple, stylish art above the bed. For the background, use heavily textured grass cloth.
   
  Hang the frames in a way that mimics the shape of the headboard.


You Can Have This Headboard
While the standard width of a queen-size mattress is 60 inches, we suggest that you measure the mattress when your bed is completely made. A made bed may differ in width depending on the thickness of your sheets and comforter. Take these measurements, along with the diagram below, to an upholsterer. Ask the upholsterer to construct a headboard that is 1 inch wider on each side than your measurements.

Our upholstered headboard measures 62 inches high with the first curve at 48 inches. Your upholsterer should mimic the scalloped edges shown in the diagram when constructing your headboard. If you have vaulted ceilings or want more drama in your guest room, opt for a 74-inch-high headboard instead. In order to attach the headboard to the bed’s frame, drill holes that line up with your frame’s screw holes in the headboard. Attach the headboard to the frame using screws, or ask if your upholsterer offers installation service. Money-saving tip: Have the back of the headboard covered with a neutral canvas because it'll be against the wall.

CLICK HERE for a downloadable drawing of this arched headboard frame, complete with measurements for a queen-size bed.

Hostess season is here, have you noticed? Party dresses steal the spotlight in department stores. Pyramids of canned pumpkin pie filling are on the rise on grocery aisles. And have you found just the right color of taper candles yet? Better hurry. But no matter how mad the holiday rush gets, promise us you won't fret over your guest room. For that, we have you covered, and we don't just mean the bed. In no time, you can hang beautiful art on the wall and put together a welcome basket of goodies. Some of these smart little moves will make your household run a lot smoother. Now that's a great hostess gift.

Make a Truly Plush Bed
Pardon the bad poetry, but crewel is a jewel when it comes to upholstering a headboard. The fabric offers intricate patterns and plenty of colors that can easily inspire the rest of the room. Shannah Trail cotton crewel from Vervain (www.vervain.com) enriches the space with autumnal oranges, greens, taupes, and blues. Finish out the bed with coordinating throw pillows, a matelassé coverlet, and a thick blanket or down comforter folded in thirds at the bottom.

Welcoming Surprises
It really does make life easier when your guests have what they need at the ready. On a bench at the end of the bed, lay out sets of towels, soaps, shampoos, lotions, bottled water, and snacks. Think of ways to personalize the amenities. Does your mother love the scent of lavender? Does your sister go gaga for dark chocolate truffles? Let them know that a run-of-the-mill mini-bar has nothing on you.


Ways To Spoil Your Guests

• Layer your lighting: We used lamps with three-way bulbs so guests can adjust the amount of needed light when reading or getting ready in the morning.
• Triple the sheets: How do luxe hotels make their beds so comfy? It's the three-sheet rule. One is spread over the feathertop on the mattress. The other two sandwich a thin, down-filled blanket. Then a heavier down duvet goes on top of all that.
• Ready the closet: Supply hangers so guests can unpack with ease; provide extra pillows and blankets, robes, and slippers. A luggage rack or small table is also a thoughtful touch.
• For their entertainment: Keep magazines and books on shelves or inside nightstand drawers. If you have a TV in the room, jot down a channel guide on an index card, or print one from your cable provider's Web site.


"Decorating Step-by-Step: More Comfort for Guests" is from the November 2007 issue of Southern Living.




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