*Image above: Boll & Branch eyelet duvet and shams, Boll & Branch basketweave Euro shams, Serena & Lily Pondicherry Bed, Target lamp.
In early August, we spent a few days with Mr. Magpie’s family at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. We stayed in the guest bedroom of his aunt’s home and I noticed that she had a chalkboard on one wall that included the Wi-Fi information as well as little notes that previous guests had left — things like, “we’ve loved being here with you,” echoed by another: “so did we!” It was a highly visual guest book of sorts that made me feel simultaneously welcome and grateful, as though invited to participate in a congo line of vacationers. It made me wonder — what do you keep in your guest room to make your visitors feel welcome?
I always leave out a fresh stack of towels, a carafe of water, fresh cut flowers, a white noise machine, and a couple of books I love. (Who doesn’t love The Dutch House?) When guests are visiting for more than a night, I also leave a couple of snacks (granola bars, bags of spicy-sweet pecans, good chocolate) so that they have something to eat if they don’t feel comfortable helping themselves or asking for something they’d like down in the kitchen.
One item I’d like to purchase for the guest room is a luggage rack. We recently stayed at a little club my parents belong to up North and the rooms had spacious luggage racks at the foot of the bed. I know these are routinely kept in closets at hotels but I’d never used one?! It was so delightful when unpacking!
What am I missing? What other goodies do you leave out for guests to demonstrate hospitality? Or have you ever stayed with a friend who left you something surprisingly thoughtful on your bedside table? Please share in the comments.
Post-Scripts.
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+A great dish to serve a crowd.
+Things I’ve learned from cooking and entertaining.
+”We were together. I forget the rest.“
Shopping Break.
+My beloved quilted liner jacket is back in some new and fab colors. Love the chocolate and rose options! An under-$200 fall staple.
+Madewell just released their Greta flats in a great silver color. These remind me of The Row! Silver shoes and bags are having a major moment. C.F. Marni.
+LOVE this skirt and matching top situation.
+An absolute fashion staple for me. If I can get away without wearing a bra, I will…these even work under swimsuits!
+I mentioned on Instagram that I ordered two Jenni Kayne sweaters over the weekend. I’ve never tried their knitwear but know that many of you are obsessed. I’m testing this one and this one. Will report back on quality!
+This skirt from Liz Damrich’s collab with Dillards is SPECTACULAR. I saw it and imagined pairing with a chunky knit sweater and suede mules like these.
+I’m telling you, these sticker books (specifically by the brand Usborne) should win some major award from someone because they’ve preoccupied my children for many hours at restaurants, in cars, etc. They love them!
+A truly spectacular wedding guest dress.
+This boucle knit jacket/cardi situation!!!!
+Do you use a dry brush? I just got this one in (people rave about it) and am eager to test.
+While traveling last weekend, I spotted a chic pea toting one of these Calpak bags. Looked like the perfect size/shape for lugging whatever you’d need for a weekend.
+Speaking of travel: good-smelling sanitizing wipes to toss into your bag for your next trip.
+Mais j’adore this striped button-down — $110!
+Cute sherpa coat.