The Guest Bedroom

I’ve always loved houseguesting, whether with a friend, a family member or a cozy B&B. There’s just something about being a guest that offers a time of true respite. After all, when you’re in someone else’s domain, they’re in charge of all the little details that make it work, bills, deliveries, and the myriad and one others.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what makes a guestroom, whether in a country inn, a bed and breakfast, or your own home work.
Examples of two different styles of guest bedrooms.

Speaking of the home guestroom, if you’re like me and so many others, guestroom is also synonymous with home office. And even the word, office, is enough to scotch any restful feelings. So if your guestroom is also your home office, please be mindful of arranging it in such a way that the office aspects (computer, desk, and all) can be whisked away, locked behind doors, or otherwise disguised so that your honored guest isn’t reminded of their own bills not so patiently waiting back home. The bed in a guestroom is usually determined by the size of the room in its use. Even a room that can afford the luxury of a queen-sized bed often finds itself pressed into service as a project layout space, vacation packing central, etc. Modern day sofa beds have been much improved from the torturous racks of years gone by and can be a good choice. I personally think the queen size is a much better bed than the double for a guestroom which would usually accommodate two because the inner frame of a sofa bed takes up a considerable amount of space from the mattress sleeping area.


By all means, do your guests the favor of sleeping a night yourself in the guestroom, which will immediately open your eyes to just what’s needed. Some basic prerequisites include a bedside table amply sized to hold a lamp, book, clock, phone, and a glass of water, minimum; plenty of flexible bedding, and by flexible, Examples of two different styles of guest bedrooms. I mean layered so that guests may add and subtract to suit their own temperature needs; and window shades, blinds, or curtains that effectively shut out the light since so much travel these days involves jetlag, sleeping in a truly dark room can make a real difference.

Choose a bedside table you don’t have to worry about. Be sure to design your room to be as low maintenance as possible, so guests don’t have to feel like they have to fuss around trying not to leave rings on the table, etc. make certain note that the bedside lamp is adequate to read by, and add a night light too, just in case. I prefer wall lights and table lamps to glaring overhead lamps, and I like lamps on dimmers so that one can easily control the mood of the room. I have a small radio alarm CD player I picked up for a song for the guestroom, and before my guests arrived I tuned it in to some jazz. No, I don’t provide a TV. My motto is, “pay attention to me, not the TV.” Instead, I always provide a lot of books and magazines, especially the ones with a focus on the local area. Another important feature in the guestroom is to have another comfortable place to sit besides the bed. If space allows, place a small table next to the chair as well and position a wall sconce above and behind. Other basic necessities include tissues, a large glass for water, and plenty of pillows. A luggage rack, which can be folded away, or a small bench is very handy for accessing suitcases. I find most people really don’t unpack any more, but will hang certain items, so do make sure that there are sufficient hangers in the closet.


A lovely scent in the air is always welcoming. Of course, “if I knew you were coming, I’d bake a cake,” is a truism as everyone loves the scent of freshly baked anything. But if you can’t arrange that, light a scented candle. A warm welcoming fragrance is a subliminal invitation to come in. Very simply, you can mull some spices in simmering water on the stove, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, mint, all smell wonderful when they release their essential oils into the air.

In the final analysis though, the single most important aspect of any guest stay in a home or a bed and breakfast is the host’s own attitude and personality. So don’t forget the golden rule and lay the hospitality on thick.

Best,
Pamela

Combination family summer vacations

With summer already scratching at our doors, many families are beginning to think of ways to manage their next vacation. It seems that the major issues that surface during these times concern both time and financial constraints. A valuable way to address these concerns, I’ve found, is to combine a vacation with other family projects.a small blue bird Some of the best trips I’ve ever taken with my family have been themed around separate, unrelated things that we had been wanting or needing to do and we simply took the opportunity to turn these things into a full-on adventure. Contact www.familytravelguides.com to find some wonderful family orientated places to stay on your way.

Oftentimes, visits to family and friends can easily become part of a larger trip. You can also take advantage of journeys to areas of academic or work interest to see what they would be like to live in and to take a few days to explore the surrounding areas. While planning a vacation, you don’t always have to search for faraway, exotic destinations. Sometimes, those more local (or at least nearby) attractions, like sites of cultural interest and natural beauty, make for the perfect affordable family travel vacation and are usually the attractions that you had always set aside, just waiting for the time when you couldn’t think of anything better to do, but why not make them the main attraction!
a scenic panorama of the ozark mountains and valleys


I can think of one special family travel vacation to the Ozarks in Missouri that didn’t sound all that thrilling initially. All it took was a little bit of research on www.familytravelguides.com and we discovered an exciting world filled with Native American history, incredible mineral caves, lakes, springs, and crafts and cultural festivals; all within a few hours drive from home! Not surprisingly, this family travel vacation became one of our best ever. a beautiful waterfall nestled within the ozarksIt was a road trip that involved lots of careful packing, a big picnic basket, and many stops along the way. For example, we pulled off the highway to hit features such as the ancient site of Cahokia Mounds, many quaint villages (think Mark Twain), and the Missouri State University campus in Springfield Missouri (thinking ahead of those tweens in the car and college coming up). While in Springfield, we just couldn’t resist a stop at the Bass outlet store. Eureka! Lots of wonderful fishing gear for our lake adventures to come. Finally, we ended with a long week at a cabin very near Lake of the Ozarks, which not only turned out to be quite economical but also a whole lot of fun.

Pamela

Yummy Breakfast B&B Style - Fast!

I’m constantly hearing from our readers how much they enjoy those sumptuous wonderful breakfasts they are served at the inns. Of course, everyday mornings don’t allow for a sumptuous breakfast…but a yummy breakfast? But of course! A table set for a sumptuous breafkast Taking a few tips from the B&B’s, there’s several ways to achieve a fantastic start to you and your family’s day without getting up predawn. I often spend Saturday mornings puttering around the kitchen, listening to my favorite cooking shows on TV, and preparing a few veggies in advance and some baked goods for the week to come. I must say, I really enjoy this time and I’ve also used it as a great chance to teach my kids some easy recipes in a relaxed way.

Some of the best ideas for make-ahead goodies come from the inns. Here are a few that I love and use all the time.

Make a batch of quick bread, something fruity and healthy, and freeze the small loaves. Take them out the night before and serve at breakfast with cream cheese or cottage cheese and a quick fruit bowl. Great nutrition and great taste! These quick breads also make a great grab-and-go homemade goodie to take to a potluck.
Slices of Pumpkin bread yumm



* Cranberry Bread Recipe
* Zucchini Pineapple Bread Recipe
* Pear Walnut Bread Recipe

I love to make granola and it keeps very well in a tightly covered container, so I’ll often whip up a batch. And because it’s so easy, it’s a great place to experiment with different favorite ingredients. My friend Judy’s favorite recipe lends itself well to other dried fruit and nut combinations. Skinny it down by using less oil than called for, but you still have to use some to get the crispy quality. Granola, fresh fruit, and a dollop of yogurt make a stellar breakfast. The same granola also makes a perfect topping for quickie breakfast muffins and for make-ahead batter you keep in the fridge till you need it; it couldn’t be easier. If you really want to wow everybody, try some of our innkeepers’ wonderful recipes for make-ahead breakfast casseroles.
Oats and berries

* Bark Eater Granola Recipe
* Fourteener's Granola Recipe
* Apple Cranberry Granola Recipe

Quiches are also a great make-ahead, as they can be cooked in advance and just briefly heated in the morning. Of course having a coffeemaker filled and preset so you can wake up to an invigorating cup-of-joe is something most inns do, and I do too. Somehow I just seem to have more enthusiasm for breakfast if it doesn’t loom so large and I can get it done beforehand. Be sure to check out all the wonderful breakfast recipes, including those that take just a little more time, like pancakes, waffles, and specialty egg dishes!

* Oat & Green Apple Griddle Cakes Recipe
* Apple-Sausage Puff Pancakes Recipe
* Nested Eggs with Mushrooms Recipe
* Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata Recipe

Pamela

April Get Away Time!

April is the best time for that quick family getaway. Why? Because the earth is alive, spring has burst into bloom, and almost everyone is near someplace in the countryside that’s just beautiful. Lots of family Bed and Breakfast’s and Inns are offering specials this spring to entice travelers with one or more nights to spend. To find just the right one for you, enter the key word in our amenity search at www.LanierBB.com. With school vacations and service days coming up, you might just want to try for a three-day weekend!
I always think water is just the magic ingredient when children are involved, whether they splash in it, or swim in it, or just look at it. It provides endless entertainment and a chance for adults to relax and observe. Some of my favorite Midwestern resorts have indoor swimming and recreational facilities that can handily bridge the sometimes tricky April weather. However, if it looks like rain is inevitable; another dandy option is an in-town getaway. Simply segue downtown and stay at a lovely inn or Bed and Breakfast near some fun attractions. Planetariums, aquariums, plays, IMAX theaters, and more all beckon family travelers and are budget friendly during this spring season as well. If you have some favorite spring travel ideas, please let us know!

Last Minute Family Deals

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sk yourself this question....Does being cooped up inside for so many long hours in the winter because of the rain or snow make you and your children feel like going stir crazy like the mad hares in March? We have the antidote, a quick weekend getaway!

Many hotels and resorts are running fantastic specials this winter with occupancy down and the need to fill rooms ever present; they are offering some terrific deals which can be snatched up at bargain prices. Here are some great ideas: why not visit an upscale hotel that normally caters to businessmen during the week and at the weekend you might find their glorious indoor-pools all to yourself. Alternatively, why not visit a cultural hotspot such as Monterey, CA featuring the world-famous Sea Aquarium where you might not be able to get a room at the price you can afford during the high season and take in those galleries, theatre performances, and some much needed therapy shopping for an ultra sophisticated and also educational getaway. Perhaps city living has got you down? Head for the hills and rediscover the fun of a cozy fire in a country inn while sipping hot drinks and toasting marshmallows with the children (such as the Poconos in Pennsylvania). Feeling the need to exercise and get your family outdoors,, then why not check out a new winter sport, such as cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or even ice fishing (check out the Forest Suites Resort in Lake Tahoe, CA, a wonderful family getaway with specials for longer stays from 15% off 2 nights, 20% off 3 nights, or 25% off 4 nights). For some summer weather in the middle of winter head to Florida for a seaside family vacation. The Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach is a wonderful day’s activity for your family and available in winter months!

Many inns and bed and breakfasts cater specifically to sports aficionados and you can easily find the one just right for you by entering the key word in our amenity search at www.LanierBB.com. The best antidote to feeling homebound is a quick mid-winter getaway. Maximize your time by perhaps packing on Friday, getting up early on Saturday and getting on the road to make the most of the next two days, catch dinner on the way home Sunday and then fall exhausted, but happy, in your bed feeling like you’ve had a real vacation and escaped those dreary winter blues while the price is right!

Pamela's Bed & Breakfast Blog

Banish Those Dreary Winter Days by Painting Your Door Inn Style

Sometimes at the end of a long cold winter, one of the best ways to let in a breath of fresh spring air is with a quick pick-me-up right at the front entrance to your home. I learned this from visiting many bed and breakfasts over the years. Whether it is a delightful pot of fresh spring bulbs sitting on your front step in an elegant stone planter, a colorful wreath to celebrate Mardi Gras or St Patrick’s Day, or for a more long lasting effect, welcome visitors to your door by painting it a wonderful new color with a high gloss easy care paint. We have all seen those wonderful doors welcoming us in cherry red and bottle green when we enter a bed and breakfast. Indeed such a color will brighten up the appearance of your entire home, maybe even your entire road and banish from view piles of wet snow, grey limbs or a brown lawn (this is something you’ll start noticing more and more at bed and breakfasts). However, there are some other color combinations that I think work beautifully on doors as well. Amongst them, you can try deeper shades of red such as cinnabar, evoking a Chinese lacquer box look, or Moroccan red, warm and earthy like a top quality paprika. Also one way to draw people like bees to a flower is a rich tulip red. Maybe your house is grey and white and just calling out for a lighter toned punch of pizzazz. In that case, a warm or lemony yellow would do the trick perfectly! Check out interesting new colors like sunburst, beeswax, daffodil, all of which look extra sharp in a home with a charcoal trim. In many Italianate homes and resort bed and breakfasts the world over, you might very well be welcomed by a beautiful turquoise blue. While on a silvery shingled home, an inky dark blue reminiscent of the late evening sky would look very rich. Greens have long been a favorite for bed and breakfast front doors, whether the ubiquitous bottle green, or something a little more contemporary, perhaps a deep dark blue green or teal or a subtler olive or a soft wet moss. The beauty of changing your door color is that it changes the whole outward appearance of your home and can be done in minimal expense and completed in just a few hours. If you are feeling like adding more, why not flank the door with some brass sconces and then center it with a big brass door knocker and emphasize the structural element by adding a brass kick plate. Wow, what a difference! You’ll be welcoming new and impressed guests into your home in no time at all, giving our bed and breakfasts a run for their money!

Pamela

Bed and Breakfast Harvest Decor

Traveling to one of our bed and breakfast inns this time of year can be very inspiring to gain ideas on harvest decor, harvest treats, and to buy some of the raw materials needed. Everything from colorful gourds and corn to grape vine wreaths are in abundance. Many bed and breakfasts create a harvest theme in their entry and foyer and then carry it through with touches of color and natural materials special to the season. Fall colors are spread throughout the bed and breakfast in small variations to bring the ambiance of the season throughout the rooms.

Last year I had the pleasure of attending a bed and breakfast conference in beautiful historic Brown County, Indiana. Visiting just a few days before Halloween the entry to the bed and breakfast was flanked on both sides with an old wheelbarrow overflowing to the ground with colorful distortion and trailing ivy geraniums in shades of crimson, scarlet, gold and burnt umber. Nestled atop the wheelbarrow, amidst hay, was a display of pumpkins, both traditional orange and deeply lobed ivory ones. Behind the wheelbarrows, a tall sheep of corn stalks formed a golden backdrop. Inside the foyer, a beautiful basket in a deep mahogany color was filled with overflowing Indian corn in autumnal shades and purple chrysanthemum discreetly tucked in between, providing a visually interesting counterpoint. In my room at the bed and breakfast, a small terra cotta pot tied with a dark brown satin ribbon, held another purple chrysanthemum plant. While in the bathroom, a single deep peach rose bud completed the thoughtful seasonal decor.

Fall is a delightful time around the nation and especially romantic at unique, warm bed and breakfasts. Search LanierBB.com by location, amenity, specials, inn name or a combination to find your decor inspiration.