Decorating and Staging

For those of you lucky enough to have a spare bedroom for guests, here are some excellent tips for decorating or staging that room.

• Provide a warm, comfortable duvet. It doesn't have to be a specific brand. You should be aware that many people are allergic to goose and feather down, so you might want to offer something that won't cause any potential respiratory problems. Also make sure the room has a good mirror, in addition to the bathroom mirror. Consider full length would be ideal.

• Place a reading light on each side of the bed. Consider the kind that narrows the light to a tight area and that has an articulated arm works best so that one person can read in bed without bothering their partner.

• A working alarm clock is a must.

• Good reading books will help fill in the time when there's nothing to do and no place to go. You can add a decorative pad of paper and sharpened pencils near the bed.

• A small vase of fresh flowers is a beautiful touch and adds fragrance and color to the room.

• Supply a choice of pillows. You may allow guests to choose from a firm pillow, a soft pillow or a hypoallergenic pillow.

• A good working TV. This doesn't have to be real large, but you need to supply one.

• An eye mask, earplugs and blackout curtains are optional.