Hosting Overnight Guests in a Small Space

This time of year many people find themselves entertaining overnight guests. With a new baby in tow, we have even more visitors this year. Because we live in a small(er) sized home we have to get creative when family and friends come to visit. Though tempting, we've firmly agreed not to upsize to gain more guest space, that we'd rarely use. We just can't seem to justify the increase in housing expense. So to get around our size restrictions we've devised a few strategies, which you can try too:

1) GIVE UP YOUR BEDROOM. When a dedicated guest bedroom isn't an option, it's always nice to give up your bedroom to guests. This ensures they will feel welcomed, cozy, and have a little privacy. You can sleep on a sofa or pull out bed tucked away in another part of the house.

2) HAVE FRESH GREENERY. A few flowers on hand for guests to enjoy during their visit are always appreciated.

3) PROVIDE NICE TOWELS. Nice guest towels give guests a hotel experience for free. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg for high-quality towels. You can pick up nice ones at discount stores like TUESDAY MORNING.

4) HAVE SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE THINGS AVAILABLE. Presumably if someone is coming from out of town to stay at your home you know them pretty well. Use some of your knowledge about them to ensure they have a few of the favorite things hanging around, i.e. magazines, books, tea, snacks, adult beverages, etc.

5) OFFER ENTERTAINMENT.  This could be a television, movies, or access to your iTunes or Amazon account.

6) MAKE SURE SLEEPING QUARTERS SMELL WELCOMING. Fresh linens of course are a must, but you can also have a few scented candles on hand.

7) OFFER MINI TOILETRIES. You know all those bottles of lotion, shampoo, and conditioner you've been collecting from your travels? Well now's the time to offer them up to your house guests.

What do you do to make your guests feel welcome?

“That boy is your company. And if he wants to eat up that tablecloth, you let him, you hear?” ~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

Lake Walker Cape Cod Homes

Cape cod style homes are adorable in my opinion. Originating in New England in the 17th century the design eventually migrated down to Baltimore. Simple homes, cape cods are characterized by a modest size, two and half stories, and little embellishment. The cape cods in Lake Walker are quite charming, and convey that good ole American cottage feel. These are a few of my favorites.

Aren't they darling? I love the way these smaller homes tend to feel so homey. They possess personality, yet require little upkeep. There's something about their simplicity that's truly delightful.

Do you live in a smaller home? How do you like it?

“I believe that smaller houses – where comfort, practicality and beauty co-exist in harmony – represent an idea whose time has truly come....they enhance the quality of life – both in our communities and for those who live in them.” – John Gower

Lake Walker Bungalows

Since moving into our little yellow cottage, I have grown an extra appreciation for bungalow styled homes. One of the things I like most are their efficiency. The rooms are not too big and not too small. They harken back to an era where people used what they needed and not much more.  Though they are smaller they have materials with integrity that last for decades when taken care of, not to mention all their character! Living in my bungalow has taught me how to appreciate the small things. When I sit on our front porch underneath our giant Sycamore tree, I feel like I've found a piece of Heaven on Earth. I'm happy to see more people are coming into the city and restoring these homes. Here's a look at some of the cuties in Lake Walker.