Hostess with the Mostess

Four of my very best girlfriends are coming into town this weekend and I'm so excited! We all met at graduate school in Charlottesville. Given my "career slowdown" in the last couple of years, I joke that I spent $100k to find best friends and a husband (Mr. Southern and I also met at UVA). But I digress.

Of course, I am most happy about seeing the girls. However, I also LOVE to entertain and host, so I am going all out trying to get the house together. Unfortunately, there are some projects that just won't be completed, but I'm working on all the "little" things! You've all probably seen the list of what a guest room needs, but here's my take on it....

Bedside Carafe. I love these and think every room should have one. I was thrilled to find mine at a Simon Pearce store on sale, but these are all great options.

Home Marketplace Bedside Carafe, $14.99

Tuvalu Carafe with etched glass, $38


CB2 Cora Carafe, $9.95

My Sparrow Handblown Carafe, set of 3, $67

Flowers on the bedside table...

via Country Living

Reading materials and a bedside lamp

via Manolo Home

via House to Home

A luggage rack would be helpful...

Stacks and Stacks Tapestry Luggage Rack, $54.99

The Container Store Hardwood Luggage Rack, $49

Frontgate Leather Luggage Rack, $149

Great linens (bedding and bath) is a no-brainer.

via Fine Linens

It's not just about thread count... While Overstock and Smartbargains have great deals on bedding, I prefer other sites (BeddingStyle is one). I like to know the brand names so I have a better sense of the actual sheets that I'm getting. I have found I really like Pottery Barn's as well!

For the bath, I like to leave out mini soaps so guests can have a fresh bar (I don't know why, but I get skeeved out by using soap that someone else has used).

I've not ordered from here, but The Soap Guy seems to have a great selection- 60 handmade 1-ounce bars for $41.95 in flavors like Cafe Mocha, Banana Coconut, Plumeria Aloe, and Vanilla Oatmeal.


Or try this sampler from Caswell-Massey, for $80.

And I couldn't leave out Claus Porto, one of the best bar soaps ever. Touch of Europe mini 5-pack from $24.

The best thing about Caswell-Massey and Claus Porto- no animal testing!


Of course, I also like to have out other essentials, like lotions, a spare toothbrush, hair dryer, etc.

After a restful slumber, I love to serve a great breakfast. Hot coffee (with cream and sugar), orange juice, and options other than cold cereal.

via Cooking Light

Hope y'all have a lovely weekend!!

-Emmie