CONSIDERING GUESTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 971, 14 May 1930, Page 6

CONSIDERING GUESTS

ARRANGING THE ROOM Great attention should be given to the important matter of the guest room. The good hostess must consider her guests. One day she may entertain a young girl, a school-chum of her daughter; another week a business associate of her husband, or a man of prominence in the outside world. The question she asks is, “How can I prepare a room that would make all these guests feel happy and comfortable?” A room, gay with colour, would not always suit a prelate, yet one, sombre and reserved, would offend a debutante —so the solution—a neutral room. Begin with the walls. A pale cream or fawn, a tint of ashes of roses perhaps, depending on the exposure and lighting of the room. The floor, always the foundation of a room, should have the heaviest colour. The ceiling, on the other hand, should be light. Simple cream net at the windows is always attractive and safe. The hangings may be made of either striped or figured cretonne, glazed chintz, toile or linen. Select a fabric with a background about the colour of the walls, and a design that has life and distinction. The furniture should be solid, comfortable and simple. Choose a really springy mattress, with pillows, both of down and of feathers; some people like to sleep on a low, hard pillow, while others prefer a soft downy one. An essential feature is a desk with writing materials; and a waste-basket v, hich should be decorative and original as well as useful. The desk should be placed in a good light and a calendar and a blooming plant will add the thoughtful touches that guests always appreciate. Remember the trifles such as a pretty reading lamp next the bed, and one or two well-chosen books ou the little side table.