Published

12/04/2012 by Mandarina Textiles

So long ‘spare’ room – and greetings to the ‘guest’ room.

The days when visitors were expected to ‘put up and shut up’ in a grotty back bedroom have long gone.

According to Tim Drake of Mandarina silk filled duvets fobbing friends off with anything less than away from home comfort is Simply Not Done.

“The best guest rooms are welcoming and provide all the home comforts you would expect,” says Tim. “Good decor, a decent bed and quality bedding give out the message that your guest matters.

“By choosing a silk filled duvet for the bed you are showing your guests you care. Having visitors stay leaves an impression of your hospitality, cleanliness and generosity so why not make it the best experience for them? Make them feel as if they are staying in a 5 star hotel - you may even find your guests don’t even want to go home once they have slept under one of our silk duvets!”

Mandarina’s duvets are the last word in luxury. Cosy, comfortable and utterly divine they are individually hand-made using the finest quality new long fibre mulberry silk. There are no ‘cold spots’ because of the nature of the layered silk filling and as silk is breathable, it allows the body to reach its preferred temperature so your guest won’t be too hot or cold in your home.

Says Tim: “Just because a guest bedroom isn’t used frequently doesn’t mean you can’t put nice touches in it. Long gone are the days when guest rooms were hidden away with the door closed. Nowadays they look as good as any other room in your home and people take pride in showing them off.”

In fact silk-filled duvets are an all round, healthy option as silk also creates an environment that is inhospitable to dust mites, making it an especially attractive alternative for house guests suffering with asthma and allergies.

“A guest bedroom is where you can add those “little extras” to say that they are special,” says Tim. “Remember, if you want visitors to return then the experience needs to be enjoyable.”

Here are Tim’s top tips for creating the perfect guest bedroom:

• Save miniature toiletries and display them in a small basket.
• Don't skimp on bedding – duvets, pillows or linens.
• Arrange some fresh flowers.
• Keep a few classic books and a selection of magazines in case your guest does not bring anything to read.
• A unisex dressing gown and a pair of one-size-fits-all slippers will be a welcome touch.
• A scented candle takes away the stale smell in a room that is not used often.
• An alarm clock - most people forget to bring one and it’s useful to be able to keep track of time.
• Silk is a luxury item and care should be taken when cleaning.

For a brochure and more details contact Mandarina Textiles on 01706 868828 or visit www.mandarina.co.uk