Some friends we see at happy hour. Some we see at our kid's soccer games. And some, the rare few, we don't get to see that often. They're the out-of-town friends. The ones who moved away from the city, or to the city, or to another country entirely. And when they come around, it's like they never left. But there's so much to catch up on.
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. Nobody can be more devoted to home than I am. But a friend who comes from afar brings with them the flavor of elsewhere, and reminds us how wide the world can be."
— Jane Austen
While I'm not suggesting you turn your house into an AirBnB, I do want to give you some tips and tricks on how to make your friends from afar feel like they're in something better than an AirBnB—their friends' house, but with the comforts of home. Read on to bring the Mansfield Park out in your home.
1. Give them space
Creating a guest sanctuary is about thoughtful layering, not a total makeover. Start with fresh sheets, a quiet corner, and a clear spot for their bag. Add a handwritten note or a welcome tea, and it suddenly feels personal. You can also make it unique to them. What are the kinds of things they might not have been able to pack? An essential oil? A new toothbrush? A shaving razor? Think along the scale of practical to indulgent.
Considering the space itself— the Bunyan Occasional Chair ($1,112) anchors a cozy nook with just a side table and lamp. Add a throw, a good book, and you've got a retreat worth traveling for.
2. Multifunctional FTW
A weekend guest shouldn't have to camp out in the middle of your life. But your life also doesn't need to revolve around them. That's where multifunctional furniture becomes a lifesaver.
Take the Dewey Boucle Daybed ($2,925): it's a room-shifter. By day, it supports your workflow or reading nook. By night, it becomes a cozy sleeping spot for your guest. Pair it with versatile touches like a foldable luggage rack or a tray for jewelry, and the room feels purposeful without being over-designed.
You don't need a full guest room—just pieces that flex with your life.
3. Thoughtful amenities
Little things make a big impact. When I host, I think about what makes me feel comfortable when I travel: a reading light I can control without getting up, a phone charger I don't have to ask for, and maybe even a space to decompress. They're there to see you. But we all need our alone time.
Keep a small carafe of water or a bottle by the bed. Tuck an extra power strip or universal charger in the drawer. And if they're jet-lagged? Having blackout curtains and earplugs handy can turn your place into a sleep sanctuary.
4. Connection points
Once you've handled their need for alone time, think about the simple ways you can share yours. Prep one easy meal to cook together, take them to your favorite coffee spot, or invite them into your Saturday routine. Light a candle, put on a playlist, and make the living room feel special with minimal effort.
Whether it's a casual breakfast, a game night, or a movie on the couch—what matters is the invitation to connect, not the production value. It doesn't have to be a party. It just has to be intentional.
Designing for guests isn't about impressing them. It's about offering little gestures of care that say, this space is yours too, for now. Create the mix of comfort, privacy, and connection you'd want if you were the one coming in from out of town.
And remember, even if they don't stay forever, they'll remember how you made them feel—welcomed, seen, and at home.