Calming tips for getting to sleep on Christmas Eve

I am not the best sleeper in normal times, add in Christmas, a pandemic and all the uncertainty going on in the world currently and it gets even more challenging!  So I am always mindful of creating a beautiful calm space if I do have guests, especially over Christmas.  With an empty nest I have two guest rooms - my son's bedroom which is my dressing room now - it has a small double bed in it - plus I have a guest room above the garage with an ensuite shower room.  DUSK sent me some of their gorgeous bedding to try out, they offer 'luxury bedding for less' and their website is full of useful sleep tips, as well as a gorgeous selection of beautiful bedding and linens to make your bedroom or your guest room look and feel like a hotel room!

This is a gifted blog post.

My dressing room (also spare room also son's room) made up with bedding from DUSK

Ideas for creating the perfect guest bedroom

Make the bed look and feel cosy, make sure it is the star of the show with the best bedding, a beautiful throw and sumptuous pillows!  Recreate the look and feel of a luxurious hotel room!  Apparently 51.5% of respondents in a DUSK survey buy new cushions or throws in time for their Christmas guests.

Even if space is limited, declutter, clear the floor, buy under bed storage to stow away things you need to keep.

Make sure there is a clear surface for your guests to place their toiletries, maybe leave a small basket for them with some sample size treats, like a luxury face cream or body oil.

​And a hook with some luxurious hangers for them to hang their party outfit is a must!

Have a mirror easily accessible!  I've lost count of the times I have arrived an a hotel or Airbnb to find no mirror, or a mirror not close to a socket (for hair styling).  And horror - I recently stayed in a hotel where the dressing table mirror was tinted!  If you don't have a wall mirror then a small portable dressing table mirror will suffice.

Treat your guests to a cosy sheepskin rug by the bed, a touch of luxury to step onto!

If your guests are with you over the Christmas break then add a few little decorative touches, maybe a Christmassy tea light holder or a mini Christmas tree!  Candles are a popular choice, 60.1% of respondents buy new candles in the run up to Christmas!  

I love having fairy lights in the bedrooms and guests will really appreciate the soft lighting and cosy feel.  And don't forget to make sure you have a small bedside lamp - nothing worse than only having a main light!

I favour white bed linen!  I love the luxury hotel room feel.  It's elegant and timeless.  The higher the thread count the better the snuggly, warm feel so DUSK recommend above 400 as ideal.   

Add a beautiful throw, it looks luxurious but it acts as an extra layer should it be needed.  DUSK have lots of beautiful throws is different sizes and colours.

My favourite duvet filling is wool for its temperature regulating benefits.

And make sure you buy new pillows and a new mattress protector.  You don't need to spend a fortune and DUSK currently have some really good sale prices too!

Don't forget a gorgeous fluffy cotton towel, DUSK have a beautiful selection.

If you are really going all out then blackout curtains or a blind are always very welcome!

Provide a glass and small jug of fresh water for bedtime!

And with 29.1% of people changing their bedding on Christmas Eve and a staggering 65.1% deep cleaning our homes before Christmas Day we are all going to be very busy, so make sure you have the best sleeping environment to help you feel well rested during the festive period.

Add a few luxury touches for your guests with beautiful bedding and sleep aids to help create calm and relaxation

Calming bedtime tips

A portable essential oil diffuser is a lovely touch for you or your guests, I have a new one cordless one from The White Company and you can leave out a selection of sleepy oils - safer than a candle and the diffuser goes off automatically on a timer.

Listen to the Calm app, Headspace or a bedtime podcast.  Or buy a Morphée device to spoil your guests.

Don't drink too much alcohol!  It really does mess with our sleep!

Or eat too much late evening!

​Try a self-heating eye mask for relaxing sleep, and another lovely touch to leave for. your guests on their pillow!

Make guests feel welcome by leaving a few treats for them like an essential oil diffuser or sleep mask

​If you have any other tips, do share below!  Otherwise, I wish you all a very happy and relaxing Christmas with plenty of rest and sleep!

Love from
Michelle xx


Disclaimer:  DUSK gifted me a duvet cover, pillowcases and a throw for the purposes of this blog post, my words and opinions are all my own.