rahrahrahrachel's Profile

It's a brilliant idea! The help with serving and clean up seems to ease so much stress especially when it comes to getting ready for guests to arrive. I've known many people to hire bar tending and serving help, who have spoken well of the experience too.

Similarly, depending on the type of occasion, I recommend hiring help to babysit or occupy children during family events... If the event is child-free, hiring a babysitter (or two) for several families is also an option. I had babysat several times for multiple local families who were all going to the same party. The kids loved having their own little play "party." The "visiting children" camped out at bed time until their parents came to pick them up. The parents were glad to swap out times to check in as well... and believe it or not, the check ins weren't really necessarily because the time went smoothly and quickly!

It appears as though the other posters have beaten me to it! My initial response was to add more texture, primarily with your bedding. Add more oomph with additional blankets or pillows (urs, satins, velvets... you can even go with tonal patterns or animal prints in neutrals). You do have great bones to the room though! There are a few things that I think you can do for free... Move the candles to the top of the nightstand and move the books to the bottom and put some of the more personal items (like the deodorant and spray bottles) in a different place (handy drawer, closet, bathroom?) so that they are out of sight. You can also play around with how you make your bed. I think nice hotels give the vibe of romantic and luxury just by how they make bed... So, instead of pulling your comforter all the way back to the headboard, fold it in front of the pillows evenly or at an angle and fluff up your pillows for some oooomph! The only thing that I would consider spending a few bucks on (or doing some swapping around the house for) is helping your table and floor lamps match style-wise. You can do this quickly by swapping the shade on the little guy to something more simple.