Imagine it: you’ve moved into your dream home that overlooks the coast from Port Aransas. Maybe it’s your second home, or a legacy home you’ve spent the last year completing. Each space is perfect. It’s your oasis for entertaining guests, and your escape from the city.
Everything came together beautifully in your interior design, too…the furniture, the décor, the ambience…
You’re making the final selections now, like plates, towels, and linens. Have you asked how many you need of each? Did you assume you know the answer? Are you going with 12 or 16 of everything because that’s the number prepared sets come in??
You’re missing an opportunity.
This is not a trivial decision. It definitely isn’t arbitrary. The number of tableware, glassware, towels, and more depends on the events you host and the lifestyle you live, not to mention the length of guests’ stays.
If you’re a vacation rental owner (or want to be), these questions become even more important, as does knowing how to scale these selections…
Here’s how to calculate the number you need of these essential items…for your lifestyle, your needs, and your social calendar.
What essential items are we talking about?
Your plates, dinnerware, towels, bedding, and even décor accents (like centerpieces) all hang in the balance between the aesthetics of your home and its functionality. It’s important to consider more than how they look…you also have to think about the number you have of each to ensure your home is equipped for entertaining, vacation rental potential, and more.
These are the household items whose number changes based on your lifestyle needs and social calendar:
- Plates and dinnerware — whether you occasionally host an intimate dinner for two or have regular soirées for 20, acquiring the right number of plates, bowls, and serving dishes is essential.
EXPERT TIP: invest in versatile pieces that can transition seamlessly from casual brunches to formal dinners, unless you have the storage space for full sets of each. - Towels — from plush bath towels to cute hand towels for the powder room, you need an ample supply of linens so that everyone (you AND each guest) feels pampered.
Don’t forget to account for lake or beach access if you’ll be lounging outdoors or taking occasional beach trips… - Glassware — wine glasses, champagne flutes, highball glasses…each type serves a purpose (and serves some very tasty drinks), and each elevates your entertaining game.
EXPERT TIP: Consider your typical beverage offerings and stock up accordingly. - Flatware — picture it…a sleek set of flatware that adds the ultimate touch of elegance to your dining table. Consider one formal and one casual option, each in full sets, and don’t forget serving utensils for the perfect meal presentation…
- Bedding — comfortable bedding for you and your guests is a must!! Invest in quality sheets, blankets, and pillows to turn your oasis into a true paradise…
- Décor accents — décor like candles, vases, and statement centerpieces add personality and charm to your environment!! Don’t overlook the power of these decorative accents, and don’t forget that the number you need is tied intimately to your social life!!
OK, got it…but how many of each? How do you calculate?!
It’s all coming into focus now. You’re starting to see how making a smart decision now can set you up for success later.
As you begin calculating the right number of these household items for your home, as yourself these questions…
- How often do I entertain?
If you entertain more than once a month, consider adding a 10% contingency to the number of each item you generally need for each event you host, or the average number of guests you house for overnights. This ensures that, if something breaks or gets damaged, you’re still set for success with whatever event you have next on the calendar. - What is the size of my home (and my storage layout)?
If you have good storage solutions (especially if you customized your cabinetry in your design), err on the side of stocking up now on at least two more of everything than you need for daily life and accommodating guests…
If your large home includes multiple entertaining areas, up the ante AGAIN and include even more items due to the inevitability that guests will float around rooms and items will get misplaced!! This is especially true of glassware and tableware. - Who are my typical guests?
Tailor your selections to the preferences and needs of guests, too. Do you normally host family? Business associates? Favor casual or formal selections accordingly.
Special Considerations for Owners of Vacation Rental Homes
Owning a luxury vacation rental home is not just about providing a place for guests to stay, or monetizing a legacy home you have. It’s about creating an experience that leaves guests longing to return time and again.
Here are some special considerations to keep in mind when furnishing a vacation rental home to ensure it stands out among the competition and genuinely delights your guests…
- Assume full-capacity stays: unlike your primary residence, your vacation rental home might be at full capacity for a significant portion of the year, and accommodating multiple guests at a time…this means acquiring more of everything when you make household selections!!
- Prioritize durability: opt for the highest-quality, commercial-grade products that can withstand frequent use and washing without sacrificing style or comfort.
- Scalability: invest in flexible seating arrangements and extendable dining tables as well as versatile bedding options to ensure your rental comfortably accommodates both intimate getaways and large family gatherings…
- Special considerations for bedding and linens: people have VERY different preferences for the tactile experience of a bath towel, or how much bedding they need…account for guests who run hot and those who run cold, not to mention varying pillow heights, towel softness, etc.
- Replaceability: recognize that wear and tear are inevitable. You’ll need to replace everything at some point. Make household selections that are easily replaceable without compromising the overall aesthetic or style…and STOCKPILE extra linens, dinnerware, and décor accents to quickly replenish anything between guest stays!!
- Luxury touches: elevate your guests’ experience with touches that set your vacation rental apart. Treat your guests to the plushest bathrobes, gourmet kitchen amenities, and upscale toiletries to create a sense of indulgence and relaxation during their stay…
- Personalization: tailor the interiors of your vacation rental to reflect its unique charm and character. Favor the textiles and décor elements that immerse guests in the culture you create with their surroundings. (Count on a trusted interior designer with celebrated experience in vacation rentals to bring these elements together.)
If you take these special considerations into account when making household selections, you ensure that your luxury vacation rental exceeds guest expectations and garners rave reviews, ultimately maximizing your income and earning a reputation as a sought-after destination.
Now, picture this…the sun sets over the horizon as your guests gather on the terrace of your beach home. Glasses clink and laughter fills the air. The ambience is nothing short of magical.
You mingle effortlessly among your friends and can’t help but feel proud…every detail of your space is set to perfection.
This is what it means to elevate your living. It’s the essence of luxury entertaining, too — a blend of carefully-thought-out-details and your best hospitality. Your home isn’t just a space…it’s a reflection of your lifestyle, your priorities, and everything you hold dear.
Which of these household items do YOU always run short on? Which are the hardest for you to scale or replace? Join the conversation in our private design community on Facebook to share!!
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