My Favorite Airbnb Setup Must-Haves

After over 20 years of being a craft blogger, it feels surreal to write this post—not just because blogging (some say) is a dying art, but because I’ve found a new way to express myself that I never saw coming: hosting a charming pink cottage Airbnb.

Yes, that pink cottage. The one with the cheerful door, vintage touches, and the scent of eucalyptus always in the air. What started as a little side gig to bring in some extra income has unexpectedly become my favorite creative outlet.

Setting up this space gave me permission to mix color, texture, and thoughtful detail in ways I never could on a craft blog. I’m talking pink velvet cushions, thrifted teacups, and framed crochet doilies—you bet I repurposed those old blog tutorial samples! But it wasn’t all vintage vibes and fairy lights. A good Airbnb setup also means thinking practically, like keyless entry, easy-clean bedding, and functional storage.

That’s why I’ve put together a curated list of my go-to Airbnb setup must-haves—all the things I use (and love) in my own cottage. From linens and cleaning tools to guest treats and décor staples, these are the little things that keep my space both guest-ready and true to my brand.

Shop My Airbnb Must-Haves on Amazon

If you’re just starting your own Airbnb journey or even dreaming about turning a backyard studio into a cozy retreat, I hope this list helps you skip the guesswork. I’ve tested everything personally in my little pink haven.

This shift from full-time blogger to part-time host hasn’t just changed my business—it’s reinspired me. Hosting has helped me rediscover the joy of storytelling, not with words and tutorials, but with the experience I create for each guest.

So yes, blogging may be fading, but creativity? It’s alive and well—sometimes in the form of a welcome basket and a carefully folded towel swan (actually, no, I don’t do swans but sometimes my cleaners do)

This is an ever growing list, so make sure to pop back to see what new items I have added to the list. If you have a must have product to share comment below.

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Last year I shared with you Maxie’s Tank Top by Ainur Berkimbayeva, mostly because I really wanted to knit one (and I still do, maybe this year I’ll finally get to it!). I also am really attracted to patterns that seem to look good on everyone, which this tank top does.

Now Ainur has released a sweater version of the top, known as Maxie’s V-neck, and it seems to have that same wonderful property of looking amazing on everyone, at least as far as I can tell from the pattern’s project page on Ravelry.

This is a top down, V-neck, ribbed top that can be knit with short or long sleeves. Bust darts help with the fit. There are also 13 size options available so you can find just the right fit for you.

The sizes are designed to fit actual bust measurements ranging from 29-32 inches (74-81.5 cm) up to 62-64 inches (158-162.5 cm) and the pattern has instructions for A-C cups, with modification notes in the pattern to help folks with D+ cups make their sweater fit them.

It calls for sport weight yarn, which is probably the only thing that kept me from casting on this sweater immediately when I first saw it because that’s not a yarn weight I typically have in my stash (certainly not in sweater quantity).

Which just gives me an excuse to go shopping! Ainur used Purl Soho Wigeon yarn, which is 100 percent wool from the Falkland Islands. You can check the pattern page for other options that people have used, though wool seems to be a near universal choice as of this writing.

Ainur also does pay what you can on her patterns so if the cost is too much for your current financial situation you can use a code on the page to get a discount. (That said, if you can afford it, please support designers to the extent they ask to be compensated!)

Check out the pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Ainur Berkimbayeva]

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