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.

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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.

The notion of the importance of teaching kids how to write cursive seems to wax and wane. While some schools have taken it out of their curriculum, many still see the value of learning how to write and read script. My daughter learned how to write in cursive and though she doesn’t need it often, I’m glad to know she has those skills anyway.

If you’re a teacher or you want to teach your own children how to write in cursive, I found this great resource from The OT Toolbox that I think will help. They did a whole series of 31 days of posts about writing cursive and breaking down the skills that are needed to know how to form letters in cursive. It starts with the most basic elements — how and where a child is sitting, and how their paper is positioned.

It includes gross motor activities to get kids warmed up for writing, letter families and the starting lines used to start to form letters, tips for left handed students, letter identification, pencil grasp, writing speed and assessing problems, among other things.

You’ll also find some cursive letter flash cards that can be used to help with writing practice or letter identification.

You can find the whole series at The OT Toolbox.

Looking for more tools to help kids learn cursive? I love these free cursive letter practice printables from Living Loving Lancaster, which include practicing individual letters and tracing letters to write quotes.

Or grab individual letter practice worksheets that just include the letter in upper and lower case for kids to practice. These are from Everyday Chaos and Calm and are a great way to start practicing the individual letter forms. They also include a little map at the top that shows which way to form the letter or in what order if there are multiple strokes involved.

[Photo via The OT Toolbox]

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