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.

Ghost crafts are a lot of fun for kids to make and they’re a way to get into Halloween crafting that’s not really scary. Here are some easy ghost crafts for you to make with kids, whether it’s your kiddo at home or a class full.

I love this simple ghost made with a pompom or cotton ball covered in paint and used as a stamp. This one is from Crafts on Sea and you can have kids just hold the pompom or hold it with a clothespin to make it a little less messy.

Use cotton balls and printable facial expressions to make these silly ghosts from Housing a Forest. The post includes the printable templates or you can just add googly eyes.

Little fabric ghosts are a classic, whether you make them with white fabric or fall or Halloween fabric. Buggy and Buddy shows you how to make these little ghosts with a few cute embellishments. Just make one or two or make a garland or Halloween tree full of them.

There always seem to be paper plates lying around, and this paper plate ghost from Crafts by Amanda is a fun one. There’s a printable in the post for the facial features and arms, or kids can draw their own faces (and leave off the arms if you want to keep it simple).

What kid doesn’t love peeling dried glue? Turn that impulse into a craft with these glue ghosts from Friends Art Lab, and don’t miss the tip in the post that helps you turn these into window clings.

This handprint ghost in the window craft from Glued to My Crafts is so cute and easy for kids to make alone or with help. The post shows lots of variations so it would be fun to make these in a classroom and let each kiddo design their own “window” or add embellishments.

These sweet little tissue paper ghosts from Red Ted Art are actually mini pinatas, but you can just make it as a ghost without anything inside if you’d rather.

And you know I love a good kids’ sewing project so I can’t resist sharing these little felt ghost puppets from The Craft Train. Kids can sew them by hand or you can make them out of paper if you don’t want to try sewing them. The template for the ghosts is free to download, and you can also just make little softies instead of puppets if you like.

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