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 cross stitcher behind the blog Sirious Stitches is quite into biscornu.

If you’re not, a quick primer: biscornu are three-dimensional cross-stitched objects with eight points, often with an indention in the middle that makes them look a bit like doughnuts without the hole. They can be just about any size and subject you can think of. They’re often used as pincushions but can also be seasonal decor or just decoration for any time of year.

I’ve got a collection of biscornu cross stitch patterns here.

Once you’ve stitched one or several (they are a little addicting) you might wonder what you can add to them to make them even more extra.

It very much depends on the design of your biscornu and the look you are going for, but Sirious Stitches has a great post all about some of the options you might consider.

I don’t want to give you the whole list because you need to go visit and see all of their great biscornu they’ve stitched, but one really easy thing that you can do with a lot of designs is take advantage of that center indent by adding a button, beads, silk flower or another embellishment.

This is great to do just with a basic button from your stash that coordinates with the design and colors of the cross stitching, but it’s extra fun if you have a button that’s on theme, such as a leaf for a fall biscornu or a flower shaped button for a floral design. Add a jingle bell to a Christmas pattern, or a charm if you don’t have a button that coordinates.

Just this one idea is sure to get you thinking about ways to embellish biscornu (not to mention other cross stitch projects) but head over to Sirious Stitches to see all of their ideas for embellishing biscornu to make these already fun projects even more fun.

Have you ever made biscornu? I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Sirious Stitches]

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