Summer is the perfect time to brighten up your bed and breakfast. Enjoy these summer tips for B&B owners. As a former innkeeper, I understand how small touches can leave a big impression on guests. Now, as a licensed realtor in Georgia and North Carolina, I help people buy and sell B&B inns. I’ve seen what makes guests feel at home and what catches a buyer’s eye.
Summer Tips for B&B Owners
During the summer months, you have many simple ways to refresh your space. You might plant cheerful flowers near the entry. You could add light, seasonal décor to your guest rooms. Or you might serve fresh fruits and vegetables at breakfast. Thus, these small updates don’t take much time or money, but they go a long way in making guests feel welcome.
In this blog post, I’ll share easy ideas to help you get your inn ready for the season. Whether you’re focused on guest satisfaction or planning for a future sale, these tips can help. Let’s dive in and make this summer your most inviting one yet.
Flower Magazines
If you love summer flowers, these two magazines can give you lots of ideas. They are full of tips, photos, and stories to help you enjoy flowers even more. Whether you grow a garden, run a bed and breakfast, or just love decorating with flowers, these are great resources to check out.
Better Homes and Gardens
Better Homes and Gardens is one of the most popular magazines in the U.S. It’s been around for over 100 years. Each issue includes tips on gardening, decorating, and cooking. In the summer, you’ll find simple flower care ideas, planting guides, and ways to decorate with flowers. Their team of experts shares helpful advice to keep your flowers healthy in hot weather. This magazine is perfect if you want to get creative while keeping things easy.
Flower Magazine
Flower Magazine focuses on the beauty of flowers. It has stunning photos and elegant ideas for flower arrangements. You’ll also read stories about designers, gardens, and how to bring more flowers into your home. This magazine is great if you love decorating and want to add a stylish, floral touch to your space this summer. Futhermore, it’s also a favorite for bed and breakfast owners who want to impress their guests with fresh, beautiful flowers.
In short, Better Homes and Gardens is full of practical tips, while Flower Magazine is more about design and beauty. Thus, both magazines can help make your summer flowers shine.
Make Your Garden a Summer Selling Point
A guest’s first impression often starts before they even reach your front door. In fact, it begins at the garden gate. A colorful, well-kept garden can do more than just look pretty. It helps your inn feel inviting. Moreover, it shows potential buyers that the property has been well cared for.
Why Gardens Matter
A bright garden tells a quiet story. It says, “This place is warm, peaceful, and loved.” Guests feel relaxed and welcome. Buyers see that the property has been maintained with pride. This is especially important for people looking for a move-in-ready inn. A blooming garden shows attention to detail and hints at a lifestyle they may want to step into.
Best Perennials for Georgia & North Carolina
In the Southeast, summers are hot and humid. That’s why it’s smart to plant flowers that can handle the heat. The following perennials grow well in USDA Zones 7–8. They come back every year and need very little care:
- Coneflowers (Echinacea): Bright colors, long-lasting blooms, and a favorite for butterflies.
- Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox): A fragrant, summer-blooming flower that attracts butterflies.
- Black-eyed Susans: Sunny yellow flowers that grow well in large groups.
- Salvia: Purple or blue spikes that are drought-tolerant and eye-catching.
- Day lilies: Easy to grow and perfect for borders.
- Bee Balm (Monarda): Attracts bees and butterflies with fun, wild-looking blooms.
- Coreopsis: Golden flowers that are tough and low-maintenance.
To make your garden look full and balanced, plant flowers in groups. Mix tall and short plants. Combine different shapes and textures. This creates a layered look that draws attention along walkways, patios, or near your entryway.
Tip for Long-Term Value
If you have the space, try growing a small cutting garden. This lets you bring fresh flowers indoors all season long. You can use them in breakfast areas, guest rooms, or even the front desk. It’s an easy and affordable way to add charm. Plus, it tells buyers that your inn offers thoughtful, guest-friendly features.
You don’t need a fancy garden to make an impact. You just need one that feels cared for and alive with the season. With the right plants and a little planning, your garden can become one of your inn’s strongest summer features. Thus, this is a detail that makes your property more memorable to guests and potential buyers alike.
Summer Décor That Feels Fresh and Guest-Ready
After guests arrive, the inside of your inn should feel just as welcoming as the outside. That’s where your summer décor comes in. You don’t need to change everything. Just a few seasonal touches can brighten your space and make it feel warm and inviting.
Summer Tips for B&B Owners
Summer décor should feel light, fresh, and natural. Focus on small updates that add color and comfort (especially in the areas where guests spend time).
Here are a few easy, low-cost ideas:
- Table Linens: Use clean, white tablecloths or cotton runners to lighten up breakfast tables.
- Color Accents: Add soft yellow cushions or purple napkins for a cheerful pop of color.
- Greenery and Flowers: Place small vases of fresh flowers or leafy stems around the inn. Plants like impatiens or peace lilies are great choices for guest rooms. They look nice but don’t take up much space.
- Natural Light: Let the sunshine in! Open light curtains where you can. Clean windows help brighten the space and lift the mood.
Bring the Outside In
It helps to make your indoor and outdoor spaces feel connected. For example, if your porch or patio has zinnias, marigolds, or geraniums, try using the same types of flowers inside too. Add them to shared spaces or breakfast tables. Thus, this small detail helps create a consistent and calming summer atmosphere.
Flower-Arranging for Guests
If your garden is full and your schedule allows, you might offer a simple flower-arranging activity. You don’t need anything fancy. A few clippings, some jars, and basic tips are enough. Guests often enjoy this kind of hands-on experience. But don’t feel pressure–this is just a fun extra, not something every inn needs to offer.
Refreshing your summer décor doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Futhermore, a few thoughtful updates can make your space feel brighter, more welcoming, and more enjoyable for guests. At the same time, they show potential buyers that your inn is cared for and full of charm.
Fresh Menus from the Garden (or Farmer’s Market)
Summer brings fresh, colorful foods that are perfect for your breakfast table. Whether you grow your own produce or shop at a local farmer’s market, using seasonal ingredients makes a big difference. It helps guests feel connected to your region—and shows buyers that your inn offers a thoughtful, homegrown experience.
Summertime Breakfasts Guests Will Remember
You don’t need complicated recipes. Simple dishes made with fresh fruits and vegetables are easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Fruits to Feature:
- Use peaches, nectarines, and berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
- Add them to parfaits, fruit bowls, muffins, or even infused water.
- Fresh fruit also works well in pancakes or cobblers.
Vegetables to Use:
- Try zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli in frittatas or summer salads.
- Serve cucumber-mint water or offer a light veggie side for extra color and crunch.
These dishes feel special but don’t cost a lot. You can save even more if the ingredients come from your own garden or a trusted local grower.
Summer Tips for B&B Owners
If the weather is nice, serve breakfast on the porch or patio. Open windows in your dining area when possible. Let guests enjoy the fresh air and natural light.
To add charm, place a small vase of garden flowers or a sprig of fresh mint on each table. These little touches bring your outdoor beauty inside and help guests feel relaxed and welcome.
Your breakfast doesn’t have to be fancy to stand out. Fresh, local food paired with a warm, seasonal setting can turn a simple meal into a lasting memory. And when your food reflects the spirit of summer, your inn becomes a place guests (and potential buyers) won’t forget.
Bring the Garden Indoors with Simple Flower Displays
One of the easiest ways to make your inn feel fresh in the summer is to bring flowers inside. Fresh-cut flowers add color, beauty, and a personal touch to your space. They work well in guest rooms, common areas, and dining tables.
Even better: they show guests and buyers that your inn is well cared for.
Fresh Bouquets, Made Easy
You don’t need to be a florist to make pretty arrangements. A few flowers from your garden in a vase or jar can brighten any room.
Here are some simple tips:
- Cut flowers early in the morning. That’s when they hold the most water.
- Trim the stems at a slant, under running water. This helps them last longer.
- Remove any leaves that will sit in the water. This keeps the vase clean.
Some great flowers for cutting include zinnias, coneflowers, bee balm, and black-eyed Susans. You can also add herbs like mint, rosemary, or basil for extra greenery. But avoid strong scents in guest rooms, just in case someone is sensitive to smells.
Care Tips for Indoor Arrangements
To keep your bouquets looking fresh:
- Change the water every 1–2 days.
- Re-cut the stems every few days.
- Add flower food to the vase. You can make your own:
Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vinegar, and a few drops of bleach in a quart of water.
These small steps help your flowers stay vibrant all week.
Where to Place Your Summer Bouquets
Flowers look great in almost any space. Try these spots:
- On a front entry table to greet guests.
- On breakfast tables or sideboards in the dining room.
- On nightstands or desks in guest rooms (use small vases).
- In bathrooms with natural light. Just keep it simple and low-scented.
You don’t need fancy vases. Try using what you already have. Mason jars, ceramic mugs, or vintage pitchers all work well and match a cozy, homey style.
Bringing your garden indoors is a small step with big results. It helps your inn feel alive and in season. Guests will notice the extra care, and buyers will see a property that’s both loved and ready to welcome others.
Optional Summer Packages to Boost Bookings
Not every inn has time or money for special packages and that’s okay. But if you’re looking for simple ways to attract more summer guests, seasonal packages can help. They don’t have to be fancy. Even small extras can make a stay feel special.
When done right, these packages show guests you’ve put thought into their visit. They also give your inn something unique to promote during the busy summer travel season.
Summer Tips for B&B Owners
You don’t need to overdo it. Keep your package ideas clear, easy to manage, and connected to the season. Here are two summer-ready examples:
Dog Days of Summer
This one’s great for guests who travel with pets. It could include:
- A soft dog bed to use during the stay
- A few locally made or homemade dog treats
- A printed guide to dog-friendly parks, trails, or cafes nearby
Even if your inn only allows pets in certain rooms or at certain times, this limited-time offer can still work. It shows that your inn is flexible and thoughtful—qualities that appeal to both guests and potential buyers.
Summer Sun Adventure
This option is perfect for guests who love the outdoors. You could offer:
- A picnic basket filled with snacks or local treats
- A map or guide with walking trails, river spots, or historic sites
- A small travel journal for guests to write about their experience
This kind of package invites guests to explore your area and make memories they’ll remember long after their stay.
Promotional Tip
If you create a package, be sure to let people know! Here’s how:
- Add the details to your booking page
- Share colorful images and booking deadlines on social media
- Send a short message to your email list or past guests
These simple steps help your offer get noticed.
You don’t need to change your whole business to make summer more successful. A small seasonal package can add value and show off your inn’s personality. Whether you offer one now or save the idea for next year, packages give you a flexible way to boost bookings and delight your guests (and on your own terms).
Summer Tips for B&B Owners
Summer is more than just a busy travel season. It’s also a great chance to help your inn shine. With a colorful garden, light seasonal décor, fresh meals, simple flower displays, and optional guest packages, your inn can feel both welcoming and unforgettable.
Guests will enjoy the thoughtful touches. And if you’re thinking about selling, buyers will notice the care you’ve put into your space.
As someone who used to run a B&B, and now helps people buy and sell inns in Georgia and North Carolina, I understand how much work goes into running a successful property. I also know how small changes can make a big difference.
Every seasonal update, even the little ones, adds value. It improves your guests’ stay and helps your inn stand out in the market. So whether you’re focused on filling rooms this summer or planning for the future, these tips can help. They’re simple, affordable, and easy to use.
Thinking about selling your B&B? Or just curious about the market in Georgia or North Carolina? I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from real-world experience. Contact me, Licensed Realtor Rob Sales, at Contact – B & B Consulting