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Rest and A Tidy Bed

How to make up a pretty bed and get a good nights rest seems like such a silly thing to write about, but you would be surprised how many people really do not know how to do this. What does is take to make a pretty bed? Maybe that is not even something that strikes a chord in you. I remember when I was in high school I made my bed every morning. Yep, every morning.  I have always been the kind of girl that can not stand to get back in my bed without having made it up. Silly, maybe but it affects my comfort and sleep, so making up a pretty bed is just one of my “things.”

How To Make Up A Pretty Bed

It’s funny how somethings just stick with you. When I was in nursing school my instructors taught me how to make hospital bed corners. The sheets on the bed had to be so smooth you could, in theory, bounce a quarter on them.  Now I am not quite that crazy about the bed sheets.

I am also one of those people that still want a top sheet on their bed.   I know that some people do not use the top sheet that comes in a set of sheets anymore, but I do. So if you are one of those people, than hats off to you. For me when you make up your bed for a good nights rest, a top sheet is a necessity.  Okay so here is the list of supplies necessary for making up a pretty bed.

List of Things You Need

1. A High Thread Count Fitted Sheet
2. A High Thread Count Top or Flat Sheet
3. A Duvet, Quilt, or Comforter
4. A Duvet Cover (if you choose a Duvet)
5. A Blanket
6. Pillow Cases
7. Pillow Shams
8. Start at the bottom and work your way up, literally. So cover your mattress first. Now we did not mention a mattress cover because they are not 100% necessary. Mattress covers come in all shapes and sizes. I do not use one right now on my bed, but I have. They are not necessary, but can add comfort to your bed. If you choose to use one put it on first.
9. The fitted sheet comes next.  Now I am going to talk a little about sheets right now. Do not buy cheap sheets. Sheets can last a long time and the longer you have quality sheets the softer they get. Not only do they get softer with time, but last longer than some marriages do.
10. Next would come the top sheet or flat sheet.  Now this is the part that gets tricky.  I did not realize it has become such a trend for people to not use the top sheet.  Some people say it gets all waded up at the bottom of the bed.  What, I have never found my top sheet or flat sheet to be waded at the bottom of the bed.  I actually consider it to be a buffer and keep my blanket or comforters clean.
11. Tucking in the corners of a top sheet or flat sheet can be tricky. If you want crisp corners watch this video with Alli Mang. Click on Alli Mang’s name and she will show you how to achieve those hospital corners.

Steps For Hospital Corners.

• Step 1: With your fitted sheet already on the mattress, lay the flat sheet on top. Make sure that it hangs evenly on the bed.
• Step 2: Start at one corner at the foot of the bed. Slightly lift the mattress and tuck hanging fabric along the foot of the bed. The excess fabric should now be hanging on the side of the mattress.
• Step 3: Grab hold of the excess fabric. Lift it up and place on top of the mattress. The edge of the sheet should form a 45-degree angle with the corner of your mattress.
• Step 4: Hold the fabric forming a 45-degree angle. Tuck in hanging fabric along the side of the mattress and let the sheet fall.
• Step 5: Adjust the edge of the sheet to the corner of the mattress and tuck in.
• Step 6: Repeat steps 2 through 5 on the remaining corners.
• Step 7: Add quilts, blankets or any other extras you may want. Do these corners the same way.

12.  This step is probably the most fun.  This is the layer that I enjoy the most.  I don’t change my bedding out seasonally or even annually.  I keep my comforters and pillows on the top layer a long time. Choosing high quality bedding and changing the pillows out if I want something different.  My husband and I also like a lot of covers. The final outer layer is more decorative than anything else. So add what you like and want to look at here. Maybe a quilt or comforter. Even a duvet works. This is the time to do what makes you happy.

13. The rest is up to you. Pillows or not pillows, a quilt or not.  I like layers, quilts and pillows.  I also like to change the top layer around a lot.  Not necessarily seasonally but just for color or drama or calmness.  That part is up to you.

 For high quality sheet sets that are organic and fair trade click on this link: 100% Organic & Fair Trade Cotton .

Get A Good Nights Sleep

I have been telling my girls for years that a clean, neat bed helps you sleep better.  Sleeping better is a worthy goal for anyone. We all need more sleep. So when I settle down for the night I need the order, and calmness of a well made bed.  It helps me to feel settled and relaxed.

The next day when I get up making the bed and leaving my room orderly helps me when I get home as well. Happy wife, happy life right? There is some truth to those old wives tales and for me to relax I need a tidy, neat bed.

Take the Time to Learn An Old Skill

There is an art to making a bed and I really believe it helps you to sleep better as well. Remember the times you just slid into fresh sheets at a hotel or home.  My mother used to make a big deal out of clean sheets after we were sick.  The memory of sliding into that fresh, clean, crisp bed of sheets has never left me.  I still enjoy that feeling and it makes it relax instantly. The clean feeling, the fresh aroma and the tidiness all add up to a good nights rest.  Try it and learn an old skill and it might help you sleep better as well.  Honestly, Janet