Being a good host or hostess

When the holidays arrive there are also guests that come to visit. This is no exception for Christmas. Having guests stay over the Christmas holidays is a wonderful pleasure but it does involve extra work and responsibility for the host/hostess who will want to make sure that their guests not only enjoy the hightlights of their stay but the quiet moments too.
Getting ready for Christmas can keep one busy enough as it is so it is good to prepare guest bedrooms well in advance. Make sure there are plenty of basic needs such as fluffy towels, tissues, guest soap, etc. If you plan ahead you can let them enjoy sticks of your own homemade scented soaps if you enjoy making such things. I'm sure they would appreciate such a luxury.
If you are able to...perhaps you could provide a coffe and tea-making set. Something that many enjoy using especially if they wake up at unsociably early hours. Arrange a tray with an electric kettle, a small cup and a jar of ground coffee (or instant coffee if it's easier) or different flavoured teas if they are more of a tea drinker like myself and a tea pot. :) Add wrapped sugar and a decorative tin o fbiscuits with milk and fresh fruit to be replinished daily. You would probably know your guest well enough to add other items they might like.
You could make a small selection of books and magazines for friends who like to travel light, and may not bring their own reading material. Check that the bulbs are in the reading lamps and prvide a flashlight or one of those plug in extra nightlights to help night-time navigation to the bathroom.
Flowers help to make a room more welcoming and can bring a breath of spring or summer to the guest rooms. Dried flower arrangements are another option that prevent the need for last-minute preparations.
When guest arrive, make sure to show them such essentials like light switches and plug sockets are and which cupboard space is available. These are just a few ideas and I'm sure your guests will enjoy the warmth of such hospitality.