Holiday preparation made easy

Got friends or family coming to stay overnight? Here are ten easy tips on creating comfort and space for your guests.

1. Set a good first impression

Your hall is the first room guests will see so make sure it doesn't become a pile up zone for shoes and junk. Kick messy halls into shape with this Elton Storage Bench from John Lewis.

2. Give a personal touch

'Create a guest room full of special touches, so the memory of it lingers with your visitors and makes them feel happy whenever they think about you,' advises designer Kelly Hoppen. Leave faux flowers like the red triple amarylis from Bloom on a bedside table for instant freshness - or banish smells in neglected rooms with scented candles and pot pourri.

3. Thoughtful gestures can be easy

Breakfast in bed might be taking things a little far, but it's no effort to place a glass water jug and tumbler by your guests' beds. They will feel well looked after. This bird embellished jug and mug from Graham & Green is a pretty addition to a room. And don't forget some good reading material.

4. Invest in bedding

Is your laundry looking tired? There's nothing welcoming about shabby linen. Cosset guests with fresh sheets like this organic cotton Lily bedlinen from Biome lifestyle. Plump up cushions, switch on their bedside light and draw the curtains. These little touches won't be forgotten. Don't have a spare room? Buy a sofa bed like this lightweight Lazy Tom Sofabed from Cargo.

5. Give guests storage

Living out of a suitcase is never fun, so give your guests have somewhere to hang their clothes. If you're short of cupboard space, put up this fuss free, over the door hook rack from The Holding Company. Or pick up some under bed storage boxes.

6. Give a toasty treat

Keep your guests warm and snug with a hot water bottle. This soft lambswool stripe hot water bottle cover from Graham & Green is popular. Place it in their beds without them knowing for an indulgent treat. Or spoil them rotten with an electric blanket.

7. Make the most of what you've got

If you can't offer them an ensuite bathroom, make sure yours is looking its best! Pack away endless lotions and potions and give them a fresh bar of fragrant soap. New towels also go a long way, as does a fresh shower curtain.

8. Have a quick update

There's no need to panic if your sofa looks scruffy. A throw is a great quick fix. This spot pattern throw from Marks & Spencer will hide a multitude of sins beneath. 'Homes are not for show. They are for letting your hair down in and really enjoying,' says Kelly Hoppen.

9. Create more space

When space is short, rather than squash up, pick up an extending table. This way you can shrink it when you need more room. This Dakota oak extending dining table from Next comfortably seats eight - the ideal number for a dinner party, according to Dame Barbara Cartland. Benches take up less space than chairs but do don't forget cushions - or extra cutlery!

10. Entertain with pizazz

Finally, get the party started with cocktails. Whip guests up a treat with this cocktail shaker and tool craft box from Heal's and you'll ooze the sophisticated host. And deck your table top in generous-sized glasses.