It’s that time of the year when our spare bedrooms, couches and even our floors welcome guests visiting for the holidays.

Here are a few easy ways to comfortably welcome friends and family without spending all your holiday budget.

Provide thoughtful supplies
As a frequent traveller, I find myself always forgetting something behind at home. What a nice surprise to arrive at a friend’s place and discover that they’ve anticipated my forgetfulness.

Installing a guest account on your home computer, extra toiletries, bottles of water, room spray, extra hangers, an alarm clock, a humidifier and over-the-door hooks for extra hanging storage are all welcomed by guests.

Send them to sleep on a cloud
If you don’t have an extra bedroom or pull-out sofa, a quality blow up mattress on the floor can create a comfy nest for your guests.

The modern mattresses are leak-proof, have electric pumps and some come with foldable, lightweight bases to elevate the mattress off the floor.

Of course an extra blanket and freshly ironed sheets always create a touch of luxury.

My special treat to overnight guests this year is adding extra comfort to a mattress, sofa or air bed with a mattress topper; just a few extra inches of plush comfort will make them feel like they are sleeping in a 5-star hotel!

Offer spa treatment
You might only have one bathroom in your place so how do you make it feel as personal for yourself as guests? Try to strip all your personal belongings on display and keep them in a carry caddy in your bedroom. Supply your guests with a similar caddy (filled with toothpaste and shampoo). Decorate your washroom with decorative towels, fresh flowers and candles.  You might want to supply extra pyjamas, a bathrobe and slippers for your guests; these are usually the last things to be packed – if at all.