To begin, Susan Stark, owner of Sage Designs, recommends using a neutral colour palette to set a peaceful tone in the bedroom. She notes, “people naturally have a more difficult time sleeping when they’re away from home so the more relaxed they are, the better.”

For further relaxation, provide the opportunity for your company to individually control heat in their room if possible, says Teri Collins-English, owner of An English Bed, Breakfast & Day Spa. With the weather outside so frightful, fireplaces in a guest bedroom can be delightful additions, offering both heat and ambience. Alternatively, ceiling fans or air conditioning can be options to maintaining heat control.

As the bed, itself, has the most impact in a guest bedroom, Stark suggests at least a double-size mattress, if not larger. While bedding options are limitless, Denise Sullivan, assistant sales manager of the Heritage Gate Home Outfitters, recommends co-ordinating bedding that includes sheets, pillow shams, duvet covers and bed skirts. She also encourages bed sheets with at least a 400 thread count. Brands such as Steven and Chris, House and Home, Gluckstein (a Canadian designer) and Marie Claire—which is offered exclusively through Home Outfitters—come in many different colours, sizes and prices. Sullivan says soft blues and greys are making a comeback while creams and chocolate browns are here to stay this season.

Medium-weight duvets in down feather or synthetic materials are flexible for all seasons, notes Sullivan. She also says to “look for small baffling,” which means the box stitching on the duvet is smaller, preventing the inside of the duvet to move around. Good hosting etiquette calls for extra blankets in case your guest needs them, while for  practicality Sullivan also suggests six pillows on a bed. “You can use two Euro shams and four standard pillows, or six standard pillows.” The six pillows make the bed more inviting while offering various pillow sizes for your guests. Stylistically speaking, throw cushions can be used to add a punch of colour.

But a bed isn’t the be-all and end-all for a comfortable guest room, says Collins-English. “Each room should have a chair for your guest to sit down and put his or her shoes on or even read a book,” she says. Good lighting is absolutely necessary, especially on the bedside table. Collins-English even offers a luggage rack, which she says is an inexpensive luxury that makes her guests feel welcome. An alarm clock is also another inexpensive, but thoughtful, guest room accessory.

Guests staying for a longer period should have a spot cleared out for them in the closet and dresser. Stark says closet space is greatly appreciated especially if they have dresses, suits or jackets to hang. Meanwhile, Collins-English says a television and DVD player would give your guests some privacy. But a telephone in a guest bedroom should always have the ringer turned off, so as to avoid disrupting your overnight guests.

Smaller accessories may not be necessary, though they can make a stay more enjoyable. Stark says bottled water or a fancy water carafe will ensure your guest won’t have to leave the room in the dark of night to fumble for the tap. Magazines, books and city guides give your guests a chance to plan out their visit.

Guest bathrooms are another area good hosts can pamper visitors. Collins-English says to anticipate items people may forget to bring such as shampoo, conditioner, soaps, body lotion, and toothbrushes. “Fragrance-free lotions for people with sensitivity are definitely recommended,” she says. Sullivan also suggests terry cloth hair wraps to further spoil your guests, while Stark dreams of a white bathroom with white towels that offer a clean and fresh look.

Slippers and unisex robes are nice optional accessories and, with prices between $39.99 and $79.99 for House and Home or Nautica brand bathrobes at Home Outfitters, they are affordable details also.

So check that list twice before your guest arrival, because simply adding a few extra personal touches can help your own peace and joy in knowing everyone’s well taken care of this holiday season.