With Christmas fast approaching, don't leave it all to the last minute: today is the perfect opportunity to take some time to spruce up the spare room for your Christmas visitors. Follow these quick steps to create a comfy, cosy space and ensure your guests get a great night's sleep to wake refreshed ready to enjoy the festivities - after all, no one wants to spend Christmas with a Grinch!

Clear the Clutter - many spare rooms are rarely used and double as a storage facility. Deal with any unused or unwanted items that have been collecting dust this year. Your guests will appreciate the space for their belongings.

Freshen the bed - while you tidy, hang the quilt and mattress topper out to air in the sunshine. A light spritz with some eucalyptus will quickly banish any musty odours. Flip the mattress and plump the pillows before making the bed with crisp, clean linen and your guests will sigh contentedly as they sink into bed.

Make it comfortable - guests will appreciate a bedside table for their belongings. Add a lamp and perhaps a selection of books or magazines for those who don't sleep so well away from home. A chair is a great multi-purpose addition to any guest room and a cooling fan will be well received on hot summer nights.

Add the detail - make your visitors feel wonderfully welcome with small personal touches. Fresh flowers, relaxing scented candles, soft fluffy towels or basket of luxurious toiletries that are easily forgotten in the rush of packing can make a huge difference and ease the stress of Christmas travel.