Contributed by Cindi Pearce, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

It can be difficult having guests, particularly if they stay a while. However, it is up to you as the host or hostess to make your guests feel special.

Now, of course, if they have overstayed their welcome and you are considering using them as a tax deduction that is another scenario altogether and no one would blame you if you got a bit curt with them. Ideally, guests come and go and are only at your home for a few hours at a time. That is the best kind of guest.

Here are the top ten ways to make guests feel special:

10. Remember budgets

If you are determined to have a destination wedding, and want all your family and friends to come, choose a locale and accommodations that you know are affordable for your guests. Provide them with airplane schedules, maps, information about the weather and anything else that they might need when traveling to your wedding and after they get there. This will make them more comfortable and special because you have taken the time to meet their needs.

9. Clean

If you are going to have houseguests, clean the guest room; wash the bed clothing and put out towels and toiletries they will need. Treat them to some exotic bath soaps and oils and put an arrangement of live flowers in their room. Of course, if they’re allergic to flowers this isn’t a good idea. Ask, in advance, if they have any allergies. That way you can do everything in your power to make the visit as comfortable as possible for your guests.

8. Token

Depending on the occasion, you may want to give them a charming gift showing how much you appreciated their presence. The gift doesn’t have to be lavish. A meaningful Christmas ornament or a small candle is sufficient. It’s just a token to say “Thank you for coming!”

7. Re-vite

Invite them back. This lets your guests know that you enjoyed the time that you spent with them and would like to socialize with them again.

6. Get personal

Inquire about their family members. It’s great if you can come up with the names of their children and even their dog. That shows that you have been paying attention. People like it when someone expresses interest in them and their lives and actually listens to them. When you give your undivided attention to someone that makes them feel special.

5. Remember names

Remembering your guest’s name is nice. There is nothing worse than being invited to someone’s home and they don’t know who you are once you get there.

4. Food

Fix food that your guests will like. When issuing invitations ask your guests if there are any dietary restrictions and then try to accommodate them.

3. Accomodations

During a party make a point of inquiring if you guests are warm enough or cool enough. If someone has a physical handicap or limitations accommodate them.

2. Stock the cupboards

If your guests are staying for a while, you may not be able to cook all of their meals for them (or want to) so head out to the store in advance of their arrival and make sure there are breakfast foods, coffee, tea and other food items that they can easily prepare for themselves.

1. Enjoy yourself!

The host should be relaxed. If you are a freaked out, nervous wreck, scurrying around in the kitchen with a fire extinguisher in one hand and mumbling curse words under your breath this is not going to make your guests feel special. The opposite, in fact. They may sneak out.