How to Be the Ultimate Holiday Host, According to an Expert

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We love December, but as we all know well, this festive month also comes with tons of extra responsibility. You have to carve out time (and money) to snag the perfect gifts, decorate with the right mix of tradition and whimsy, and, of course, host tons of visitors. Whether your family is flying in to stay awhile or friends are dropping by for a quick visit, making room for loved ones can be tricky and challenging—especially if you (like us) don't have a designated guest room.

It's tempting to put out an air mattress, an extra towel, and deem your prep accomplished, but what guests really want when they're away is a place they feel totally comfortable (i.e. not in the middle of your living room sandwiched between the coffee table and TV cabinet). It's important to create a relaxed, private, oasis, even if it's just a small part of a room, and luckily for us, it doesn't take a ton of money or time to turn your living room or den (if you're lucky enough to have both) into a comfy space guests will actually want to return to.

VIDEO: Perfect Holiday Gift Ideas for Every Man on Your List

We turned to Michele Hofherr, founder of the chicly curated online marketplace, Previously Owned by a Gay Man, to give us some simple tips to step up our hosting game. Get ready to seriously impress.

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Invest in a bedside table.

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$149 available at Crate & Barrel Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Give guests a space next to the bed to leave a glass of water, a book, or their phone. It doesn't have to be nightstand or side table—in fact, it doesn't have to be a table. An attaché case atop a stool is a chic alternative.

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Hide essentials in plain sight.

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$32 available at Amazon Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Make sure guests can find anything they might need super easily. Type or elegantly write the WiFi network and password and frame it for a resort-vibe. Also on the tech beat, plug in an extra charger nearby, like this chic one by ban.do—how many times have you forgotten yours? Lastly, put together a collection of midnight snacks and water, and stash it within reach.

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Remember that comfort is king.

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Add cozy accents wherever you can, whether it's topping an air mattress with memory foam, making up a sofa with luxurious linens or giving guests a plush down duvet to snuggle up in. Tons of luxe bed pillows, like this pair by John Robshaw, can also make a sleep space look chic and intimate.

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Make a place for everything.

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$129 available at West Elm Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

It's not always possible to provide a closet in a pop-up guest space, but a good host will find a way to allow guests to keep things neatly tucked away: seagrass baskets, canvas tote bags, a repurposed armoire, or even a vintage Louis Vuitton trunk make great make-shift lockers.

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Don't overshare.

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$69 available at Bloomingdale's Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

When carving out a creative guest space from an existing room, chances are you might be sharing a powder room with your visitor. Add some thoughtful touches like a selection of luxe toiletries (trust us, no one wants to share a bar of soap in the shower!), fluffy bath towels, and a fresh hotel-quality robe, like this shawl collar style by Lauren Ralph Lauren.

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5 Ways to Be the Ultimate Holiday Host, According to an Expert