Prepare early. Holiday entertaining should be a joy, not a chore. Now’s the time to get your guest room ready. Clear the closet and reline the dresser drawers. Strip the bed and flip the mattress. Linen or cotton sheets and pillowcases should be flawless (we can help with professional laundering and hotel-crisp ironing). Make up the bed with a set of firm and soft pillows, light and heavy blankets and a lightweight throw for afternoon naps. Splurge on an extra set of guest towels, tied with a twill ribbon for that extra “welcome” touch.