The festive time of year is upon us, and with the arrival of occasions like Thanksgiving, you may find yourself bringing home more than just a turkey; you could also be welcoming loved ones as overnight guests.

But before you open your door to them, you’ll need to be sure that you plan appropriately. These four tips can help you feel prepared and provide peace of mind when your friends and family check into your personal hotel.

Ask ahead

While it’s obvious that you’ll need to arrange bedding and put out towels in an overall neat and clean environment, being a gracious host means also tailoring the experience to the individual. Ask in advance about any food allergies, special sleeping arrangements needed, and pets they may be bringing. You could also ask about any activities they’d like to enjoy in your area. (More on that to follow.) Additionally, inquire about any pets they’re bringing along and what their care needs will be, then obtain special cleaning products in case of any animal-related stains or odors.

Plan events and entertainment

Major holiday gatherings will likely absorb the bulk of your time and energy, but if you’re hosting out-of-towners, they may need more to do throughout a multiday stay. So to keep your guests from tapping their fingers in boredom (or begging for your attention), create a list of activities for them, including local sightseeing, nature trails, restaurant recommendations, and family-friendly events. Writing up an itinerary in advance, especially one that factors in their requests, can save you the stress of scrambling to resolve their boredom while they visit.

Planning entertainment can be especially handy as you cook and set up for big dinners, getting guests out of your hair so you have the house to yourself. If they insist on staying around while you prep, give them a satisfying project rather than handing them a mop; for example, have them craft a fun table centerpiece or arrange a floral bouquet before other visitors arrive.

Focus on multiple meals

Thanksgiving dinner and other big holiday meals need shopping and planning, but other meals for your guests do as well, especially breakfasts. Your loved ones will likely wake up hungry and perhaps in need of coffee, so make a menu of eats you can whip up and serve in no time once the day breaks. Consider options that don’t require cooking, such as pastries, yogurt, and beverages—these flexible eats can be plated in a jiffy.

Prepare for spontaneous guests

Not all visitors fly in to stay with you. Others may fill up after dinner and need a rest or simply seem too exhausted to make the road trip home. So plan ahead for these and other situations that may land you with an unexpected boarder. Keep a spare bedroom or other sleeping area tidy and stocked with extra linens and toiletries in a guest bathroom. That way, you can not only open your door for dinner but also for anyone who needs a pillow for their head after the big meal. Such consideration will make you a host worthy of extra gratitude—and prompt requests to return for a future visit.