6 Ways to Prep for Last-Minute Holiday Guests

The closer it gets to the holidays, the more likely you are to have unexpected guests visiting your home.

Whether it's the neighbor popping over with baked goods or that unexpected relative who just called to say, "Are you home? I'm about 15 minutes away and thought I'd stop by!"

You graciously say you can't wait to see them and then go into panic mode. There's stuff to be cleaned and very little time to do it.

Use these tips to prepare ahead of time for the arrival of last-minutes guests:

1. Spot cleaning — hit the highlights by making sure the main bathroom, entry way and living area are clutter free. Quickly wipe down counters, tables and other furnishings with a damp cloth.
2. Snack mixes, cheese and crackers, or nuts are great items to keep on hand to offer to guests. Or, pick up a few treats that you can throw in the oven at a moments notice like chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls. Put on a pot of coffee, hot cocoa or make some ice tea, since this is the south, and you're set.
3. Get dressed — even if it's just jeans, a sweatshirt and a baseball cap.
4. Load some Christmas music onto your iPod! It makes for nice background noise and makes your home feel a little more festive.
5. Add a little fragrance to your home by simmering oranges, cinnamon, cloves, apples in water in a saucepan on the stove top. You can find recipes here and here.
6. Walk through the house and make sure there are toilet paper and hand towels in the bathrooms. And remember to pick up those dirty clothes that didn't make it into the hamper.

Do you have a great tip to share? How do you get ready for last-minute guests? Tell us in the comments section below.