Preparing for Christmas is all about the hustle and bustle of the shops, cooking, baking and decorating! While all of these activities can sometimes be stressful, creating the perfect Christmas guestroom needn't be.

When you start planning your guestroom, think about the type of room you would like to stay in and try to make it measure up to that standard. Even a few simple touches can make a world of difference and your guests will feel right at home. To help get you started, Feather & Black has put together some expert tips to creating the perfect guestroom for your Christmas visitors.

The stylist's way to arrange pillows

Start with a pair of large square continental pillows standing up against the headboard. Next add two regular size pillows, followed by two or three square and oblong scatter cushions. It's the perfect combination - lovely to look at, comfy to sleep in and great for sitting up in bed reading.

The hotelier's way to make guests feel at home

Give your guest room a welcoming feel with a bundle of fluffy towels at the foot of the bed. A small vase of fresh flowers such as Christmas Roses, scented Freesias or Eucalyptus look pretty and smells beautiful too.

The designer way to dress a guest bed

Indulge your guests with high thread count linen sheets and for a really special touch drape a silk, cashmere or velvet throw at the foot of the bed and layer with tactile cushions. It gives the bed a lovely tactile feeling and contemporary designer look and feel to the room.

The chic way to scent the bedroom

Spritz bedlinen with lavender water when ironing. The subtle fragrance smells divine and makes for a really relaxing night's sleep. A scented candle by Jo Malone or Diptyque adds the perfect finishing touch.

The stylish way to create the 'all white' bed

Everyone dreams of a White Christmas. While we can't guarantee snow, a bed dressed all in white creates a stunning focal point and a calm, tranquil retreat. Crisp white linen dressed with a white mohair throw and white satin scatter cushions makes a luxurious combination.

The clever way to make a guest bed

For a speedy changeover between guests, make the bed with a top sheet and a duvet. When your guests leave, slip off and launder the top sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcases, leaving the duvet cover still nice and clean for the next arrivals.

The host's way to create storage space

Just clearing surfaces and tidying away clutter instantly lifts a guest room. If storage space is at a premium buy a blanket box or underbed storage (Feather & Black's Water Hyacinth range is chic and inexpensive). Try to create wardrobe space too so your guests' clothes don't get creased.

The savvy way to brighten a dark guest room

A full-length mirror like Feather & Black's Navarra or Marblehead is great for reflecting light and making a guest room feel much more spacious. Additionally, it ensures your overnight guests can look and feel their very best before leaving their bedroom.

The simple way to...make a bed blissful

A mattress protector keeps a mattress in pristine condition and keeps pesky allergens at bay a must-have for sensitive guests. Add to this a topper (like a thin duvet which fits snugly to the mattress) and your guests won't want to leave.

The thoughtful way to...encourage a good night's sleep

Run a bath for your guests and offer them a cup of herbal tea, chamomile is particularly relaxing. Don't forget to make one for yourself; after all this entertaining you'll need one!

At Feather & Black, we have a wide range of beds, bed linen, bedroom furniture and accessories to help make your guestroom stand out and your guests return time and time again!

Note to editors:

• Feather & Black Winter Sale Preview is from 29th November to 5th of December 2010