Preparing your guest house for company can be done in three simple steps: clean, stock, and decorate.
The cleaning step should include dusting and cleaning of the floors, bathroom and kitchen area. If there is a musty smell from the guest house not being used recently, make sure to spray an air freshener after you are done cleaning!
The stocking step is the most important step, as this will make your guests feel at home if done correctly. Make sure there is at least one towel set per person (bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth). Although your guests will probably bring their own toiletries, it is good to leave some small sizes of shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving cream and toothpaste for them to use if they forget their own. In the kitchen area, ensure that there are coffee cups (at least two per guest) and water glasses. Check the refrigerator to make sure the last guests didn't leave anything behind. Also, it is nice to have several choices of sodas and bottled waters in there for your guests. There are several other basics that a guest house should have: an alarm clock, a radio and a coffee maker. Make sure all of these items are working properly before your guests arrive, and replace them if they are broken.
Decorating is the last step to getting ready for your guests. A vase of fresh flowers in the entrance way is an inexpensive way to show your guests how happy you are that they are staying with you. Also, if you purchase the flowers the day your guests arrive, they should last at least a week. Make sure the walls are not bare. Remember, this area is an extension of your home, so don't hesitate to put up pictures of your family or artwork that you like! You want this area to feel like a home away from home for your guests.