You can also leave a basket out on the counter, filled with energy bars, microwaveable popcorn and red vines or other candy, along with a couple of DVDs for your friends to watch while hanging out. Your best bet for videos are something lighthearted and fun, like Da Ali G Show or your favorite television series.

Have some music set up on your CD player so guests can listen to music easily. If there is something tricky about any of your appliances, be sure let them know how they work (or leave a Post-it note with directions). These little thoughtful touches mean a lot, so they don’t get frustrated just trying to turn the stereo on.

Leave a ‘good morning’ note on the counter with directions to your favorite restaurant or a coffee place with great people watching. Your friends most likely will not know their way around, so it’s nice to keep destinations local. It always feels like vacation when you can walk rather than get in the car.

If you have girlfriends coming to town who always enjoy a good spa treatment, it’s a great idea to schedule pedicures for them to have at the same time at a fun spa or salon nearby. Look for salons that serve customers martinis or margaritas while they polish. Or you could always have a bottle of champagne, fresh squeezed OJ and plastic glasses for them to take with them. (Call the salon first. Let them know it's a special occasion and ask if this is okay. Most salons are fine with this—it’s done all the time for bridal parties.) Just make sure to let your girlfriends know about the pedicures, so they don’t schedule one before coming.