Gear up for sleep-over guests

We've just been through the hectic build-up to Christmas, guzzled ourselves to near explosion and big-partied over the New Year.

Now all we want is a magic wand that will immediately exorcise those extra kilos, instantly re-pack and trundle all the paraphernalia while hoping not to trip over a champagne cork that popped days back and landed God knows where.

We'd also love to tickle ourselves pink with a leisurely life rather than drag ourselves most reluctantly back to work.

Given this dreamland mood, I can imagine the cries of hostess horror at someone who is about to turn up unexpectedly at your doorstep for a week or two. It's a true bolt from the blue - except if you have a recently revamped guest bedroom, or the cheerful aplomb to accommodate even the most impromptu of visiting friends.

Unless they happen to be eternal sourpuss groans, you really don't have to give yourself a stomach ulcer. Simply add a few welcoming touches particularly to the nook targeted as the sleeping area. After all, today's poky apartments axe any possibility of doing up a guest room. Since squeezing in a sleeping bag in the living/dining/kitchen is more like it, I've brainstormed the following tips to maximise on minimal space and limited privacy.

Unless you have an unfurnished and clutter-free room, choosing an out-of-the-way corner and screening it should be your point of take off. You may need to shuffle some furniture too. In any case:

¤ A comfortable sofa bed is worth every lira because once your friends are gone you can make it your chill-out bedrock.

¤ Transform an occasional table into a temporary bedside one. Add a few scented candles for instant feel-good vibes. But don't forget to place an alarm clock so that you won't have to wake your visiting friends up yourself.

¤ An empty chest topped with a free standing mirror (more practical if it's hanging) doubles up as all the bedroom bits and pieces rolled in one delightful miniature.

¤ If you don't have a chest, beg or borrow one from someone who won't mind.

¤ A hat stand also makes an attractive substitute for a mini (if open air) wardrobe that keeps clothes aired and handbags organised.

¤ If you have shelving nearby, empty part of it to create more storage and plonking space.

¤ Even the tiniest of Maltese apartments have a spare toilet, or better still a spare toilet-cum-shower. (Why do you think there are so many in the bathroom business?) This is a bonus for you and your stay-over friends. Just decorate with deluxe toiletries and tuck in an extra laundry basket. A small bowl filled with heaven scented pot pourri makes yet another winning finishing touch.

¤ Form a cluster of potted plants in one empty corner if your sparsely furnished spare room seems too monastic. Or leave your exercise bike right there.

Alternatively, if you merely want to give a quick lift to an already decked out spare bedroom, nothing beats a new duvet cover that blends in with the accessories you already have.

What about those impossible-to-please insufferably finicky monsters? Write back immediately and say you'll be away yourself. Any excuse will do, no matter how paltry. It's your fault if you don't.