How do you make your guests feel welcome

[Whirliwig72]

How do you pamper visitors and their offspring without giving yourself a nervous breakdown?

I had some good friends over yesterday but went to too much trouble - made last minute cream tea whilst trying to manage my two small children and subsequently got stressed and spent too much time in the kitchen and too little actually chatting to them. What are your tips for being a serene and gracious hostess whilst actually enjoying your guests?

I'm a terrible host but people always enjoy their time here probably cos I'm relaxed and laid back.

I offer a drink when they get here and biscuits or cake. If it's lunchtime I might make a quick sandwich and crisps.

I remove all toys with lots of bits or small pieces (lego and playmobil, games with dice/counters/little balls etc) and anything that can make a mess (paint, felt tip, playdough, moon dough, moon sand etc)