Hostessing

Last week I received a call from one of my old roommates asking if she and her husband could stay at our place while they were in town for the wedding. Seeing as we have an oh-so-lovely pull out sofa bed, we welcomed them with open arms.

If I learned anything from my mother, it is how to be a hostess. I had visions of Whatever's baked french toast for breakfast on Sunday, playing games well into the night and enjoying each other's company.

We wound up meeting with friends at a buffet in town before going to the wedding and watching "Taken" after the wedding. Plans were made to eat out for breakfast the next morning, so the french toast went out the window. It may not have been my original plans, but it was more than fantastic either way. We got to enjoy the company of one of my best friend's and get to know her husband.

My question to everyone is:
How do you make people feel comfortable when first arriving at your home?

I find it so awkward when offering drinks and food with the response of "no." This is almost always followed by awkward small talk in your living room. What is the trick? I don't expect them to feel at home immediately, as we have all felt awkward when arriving to someone's house, but I do want to get rid of that whole awkward feeling. Any tips?