For weekday breakfasts for houseguests, I think the easiest thing to do is set out an assortment of things and let people choose.
In addition to the bagels mentioned above, other good choices are homemade muffins, biscuits and jam, yogurt, and fruit.
For weekend breakfasts or special occasions, I would go with a heartier meal. Since I like to spend as much time as possible with my guests, i will often do a breakfast strata. It can be put together the night before and include
*meat from ham to sausage to bacon to something more exotic like pancetta,
*bread if you like (cubed or in crustless slices),
*vegetables including whatever you like such as sauteed onions, mushrooms, bell pepper, spinach, arugula, tomatoes, zuchini
*cheese ranging from cheddar to brie to St. Andre to smoked gouda,
*and then finally, an egg-milk mixture (proportions like quiche).
Pop it in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes. Let it rest for 10 min., and then serve.
Other times I will do a frittata or French taost. A delicious variation on the latter is using Challah.
Something regional, but delicious is a baked grits dish with cheese and shrimp or cheese and diced ham and vegetables. Yum! Even non-grits lovers will like them this way.
