deiyezooger; If shabbos doesn’t merit dishes, only guests, I believe it is kind of zilzul in Kavod Shabbos, though I hear your s’vorah. But it isn’t always the case is it? Some people really want to show up for their guest how fancy they are, and it’s just that.
The Mommy of the house should be well rested, dishes can be done after shabbos, the same way the dishes miraculously get done when there is guests. Why can’t the dishes find their way to the table when there is nobody to show of to, just HB”H, Shabbos, the Malochim. Showing our dear children that we respect Shabbos for Shabbos and don’t put on a show only when other people are watching.