If you have recently moved house and are thinking about hosting a housewarming party, or if you've decided that it's about time to start hosting dinner parties or get togethers with friends just for funsies, you might be wondering where to start when it comes to getting your home ready for entertaining.
For the most part, your guests are there to spend time with you, not to give your home the white glove treatment. However, if you are worried things around your home aren't quite up to snuff, it might be worth hiring a professional cleaning service to come through and give it a once over before your guests arrive. The same goes for your cleaning carpets and area rugs--a professional rug cleaner might be just what you need to bring dirty or dingy carpets back to life.
What else can you do to get your home party ready? Check it out:
For the most part, your guests are there to spend time with you, not to give your home the white glove treatment. However, if you are worried things around your home aren't quite up to snuff, it might be worth hiring a professional cleaning service to come through and give it a once over before your guests arrive. The same goes for your cleaning carpets and area rugs--a professional rug cleaner might be just what you need to bring dirty or dingy carpets back to life.
What else can you do to get your home party ready? Check it out:
Get Your Home Party-Ready
Let's Start At The Entryway
Assuming your guests will be making their entrance that leads into (what else) the entryway, this is a great place to start getting your home ready for company. First impressions count, so make sure your entryway is clear and well-organized with designated spaces for coats, shoes, umbrellas and bags. If you don't have an entryway closet and space allows, consider adding a bench seat, coat rack and shoe cubbies.
An indoor mat or throw rug in this spot is a smart idea as well, where guests can wipe their shoes before entering your home. You might want to put a cute sign here noting your wifi credentials, too!
Assuming your guests will be making their entrance that leads into (what else) the entryway, this is a great place to start getting your home ready for company. First impressions count, so make sure your entryway is clear and well-organized with designated spaces for coats, shoes, umbrellas and bags. If you don't have an entryway closet and space allows, consider adding a bench seat, coat rack and shoe cubbies.
An indoor mat or throw rug in this spot is a smart idea as well, where guests can wipe their shoes before entering your home. You might want to put a cute sign here noting your wifi credentials, too!
  3 Piece Coat Rack + Shoe Bench, amazon.com |
  Prepac Hall Tree, Assorted Finishes, amazon.com |
Gathering Space
Do you know what room guests will be spending the most time in? Whether it's the kitchen, dining or family room, make sure there is plenty of comfortable seating and enough elbow room for everyone. Additionally, be sure there's plenty of flat surfaces (like side tables or stylish TV trays) for guests to place their plates and cups. There's nothing more awkward than watching your guests trying to balance a plate on their lap and a drink in their hand!
You'll also want to be sure that wherever your guests gather, they are in close proximity to food and drink. A sideboard or buffet table is a great place to place apps and finger foods for guests. If there's no such table in your space, you can easily dress up a folding table or two with a neutral-colored fabric table cloth and / or matching table skirt.
The Kitchen
Even if your guests will be spending time elsewhere in the house, you'll want a tidy kitchen. Before your guests arrive, be sure countertops are clean and clear and your trashcan is empty. and lined with a new bag You might want to set up a separate can for recyclables like bottles and cans as well. If you will be serving food and drinks in the kitchen, make sure you have designated areas assigned for both. For example, using countertops as a buffet line is an excellent idea, where guests can come and go and serve themselves. Likewise, setting up an organized drink station or bar area where guests can prepare their own beverages is wise.
Just because you're clearing space for serving food and drink doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Use attractive linens and serveware, and add a few bouquets of fresh flowers here and there. Your guests will take notice and appreciate the extra effort.
Even if your guests will be spending time elsewhere in the house, you'll want a tidy kitchen. Before your guests arrive, be sure countertops are clean and clear and your trashcan is empty. and lined with a new bag You might want to set up a separate can for recyclables like bottles and cans as well. If you will be serving food and drinks in the kitchen, make sure you have designated areas assigned for both. For example, using countertops as a buffet line is an excellent idea, where guests can come and go and serve themselves. Likewise, setting up an organized drink station or bar area where guests can prepare their own beverages is wise.
Just because you're clearing space for serving food and drink doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. Use attractive linens and serveware, and add a few bouquets of fresh flowers here and there. Your guests will take notice and appreciate the extra effort.
  3 Tier Oval Serving Bowl Set, amazon.com |
  7 Piece Buffet Organizer, amazon.com |
The Bathroom
The last room in the house you'd want your guests to feel uncomfortable in is the bathroom. Whether it's a half bath or full bath, make sure it's clean and well stocked with toilet paper, tissues and clean hand towels. Be sure soap and lotion dispensers are full and that the garbage can is empty. You might want to have an essential oil diffuser running, too. Additionally, set out a basket of essentials, such as individually wrapped mints, toothpicks, Band-Aids and aspirin. Of course, don't forget the toilet spray!
  Poopourri Before-You-Go Spray, amazon.com |
  Michael Design Works Soap & Lotion Set, Honey Almond, amazon.com |
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Are you planning a holiday party this year? If so, check out this infographic from Blue Plate Chicago Catering for tips to consider when planning a holiday party:
Presented By Blue Plate Chicago Catering
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