Preparing for guests to come over can be a very stressful time for many people, but there are a few simple steps you can take to make the right impression on your visitors.
Unless your home is excessively dirty, it probably won't take you more than an hour or so to get it ready, especially if you follow our tips and do a little planning ahead of time.
Everyone knows you only have one chance to make a good first impression, and your guest's impression of your home will start before they even step into your home. Think about creative ways you can impress your guests with exterior entry designs.
Next, your time to shine happens the moment visitors step into your home.
Make sure your foyer/entryway is neat and tidy with shoes out of sight or neatly organized, mail and other items stacked neatly, and coats and other outerwear placed singly on hooks instead of doubled (or tripled) up.
Other recommended items to have in your foyer/entryway are an umbrella stand and a bench or chair where guests can sit to take off/put on their shoes. And make sure you have a good place for guests to store their coats, too.
After you welcome guests into your home, it's basic hospitality to offer them a drink. You don't need to keep a fully stocked bar, but it's a good idea to have a variety of common refreshments like wine, beer, pop, coffee, tea, and water. Make sure that you have plenty of ice on hand, too.
Nothing spruces up your home like an arrangement of fresh flowers do. If you're not the type of home owner to regularly buy fresh flowers, consider investing in some lovely potted plants like orchids or violets.
Sooner or later, your guests are going to make a trip to your bathroom. Whether it's a half bath downstairs you rarely use or a full bath you visit daily, make sure your guest is greeted by a sparkling clean room with hand towels on display and plenty of soap and toilet paper.
Whether your home smells of wet dog or cleaning products, chances are you probably don't notice it because you're so used to it. Yet, one of the very first things a guest will notice is the way your home smells. If you're not sure which odours a guest might notice, leave your home for half an hour or so and then come back in, taking a moment to close your eyes and focus on the scents.
Beyond just ensuring your home is clean and free from any unpleasant odours, consider adding pleasant aromas such as fresh-baked bread or cookies, lightly scented candles, or naturally perfumed plants like a jasmine bouquet.
Whether you have paintings, photographs, or embroidered items hanging on your walls, these items will definitely get the attention of your guests. What you choose to display on your walls will say a lot about your personality, so avoid anything that's too bland or generic.
If all your walls are completely bare, this is a noticeable aspect, too. Personal representation brings a strong sense of comfort into a home. If you're not huge into art, hanging photos of family members and loved ones on the wall can add both a decorative and warm touch.
It's absolutely essential to make sure your floors are clean and unobstructed before any guests arrive. Remove any toys or other items and then give your flooring a good sweeping/vacuuming. Not only will this help to make a good impression, it'll welcome guests to feel comfortable with removing their shoes at the door.
Spills and accidents happen in every home, but nothing can ruin all your hard work to keep your house presentable than an unsightly stain on the couch or a chair.
Use a steam cleaner to remove stains if you own one or consider applying new cushion covers or a blanket if you don't have time to remove the stain. As a last resort, flip over the cushion so the clean side is showing.
Life is messy, but no guest likes to walk into a cluttered home. Take a few minutes to organize what you can and put away what you cannot before any guests arrive. One area of the home that tends to pile on the clutter is the kitchen, so employ some tricks to say goodbye to clutter in your kitchen [ link to QCYEG - Oct 17 - Say Goodbye to Clutter: The Kitchen ]. Although you may not invite guests into this more private area of your home, you may want to declutter your bedroom, too, just in case!
But if you've ever been described as a "neat freak," consider leaving some clutter or unorganized items around so that your home looks lived in. Try and avoid making your home look like you're getting ready to sell it.
Books have been decorative items in many people's homes for years, but don't go overboard. Avoid art objects that just look like books. Put your most interesting or engaging books at eye level where guests will notice them first.
The best option is to have an abundant source of natural light in the rooms where you'll be receiving guests, but if that's not an option, use a number of well-placed lamps rather than relying on a single, bright source of light. Other touches like a candle or two can add some soft, natural light, but don't overdo it (unless you wantto set a romantic ambience.)
With some careful consideration and advanced planning, it's a pretty simple task to get the areas of your home where you will be receiving guests looking neat and tidy, while also feeling cozy and welcoming.
Don't stress too much about cleaning every nook and cranny, but spend an hour or so making sure the floors and furniture look their best so you make the right first impression.