Finesse and Impress: Getting Your Home Guest Ready!
The last year and a half saw us making some big social adjustments. We had to put a pause on entertaining guests, socializing became more of an online affair, and entering into any home that wasn’t your own became a serious no-go. Together, we got creative, persevered, and made the best of a situation that none of us could have ever expected to be in.
Now it’s the summer of 2021… and it looks like we’re starting to come out the other side. Hanging out with your friends and family is something that you’ll get to start doing in person again – bye bye Zoom!
This also means starting to get your home back to being ‘guest ready’ – which is something none of us have had to think about for a very long time.
But have no fear! We have you covered with some of our favorite tips to impress those soon to be arriving guests!
Leave The Dirt In The Garden
Did the dust bunnies get away from you while working from home? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Begin with the basics. Dust, vacuum, and wipe down all surfaces in your bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas, moving from top to bottom to ensure you don’t forget anything.
Baseboards, windowsills, and vents are commonly neglected areas that may draw the eye of a particularly finicky guest.
Your furniture may also be in need of a little TLC after so much home time, especially if you’re like us and were soaking up all those extra quarantine cuddles from your fur babies. You can get rid of pet fur by using a damp sponge to wipe it from the furniture. It’ll look as good as new – and nobody will be the wiser to how many hours you and Fido spent on the couch watching Netflix together.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, check out our spring cleaning article HERE. It’ll help you break down those big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones.
Create a Cozy Atmosphere
Your home is your haven and it should feel like that to your guests too. Creating a warm atmosphere is key. While this can be done in many ways, here are a few of our favorites:
- Display fresh flowers or plants on tables and/or windowsills. They add bright pops of color and liveliness to a room with minimal effort and can create a great natural aesthetic in your home.
- Light a scented candle or burn some incense. A home that smells good feels good.
- Put on your favorite music (or your guest’s favorite music) – nobody likes the sound of silence!
- Pre-plan some activities and prepare accordingly. Games night? Make sure you have an assortment of board games at the ready. Movie night? Get ready to dust off those DVD’s or have your favorite streaming service logged in.
- Lay your favorite cozy blanket on the couch and fluff up the pillows for extra comfort. You can even spritz them with your favorite essential oil for a little extra flare!
- Make sure your house is a comfortable temperature. Nobody wants to be freezing or sweating when they’re trying to catch up with you so adjust the thermostat accordingly.
Do The Little Things That Leave Big Impressions
When we’re playing host, we want our common spaces and guest bedrooms to look immaculate… but we also want them to feel accessible and homey! Cleaning before guests arrive isn’t exactly revolutionary but adding little personalized touches can sure make it feel that way!
So in addition to your regular routine, try adding a few luxurious items to your guest bathrooms, bedrooms, and common areas.
Adding a scented candle, some foaming hand soap, and/or a bottle of lotion to a bathroom are great ways to add a little extra to your guests experience at a very affordable cost. Some fresh flowers may brighten up a living room, and leaving little chocolates on the bedroom pillows can have friends feeling those ‘stay-vacation vibes’ in no time.
Don’t Skimp on the Snacks
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” – Virginia Woolf
Need we say more? Summer is the time for fresh and vibrant food that not only looks good but tastes phenomenal. Whether it’s snacks from a farmer’s market, tapas ordered in from your favorite local restaurant, or a home-made family meal , food is always a good thing… so make sure that you’re stocking up on your favorite nibbles and have them out for your guests to share and enjoy!
For an added touch, put snacks in different parts of the house, such as the living room, kitchen, and patio, so that friends can nibble while they’re chatting and circulating.
Pro tip: Get creative! Whether it’s girl’s night or double date night, a ‘build your own plate’ table filled with a variety of appetizers and shareable dishes is always sure to be a hit! Another idea is to make a drink station and have some of your favorite drink recipes available on a small chalkboard or cue cards. We’ve included a few of our favorite fresh and seasonal recipes below to get you started!
If you find yourself in need of an extra pair of hands around the house before you dive into your revitalized social calendar, connect with us! Whether you want to book a first time clean or add something to your regularly scheduled visit, we’ve got you covered.
Remember! We love cleaning so you don’t have to!
~ Your Friend, Anna