How to prepare your home for the holidays and the arrival of guests

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

A life hacker will help you create a menu, quickly clean up and even distract guests from the clutter if you suddenly run out of time.

Make a menu

Calculate how many people will be at your party and create a menu based on the number of guests.

It is better to find out in advance if any of the invitees are allergic to any foods. Perhaps some of the guests are eating a particular type of food, so try to diversify your choice of dishes so as not to leave this person hungry.

Choosing a menu that will please all guests, you will express your sincere concern for them and your cordiality.

If guests come with children, then also please them with something tasty and original. A separate small table is a good solution. So it will be more comfortable for adults and more fun for children.

Don't overdo it. It is better to impress guests with the taste of the prepared dishes, and not with their unprecedented amount. Consider decorating treats. After all, the aesthetic presentation is already half the success.

It is better to cook a hot dish according to the recipe you have already tried, but you can experiment with salads. Don't forget fruit and vegetable cuts. They not only diversify the menu, but also serve as a decoration for the festive table, if you are creative in their presentation.

Once you've decided on the menu, make a shopping list. Add to it not only the main ingredients, but also other products that you need to purchase: bread, water, juices.

It is better to stock up on groceries gradually so that the large amount does not strike a sharp blow on your wallet and your mood, especially if you are planning to have a real feast. In this case, it is better to think in advance how much money you can allocate from your budget and start saving up for the holiday table.

Think over the setting

Prepare the furniture

Once you've decided on your guest list and your menu, think about how you will host everyone. Do you have a large table? Are there enough chairs to seat all the guests? Is there room for outerwear?

You may need to make a small rearrangement so that guests do not have to huddle. It is better to think over such details in advance so that they do not catch you by surprise at the very last moment.

If you have very little space in your apartment, and a lot of guests are expected, put a buffet table, ottomans, chairs or armchairs. Firstly, it is unusual, and secondly, you will have a place to dance. Plus, no one gets hurt by overeating.

Select utensils

Make sure you have enough plates, glasses and cutlery for all guests. Choose salad bowls and dishes for hot dishes in advance, as well as think over serving. Here are some ideas for inspiration.

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If you are planning an extensive menu, and everything does not fit on the table, then there is an easy way to solve this problem. Do not serve hot dishes, such as mashed potatoes or chicken legs, on a shared platter, but serve each one separately. As a last resort, you can do the same with salads.

You may want to bring some of the guests a treat from the festive table with you. To do this, prepare many empty food containers, cling film or foil. In addition, you will definitely need them when you remove leftover food from the table. Do not put crystal vases in the refrigerator.

Create entertainment for guests

Create a festive playlist to play in the background. If there are kids, then make a children's corner with toys, pencils and drawing paper so that they do not get bored. There are also some interesting games for an adult company.

Prepare decorations for the room in which the celebration will take place. For example, you can hang balloons or party posters. Place candles on the table and on the shelves. Subdued lighting will create a cozy and calm atmosphere. In addition, it will distract the attention of guests if you still did not have time to put the perfect order before they arrived.

Prepare a contingency plan

What if some of the guests have to stay with you overnight? This option should be considered in advance. Think about where and how many people you can accommodate.

Prepare clean bedding and tidy up the room where guests will be staying.

Do the cleaning

If all of the above can be prepared in advance, then general cleaning is best done a couple of days before the holiday.

Clean up the bathroom

This room will definitely be visited by all your guests, so it should sparkle with cleanliness.

Clean the walls and floor in the bathroom. You can clean the seams between the tiles with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar. After that, be sure to rinse the tiles with water.

Then, clean the tub, toilet and sink to remove any deposits. Wipe down the mirror and all shelves. Remove personal belongings.

Remember to stock up on toilet paper and hang up a clean hand towel. Before the arrival of guests, you can light scented candles or sticks in the bathroom.

Clean up the kitchen

Clean kitchen units and work surfaces. Clean the refrigerator and freezer, and get rid of old or spoiled food. It's much more enjoyable to put holiday meals in a clean and sparkling refrigerator.

Wash the festive tableware in advance that you don't use on weekdays. Dust and wash large serving dishes and sets.

If you are going to get your silverware for a holiday, be sure to clean it. Just make sure there is enough for all guests.

Wash and iron the tablecloth and napkins. Check for any stains from past treats. Otherwise, you will have to purchase new ones so as not to spoil the impression of the festive table.

And before the arrival of guests, be sure to wash and remove all the utensils that you used for cooking.

Clean up the room where you will receive guests

Clean the floor in all rooms and vacuum. Do a wet mop and pick up any scattered items. Make sure there are no stains on the furniture.

If you have a folding table, then wipe it completely from dust in advance and check if it needs to be repaired.

Wipe down any favors, lamps and candles, and any decorations you wish to place on the table.

What to do if guests are already on the doorstep

First of all, focus on the room where the guests will be. Remove all unnecessary things from sight. They can simply be moved into a closet or another room. Arrange your souvenirs, magazines, books and whatever is left on the shelves neatly. Wipe dust off all visible surfaces: coffee tables, low shelves, electronics. If you have a carpet or carpet runners, be sure to vacuum them. All this will take very little time.

Then go to the bathroom. If time is running out, just put some cosmetic order there. Remove excess towels and dirty clothes. Vacuum the toilet rugs and clean the mirror and taps. Put in new soap. Spread out the bath curtain so that the bathtub and shelves are not visible.

Guests may not go to the kitchen, but nevertheless, wipe the table and the surfaces of the kitchen set. Remove leftover food. And if there are dirty dishes left, then try to hide it somewhere. If you don't have a dishwasher, use an oven for this. You can wash the dishes even after the guests have left.

Ventilate the apartment so that there is fresh air in all rooms. And don't forget to tidy yourself up!

Take it easy

Don't worry if things don't go according to plan. Any holiday is a reason to meet people close and dear to your heart, and not an assessment of your housekeeping skills. Be friendly and open, then the atmosphere in the house will become much more comfortable.