Creating a Party Ready Home
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just have a get together with friends, it’s important to create a welcoming atmosphere so that your guests feel taken care of, and right at home. There are a few simple things that you can do in order to get your home and space ready before company arrives!
Declutter
This is probably one of the bigger items on the list but it’s one of the most important! It’s essential to declutter your home before hosting, so that your home feels organized, prepared and inviting. Some of the biggest areas to declutter include the kitchen and living room spaces. Store unnecessary items prior to your guests arriving in an effort to clear rooms and surfaces such as coffee tables, countertops or mantels.
Fresh Flowers
It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant but grabbing a few blooms from the local florist or grocery store will perk your home right up! Trader Joe’s has one of the best selections with great prices, and their flowers always last the longest!
Candles
This is less for the smell and much more for ambiance. It might sound cliche but lighting a few candles in the main areas of your home where you’ll be hosting will help to make it feel comfortable. Having a few of these spread out in the rooms you’ll be hosting in will create a nice and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy company.
Fresh Carpet Lines
This is typically one of the last things that I do before guests arrive! I honestly don’t think there is anything more fresh than perfect vacuum lines on your carpeted areas throughout your home. If you really want to go the extra mile, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil – keep in a tight container and sprinkle a little bit on the carpet before vacuuming. This will not only remove any odors from the carpet but it will also freshen it’s scent with some essential oils!
Open Your Windows / Use Linen Spray
Sometimes it’s hard to tell when your home has a particular smell to it - mainly because your nose is accustomed to it. After all, I’m sure you spend a lot of time in your home and it doesn’t always smell as fresh as you think! Spritzing a bit of linen spray on couches, pillows, towels, etc. help to freshen up your home. You can also open up a window in each room to let in some fresh air and rid your home of any other stagnant smells. Depending on the weather outside, I turn the heat/AC off for an hour while I do this and turn on any ceiling fans in order to get that fresh air circulating.
Snacks & Beverages
Regardless of the reason for hosting, it’s always a good idea to have some type of food or beverages that are readily available.