It can be wonderful to have guests at home. Whether they are friends or family, be it a meal or a get-together, these moments are refreshing, fun and memorable. Naturally, you need to plan the food and drink in advance. There’s another thing you need to look at: how spick-and-span your home is.
Now, we’re not saying that at other times, your home can look dirty and disorderly. It’s just that you need to take a little more care before having company over. This doesn’t have to mean a thorough spring cleaning, but simply taking care to make the best impression.
Whether it’s a casual catch-up with friends or a more formal dinner party, here’s a handy checklist that will make you the host with the most.
Clean the Entrance
First impressions matter. That’s why you should make sure the entrance to your home is as spotless as it can be. Wipe down the door, brush the welcome mat, and clean the doorknocker and doorbell if necessary. After that, when guests first step inside your home, they should not find the space cluttered or messy. Keep the foyer spotless and fresh. If necessary, you can create a small space for shoes or a closet for coats. Once that is done, you can start the get-together with a bang.
Pay Attention to Lights and Fans
We often ignore the state of light fittings and ceiling fans and pay attention to them only when it is necessary. A gathering at home can be an opportunity to fix this. Clean all lampshades and other light fittings carefully. Wipe the dust from ceiling fans with a soft, damp cloth. If possible, get fan regulators checked to see if they are operating properly. You’ll be surprised at the difference that unsoiled lights and fans can make.
Cut the Clutter
Living spaces can become disheveled because of our day-to-day activities. This is only natural and happens to everyone. However, that’s not the impression you want guests to have. Chances are that your invitees will spend the most time in the living room, so this is what you need to pay most attention to. For a start, remove unnecessary items from sofas and tables, such as toys, clothes, and cutlery. Push furniture back to where it belongs. Get rid of anything else that gets in the way.
Check Furniture and Upholstery
Your guests should feel comfortable and relaxed when seated. That’s why you should check the upholstery and condition of your sofas and chairs. If there are stains, try and remove them. If there are tears, try and repair them. Make sure cushions are firm and other seating areas are comfortable. Of course, you should also ensure that there are enough places to sit for the number of people that will be coming over.
Keep Bathrooms Spotless
You don’t want your guests to cringe when they enter the bathroom. Spend some time making it immaculate. Remove used towels and replace them with fresh ones. See to it that there is an adequate supply of soap. Make sure the basin and toilet seat are clean and gleaming, as is the floor. Put away items of personal use, such as razors and creams. If there is space, it’s always a nice touch to place a bowl of pot-pourri or a vase of fresh flowers.
Clean the Kitchen
It’s always likely that guests will step into the kitchen for water, to keep cutlery, or simply to help. That’s why you should keep the kitchen in ship shape, too. As with other spaces, keep it organized neatly and put away all the items you won’t need. Clean the gas range, the microwave, and any other appliances in use. When it comes to the fridge, not only should the exterior be clean, but the interiors should not be overstuffed and messy. As for cutlery, you already know that plates, knives, and forks should be spotless and gleaming.
Keep the Air Fresh
The quality of air and the aroma go a long way in making interiors pleasing and inviting. A little while before guests arrive, throw open the windows and let air circulate. Turning on all the fans helps, too. If you need to, use an air freshener. Many people also find that lighting scented candles makes the atmosphere more welcoming. If the weather is warm and the living room has an air-conditioner, turn it on before people arrive so they can walk directly into a cool and pleasant environment.
Make the Floors and Corners Spotless
We’ve already mentioned the floors in your kitchen and bathroom. Of course, the same applies to the floor everywhere else, too. You’ll need to vacuum and clean them, and make sure they are free of stains and spills. Pay attention to corners, as this is often where dust accumulates. Rugs and carpets deserve special care, too. Brush and vacuum them and ensure that they are odour-free.
All the above may sound like a huge chore, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s just about taking a little extra care so that when guests leave, they will return with memories of a wonderful time.
At HomeLane, we’re the experts in creating interiors that homeowners and guests love to spend time in. For more tips on home maintenance, and for interior décor advice, head over to HomeLane’s Design Journal.
