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Unexpected Guests? 6 Tips To Prepare Your Home

What if you have unexpected guests dropping in? How do you prepare home for guests so that your hospitality is showcased to the best advantage?

With people leading busy social lives, your guests will definitely call ahead to make sure you are at home, and give you a little time. It’s how you make use of those precious minutes to prepare home for guests that will make the difference. Obviously, your preparations will be different if they’re just staying for a while or if they’re having a meal with you or staying overnight.

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The important thing is to do what you can in the little time available to you, and not to be flustered or unwelcoming when your unexpected guests drop in. Don’t make their visit look like an unpleasant surprise. Above all, remember to look neat and chic yourself!

So here’s what you can do to prepare home for guests:

Clean up

Clean up

This has to be the first step when you prepare home for guests. Quickly dust or wipe all surfaces and sweep dirt from the floors. Pick waste that may be lying around and put it in the bin. Empty your trash, if you have time. Do any dishes that may be lying in the sink or if you don't have time, stack them underneath out of sight.

Keep things back

Keep things back

When there are guests coming, go over every room and pick up the things that don't belong there and put them back into their places. The house will automatically look less cluttered and cleaner. Make sure that the entrance area and sitting room are spic and span. Straighten and arrange knick-knacks and cushions.

Change sheets

Change sheets

What if your unexpected guests are staying the night? Make sure your sheets are changed, especially in the guest room. If they are just dropping by, smooth all the sheets in the bedrooms and change ones that are looking rumpled. Plump up pillows and cushions.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms

However long they are staying, when you prepare home for guests, don't forget to check if the sink and closet are clean. Replace towels and make sure there is adequate soap and tissue. Wipe damp surfaces quickly and arrange the toiletries and air freshener. Clean the mirror. A dirty bathroom can leave a bad impression.

Keep your serve wares ready

Keep your serve wares ready

Check your supplies to be sure that you have enough beverages and snacks to serve unexpected guests. Fish out your serving tray and good serving bowls and glasses. Wash and wipe them ready to serve your guests. If they are staying longer, you can order food or go out for a meal together.

Use flowers

Use flowers

Nothing can freshen up a home faster than flowers. If you want to prepare home for guests and make it look glam in a jiffy, arrange loads of flowers in various parts of the house. If you have a garden, then it becomes easy, but many vegetable markets stock flowers too. Remove the label from Nutella jars by soaking in water and voila - you have a cheap and chic vase.

Story first published: Wednesday, September 3, 2014, 16:29 [IST]
Read more about: decor