Company’s Coming. What Do Your Guests Except?

Company is on the way and you are worried about the state of your home. And your hostess capabilities in general.

Well relax. Unless you truly live in a cesspool you are probably noticing many more things wrong with your surroundings than your guests would ever pick up on. Ease up a bit on yourself and use these tips to be ever guest ready.

Most people think that their guests want to see a spotless white room with no sign of life for miles. The opposite is true. Your guests will be more comfortable, yes if your home is clean, but also if it looks as if you live there. A few children’s toys, a tossed blanket or sweater, an open book. Signs of life please.

Do you have children?  Their toys don’t have to be out of site. Of course a pile of leggos in the middle of a hall can be a health hazard but piled instead on top of a table where your kids are building something great this show signs of intelligent life. Don’t hide the presence of children.

Worried about scents? You know what an offensive odor is so get rid of those and air your home often so mold and mildew don’t take over but don’t feel like you have to have eau de’ flowers wafting through your spaces at all times. Fresh air is the best scent and an open window is the quickest, cheapest way to clear the air. If you do want to light something to banish odors quickly try an effusion lamp . Around since the 1800’s these glass lamps can push desired scents through your home while also ridding it of odors (I just finished lighting mine).

What about eats? Water is what most drop by guests will want but if you worried about having more keep certain staples on hand for last minute guests. Tea bags, bottled juice, and ice. Next time you bake cookies freeze some of the dough (freezable such as chocolate chip, molasses, or sugar cookies of course) in logs so you can slice and bake them at a moments notice.

Never fear to have people over. Be honest about what truly is messy, tidy up a few things add a few quick touches and voila! You’re ready for company.