Summer is the perfect time to catch up with friends while enjoying the nice weather. However, you may need to tidy up your house so guests are comfortable. Follow these tips to get your home party-ready. 

1. Start by Cleaning the Most Important Rooms

Before getting started, write down a list of what areas you need to clean, including entryways and coat closets. Having a list will help you stay more organized. Start with essential locations, such as the living room and bathrooms. 

Your guests are most likely to gather in your living room to socialize, so it should look clean and inviting. Vacuum your carpets and mop your floors to get rid of any dirt or dust. Also, dust off commonly used surfaces, such as tables. Removing dust allows your friends with allergies to breathe easier. 

Your guests may also want to access your bathroom, especially if you provide refreshments. Start by scrubbing your toilet and sink surfaces. Instead of using costly cleaning products, consider using a mix of baking soda and ammonia to get rid of soap scum and grime. Remember to sanitize your toilet tank to prevent the buildup of rust or mildew. 

Also, mop your floors and remove any mold from your shower curtains. If you plan to leave your curtains open, give your shower stall a quick wash. 

To clean more efficiently, start from the front of your house and work your way through. Take note of the areas your guests are most likely to congregate in. 

2.  Clear Your Clutter 

It’s vital to get rid of any clutter. This is especially important if there are children’s toys lying around the house. Also, unplug any electronic cords to clear floor space so guests can move around easily. Consider using a junk drawer or container to hide away items until after the party. 

You can divide these items into separate categories for further organization, such as put away or donate. 

To make the decluttering process go by quicker, consider asking your family to pitch in. This can save you time and teach your kids a valuable lesson in responsibility. 

3. Take Shortcuts 

To make the preparation process simpler, focus on areas you know your guests will be. If they will only be downstairs, you can skip cleaning the upstairs bedrooms. Simply close your kids’ doors to signal to your friends not to enter.

Another area to take shortcuts is the dining ware. If it’s a laid-back party, then use paper plates. This can save you time on washing dishes or buying fancy bowls. 

4. Add Finishing Touches

Once you are done cleaning, you can then focus on the fun stuff. Consider giving your home a few personal touches to make it more inviting. You might want to add floral arrangements, photos or candles. If it’s a themed party, put up your decorations. These added touches can also serve as talking points for the party. 

Here are some other summer decorating ideas to make your home more welcoming: 

• Add beach-themed decor and hues of blue

• Hang up artwork

• Spruce up your outdoor space with comfortable seating and lights

• Purchase colorful accent dishes

• Incorporate floral fabrics

Along with adding decorations, consider rearranging your furniture. Keep in mind that you want to limit your seating. Too many chairs can clutter up the space and make it harder for guests to move around easily. Also, face your furniture toward each other to encourage conversation. 

5. Prepare for Minor Cleaning Emergencies 

With multiple people moving around your house, spills are likely to occur. This is why it’s vital to prepare ahead of time. 

Before the party starts, stock up on stain removal products. You may also want to buy additional napkins and paper towels for water spills. 

Having emergency supplies allows you to take care of messes right away and enjoy your party stress-free. It also saves you time during the post-party cleanup. 

Getting Ready for Summer Festivities

Summer is a busy time for parties and festivities, so you want to make sure your house is ready for your friends and family. Consider these tips to prepare your home for your next event.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison