Last week I mentioned that we did some spontaneous entertaining, and a few of you were so impressed with my ability to be so flexible and prepared. First of all, I will clarify that we simply invited a friend whose wife was out of town to join us for an easy meal of pasta and tossed salad. I didn’t even serve dessert!
We don’t do that often, but I do make an effort to always leave the house in a way that wouldn’t embarrass me if someone showed up unexpectedly. Here are a couple things that make entertaining not so intimidating.
#1 Keep your home presentable by implementing morning and evening routines
Your house does not have to be spotless and pristine from top to bottom when you entertain. That’s why there are doors that can be closed to hide the laundry room, playroom or office! Just set up and maintain routines that keep the main areas of your house as presentable as possible.
In my approach to entertaining, I strive to give my guests two main feelings when they enter the door – “I was expecting you” and “Make yourself at home!” A couch covered in unfolded laundry doesn’t say “I was expecting you,” and it certainly is difficult for someone to make themselves at home on that couch!
Read More —> My Morning Routine
#2 Deal with main zones before company arrives
If you do end up with last minute guests, don’t worry about reorganizing the linen closet in the 10 minutes before they arrive. Just hit those main areas – vacuum a rug, empty a few trash cans, turn on some lamps and make sure there is a clean, dry hand towel in the bathroom.
Kids can be helpful with this too, depending on their age. Have them divide and conquer while you head to the kitchen or greet your guests!
Read More —> 10 Steps to a Tidy House
#3 Offer snacks before the meal
If you need a few minutes to get things going in the kitchen, set out some simple snacks for your guests. In my recent entertaining situation, I set out a bowl of grapes with some pretzels and hummus alongside a stack of pretty paper napkins and small plates.
I always do this for holiday meals – it keeps people occupied and gives me plenty of time to get things going without worrying that everyone is starving to death. I’ve found that easy snacks are the best options. Baked dips and hot appetizers are fun, but they kind of defeat the purpose on your end.
Read More —> Easy Spring Brunch
What’s your best entertaining secret?
Come Home For Comfort 
Leaving the house in a way that you wouldn’t be embarrassed if someone stopped by is such a great thing to keep in mind! And I love your idea of easy appetizers. That is something I often forget to do, and then I end up feeling rushed to get the meal ready. I’m going to remember your tip next time we entertain!
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It also keeps people busy and away from the kitchen. I get overwhelmed when I’m trying to work in a crowded kitchen! 🙂
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Snacks are lifesavers, as are bedrooms that are off limits to visitors (so good for stashing last-minute clutter in a pinch! :)) My guests always love fun, seasonal mugs/plates and napkins, as they make even low-key meals more special.
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Oh yes, I’m not above closing doors to rooms that aren’t really ready for company!
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Nice tips! I try to do the same – leave my house in a way that I’m excited to come home to. I notice that I feel stressed and am snappy with my family if I come home to a mess. So we clean up before we leave. I also love your tip about offering some yummy apps before the meal.
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You’re right – I know I feel much happier when I come home to a clean house.
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Lightting candles for the table also makes it seem like you are serving a special meal. Even if it is just votives, it creates a nice atmosphere.
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That’s a great tip! You’re right – I need to keep votives on hand.
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I’m SO glad i’m not the only one that has to deal with man zones! lol I love that we have a name for it too!
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Ha – sometimes it is a man zone! 🙂
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