Get Your Home Guest-Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

Are you the “host with the most” for this year’s annual festive or New Year’s Eve party? If you're anything like us and find yourself scurrying around like mad trying to get your house presentable, follow these pointers for getting your house ready for guests in a flash!

The rule of thumb is to pay attention to the spaces that will have the most traffic.

1. Clear an area in your kitchen for any last-minute food preparation.
2. Make space in your fridge by freezing leftover food or getting rid of expired goods. Place large containers, such as milk cartons, yoghurt and items that you don’t need for the festivities at the back of the refrigerator to make way for party food and beverages.
3. Scan the house for dirty plates, glasses, etc. and, if you’re lucky enough to have one, pack it away in your dishwasher. If you don’t, delegate a member of your household to wash these up and put them back where they belong.
4. Empty the bins in the rooms that will be used by guests (like the kitchen, bathroom or living area). Line the containers with clean liners (ones that smell nice are a bonus!).

A sparkling restroom will show that you are attentive to cleanliness and your guests’ comfort.

• Give the taps and mirrors a quick wipe to make them sparkle.
• Brush down the bowl of your loos and drizzle them with toilet cleaner.
• Make sure the floors are clean!
• Clear the counters of unnecessary clutter – hide them in your bedroom cupboard for today!
• Replace hand towels with fresh ones, and make sure there is enough hand soap available.
• Ensure that there are a couple of spare rolls of toilet paper stacked neatly in the restroom.

• Straighten and fluff up sofa pillows.
• Fold throws neatly and put unnecessary accessories out of sight.
• Arrange stacks of magazines and books neatly.
• Create a place for your guests to leave their handbags and personal belongings like jerseys etc. so that these don’t clutter your house.
• Light scented candles. Candlelight is flattering, and the wafting aroma will add a lovely ambience. Fresh flowers really brighten a room!

By following these hacks and making sure you have comprehensive home and contents insurance, you and you and your guests will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy your party (there’s only the cleaning up afterwards – but that’s another story)!