How To Prepare Your Home Before a Party

The year of 2008 will be ended. As usual, this December will be the proper time to spend the holiday, either with family or with friends; either at home or out home, or even you would like to hold a (little) party and invite some friends at your house. Therefore, you should prepare all about your party well and as perfect as possible, in order that your party will be satisfying and exciting you and your friends. Here are some tips from Sarah Aguirre in preparing your party at home:

1. Evaluate what needs to be done: Writing down a quick list of rooms and places in your home that need attention will give you a plan. Don't forget entry areas and coat closets.
2. Start with the most important rooms: Sometimes it helps to begin cleaning from the entryway to your home, and work your way through the places your guests are most likely to go. Check out the intense cleaning guides for living areas, bathroom, and bedroom.
3. Don't forget the clutter: Clutter can give a spotless home a messy appearance. Give your guests room to move freely in your home. If you're having trouble getting rid of items ask yourself these questions about clutter. Try to get yourself jump started by choosing a small junk drawer and trying the quick clutter clearing ideas. Don't forget to use the 4 container clutter method to organize any job.
4. Take shortcuts that work for you: If there won't be any children at the party and your guests will only be in living areas, don't worry about cleaning and detailing family bedrooms. If the party is informal, make your serving dishes informal too. Find ways to save time that fit with the party you're trying to have.
5. Prepare for minor cleaning emergencies during the party: Be aware that stains are probably the number one party cleanup culprit. Stock up on your favorite stain removal products. Double check the stain removal helplist. Most of all, don't stress. These things happen and being prepared only shows more of your ability as host or hostess.
6. Recruit help: Use your family or closest friends to help you prepare. Find tips on involving your family in cleaning and use them to mobilize your forces at home. Check out our ideas on making chores fun. For many people, professional cleaning help may be the better choice. If you intend to have help before or during the party, be sure to reserve your place as soon as you have the dates and times you'll need them. Especially during any holiday season, help can be hard to find.
7. Add your own finishing touches: Preparing your home for a party is more than just stripping it of its clutter and dirt. It also gives you a chance to add small touches that make your home comfortable and inviting. Try flower arrangements, photographs, candles, or incense. Try to stimulate the senses of your guests. Do a walk-through after you've cleaned and decluttered to see how your guests will experience the rooms in your home.
8. Enjoy the party: Try not to stress over the little things that may seem to go wrong during the party. Just enjoy the fruits of your efforts.
   

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