Okay, here’s the scenario. You’re lounging around your house with your family. The kids have hauled some toys into the living room. You haven’t done the dishes yet. There’s a pile of laundry waiting to be folded. Your yellow cat just jumped off the dark-brown sofa, leaving evidence of his existence (cat hair) behind. And then you get the call. Your would like to drop by. A new acquaintance that you invited to come by “anytime” is thinking about now. Your mother-in-law thinks she might like to drop by.
You want to be hospitable, but you’re embarrassed about the mess, and there’s no time to clean for company. Besides, if you’ve paid attention to my “getting ready for hospitality” posts, you know you shouldn’t clean for company anyway. What to do? Time for a quickie spiff-up, with an emphasis on quick.
But remember you have a choice how much to spiff up your home for unexpected company. Welcome them, ignore the clutter and the smudgy fingerprints, make them part of the family. You may find they feel even more comfortable with a little clutter around, especially for a casual evening.
If you simply can’t relax without cleaning for company, though, make it a goal never to spend more than about half an hour actually cleaning for company (as opposed to food prep, setting the table, etc.) The rest of your cleaning should happen on a regular, day-to-day basis.
Now, here’s the drill for the quickie spiff-up:
1. Grab an empty laundry basket or box and a large wastebasket or garbage bag. Beginning at your front door, hurry through the “guest” areas of your home, picking up anything that doesn’t belong—stray shoes, toys, books, even dirty dishes—and stowing in your basket. Throw any trash in the wastebasket or garbage bag. Throw away the bag and stow the baskets in a prearranged hiding place—a closet, a bedroom where guests won’t go, the laundry room, even the shower. Don’t be afraid to set aside areas where guests don’t go—upstairs, the basement, kids’ rooms. I’ve done that for years—my chosen hiding place is my mud room—and no one seems to mind, especially if I use humor in setting the boundaries.
2. Go over each room quickly with spray cleaner and rag or premoistened wipes, a feather duster or microfiber wipes, and a vacuum or broom. Wipe or dust visible surfaces. Straighten books, magazines, and knickknacks. Fold throws and fluff pillows. If you have pets, check the furniture for pet hair and run a vacuum if necessary. Close cabinets and drawers. Use the vacuum or broom on the visible areas of the floor. Don’t dig under couch cushions or move furniture. Focus on making visible surfaces look and smell clean—and don’t clean anything that doesn’t show visible dirt.
3. Quickly make beds if necessary…or just close bedroom doors.
4. In the bathroom, put out clean hand towels and make sure you have soap and toilet paper. Clean visible surfaces, especially the edge of the tub, the part of the toilet behind the seat, the sinks, and any visible spots on the floor. Use window spray or a microfiber cloth to wipe down mirror. Close shower doors or curtains. Light a candle. If you have more than one bathroom, you can probably getting away with only spiffing up the one guests are likely to use.
5. In the kitchen, stow any dirty dishes in the dishwasher or under the sink. Wipe down counters. Sweep the floor and spot-wipe any visible dirt. Check to see if you have anything to serve your guests. Start coffee or put the teakettle on to boil.
6. Do something to help the house smell good. Spray air freshener, make coffee, put some spices on to simmer in a pan, or pop some premade cookie dough into the oven. My personal cleaning secret is candles everywhere—they not only smell great, but their soft light disguises dirt.
7. Put some beautiful music on the stereo.
8. Take at least five minutes to spiff up yourself. Comb your hair, freshen your makeup, and make yourself feel up for company. Breathe deeply and drink a glass of water.
9. Open the door, smile, and give your guests a welcoming hug.
10. Remember true hospitality is a message you give others about their value. Enjoy the moment.
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