Guests On The Way? Don’t Panic! Try These 4 Easy Home Prep Tips
This post about easy ways to prep for hosting contains collaborations with Home Reserve and Michelle’s aDOORable Creations.
You know the feeling of standing in your house the day before a 4th of July cookout or girls' night, scanning the room and realizing there’s still so much to do?
I’ve got you, girl! A few strategic touch-ups can make your space feel welcoming, fresh, and put together in way less time than you think. Here are 4 super quick and easy ways to get your home guest-ready.
#1: Cozy Up Your Seating
Source: Home Reserve
The biggest hurdle to good hosting is usually a lack of comfy seating. Trying to fit seven adults into a living room with mismatched dining chairs pulled from the kitchen kinda kills the relaxed vibe of a movie marathon or casual hangout.
When I finally decided to upgrade my own layout, Home Reserve’s cozy deep-seat sectional totally shifted my approach to hosting! The modular fabric covers come off and go straight into the washing machine, so I never panic when someone accidentally spills a glass of red wine.
Some more quick tips when it comes to seating! Use individual seating pieces - they let you quickly rearrange the layout for more guests, while seating with hidden storage compartments hold the bulky board games and throw blankets you inevitably pull out mid-hangout. Think floor poufs, cozy chairs, bean bags, giant cushions, etc.
Refresh your seating super quickly and make it cozier before guests arrive by fluffing/chopping throw pillows or adding even more of them from other rooms in your house! You can also grab some more throw blankets and drape them over parts of your furniture that are looking a little worn out.
#2: Do A One-Minute Decor Refresh
You don’t need to redecorate every shelf in your house before guests get here, but adding even just one or two decorative items in your entryway or front porch helps your home feel much more festive!
This approach works well when hosting events like a Memorial Day barbecue or Christmas dinner, where themed decor can totally elevate the room's energy. Nothing crazy - super simple touches like decorative signs, wreaths, etc. always do the trick.
Adding Michelle’s aDOORable Creations handcrafted patriotic signs alongside a small metal lantern and fresh eucalyptus branches is a super simple formula that always looks gorgeous! Remember, the goal isn’t a fully themed room but a few intentionally placed objects that feel celebratory.
#3: Create A Cozy Conversation Zone
Source: Home Reserve
A conversation zone is a spot that encourages community, gathering, and of course - conversation. A super quick tip to create one is to angle your chairs toward each other instead of pointing every piece of furniture directly at the television.
First, pull two accent chairs closer together at a slight inward angle so the people sitting there face one another. Next, add a small tray or a narrow side table right between them so guests have a designated spot to set their drinks down.
Drape a throw blanket over the armrest of each seat, so guests can get cozy if they want to. Ditch harsh overhead lighting and switch on a warm table lamp instead to up the cozy factor even more.
#4: Finish With A Few Small, Intentional Touches
Time to add those finishing touches around the house! Again, I’m talking super small touches that will make your home feel more polished and make guests feel right at home. Here’s a quick and handy list to reference as you’re prepping:
Move clutter temporarily to a room off-limits to guests like your bedroom. You can deal with it after they leave!
Refill soap containers in the bathroom.
Put fresh towels in the bathroom
Light candle or diffuser (make sure scents are pet-friendly if animals are around!)
Restock toilet paper
Restock napkins and paper towels
Give the front porch a quick sweep
Turn on low music or ambiance on the TV
Fluff your couch pillows
Empty trash cans
Clear at least one surface in your kitchen (you’ll be so glad you did this one!)
Put away pet toys
Put away shoes
Wipe surfaces
Clear a spot for coats, gifts, and guest belongings
Put out fresh flowers and greenery
Put away laundry baskets
Use a lint roller on furniture
Do a super quick vacuum
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for reading “Guests On The Way? Don’t Panic! Try These 4 Easy Home Prep Tips.”
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