Entertaining can be a lot of work, but for those that truly enjoy it, the urge seems to pop up every so often.
But then, all of a sudden, it’s easy to be in the throes of chaos – setting up just right for your guests – not caring what may need to be adjusted in your own daily dwelling space. A day-to-day agenda gets pushed aside and the focus becomes on the event.
After doing this repeatedly, it can get old and start to break a person down. That being said, we’ve found that there is a way to have a home set up all the time – ready for entertaining – so that when the urge comes up to host a dinner party, soiree or holiday, it can be easier (and the host/ess enjoy themselves more!).
Sometimes we find that the best part about entertaining is that a home seems to be in better shape because of the preparation (organizing and cleaning) that goes into it! The saying “entertain every weekend if you want to keep a clean house!” comes to mind.
Stay with us…we’ve got some suggestions to help so that next time you entertain you are in great shape…
Knowing we will be entertaining keeps us on track and motivates us to get organized and tidied! Getting started is sometimes half the battle. So, off the bat it is important to think about what spaces in the home are most used while entertaining. Example…a living room, dining room or even a kitchen are typically used the most when hosting a party or gathering.
What about when not hosting a party or gathering? Exactly our point. Think about the rooms that are best to entertain in and zoom in on those spots. Don’t worry about the rest because if you leave specific areas in the home ready to set up for entertaining, it won’t be necessary to focus on the other spaces in the home.
Minimizing clutter is the number one rule of thumb. The less that is out, the less you will have to move, shift, put away when you are ready to set up for your guests. Also, when it is time to entertain and the goodies are out, the atmosphere will feel lighter and more welcoming. This is a nice way to invite guests in and really “get the party started”.
In a living room it may be nice to have a bar cart or table top set up and designated for cocktails, glasses and/or light bites. As we mentioned above, keeping an allotted space less cluttered is a good idea because when the time comes to host, it will be less stressful finding a spot for any goodies and party-ware. Coffee table books are a great, every day decoration that won’t necessarily need to be moved when setting up an inviting bar area for a party. Little trinkets can be scattered throughout, which is always a nice way to add the flavor of the home and those that occupy it to the event.
In a dining room, we typically keep vases and/or decorative bowls on our table all the time. When it comes time to host loved ones, we fill the vases and/or bowls with either real or faux plants, fresh cut flowers or decorative ornaments to add a bit to the ambiance. This is also a great way to speak to the season or theme of the event. Once the party is over, the host/ess can enjoy the arrangements the days after and it still won’t feel as if there is too much clutter hanging about.
Having a designated cabinet to hold tablecloths, napkins, extra utensils, etc. is also a great way to stay organized and keep items clean, fresh and ready for their next use. Maybe those beautifully painted built-ins in the living room, dining room, kitchen or family room can hold on to these items so they are freshly laundered and ready to be set up when the time comes. Staying organized everyday can really make entertaining that much easier!
The key to a home, whether entertaining in it or not, is to create a warm, inviting environment. Guests should enjoy and feel as if they are wanted there…to settle in and enjoy. On the contrary, the homeowner/host or hostess should feel comfortable in their own home every day as well. And when entertaining, they should not feel as if the party has taken over their life the week leading up to the event!