So suddenly your phone goes off, and you end up having company over, but you realize that the house is really not in a state to host guests. It feels like you are running around, a race against the clock before they get there. But we have a few tips to help you pull it off in no time when it comes to food, atmosphere, and look and feel. Here’s how to get your space guest-ready in record time.
When company arrives unannounced, the first order of business is making your home feel warm and inviting. You needn’t break out the scrub brush on every surface; just attend to a few painless tweaks that make it seem like you’re always ready for guests.
Quick Decluttering
None of us is perfect, and it builds up in the most unlikely places, right? For those hurried moments, forget cleaning the whole house. Grab a basket or tote and toss all miscellaneous items into it, such as kids’ toys, laundry, or that half-read book. Hide it in a place where guests won’t see it, like your bedroom or closet. Focus on what they can see: the living room and kitchen. Company sees only what you want them to, and your home feels instantly more put together.
Lighting and Ambiance
Lighting is everything when trying to make an atmosphere cozy. If you’ve got bright, overhead lights on, it feels a bit harsh. Instead, turn on a few lamps or light some candles for that soft, warm lighting. Really, instantly it just changes in the room, and where you have a few scented candles at your disposal—especially in calming scents like lavender or vanilla—it is just that more warming without even attempting to.
Strategic Seating
Comfort is key when visitors come over. You can readjust furniture so the configuration feels cozier. Or, if you don’t want to do a full floor makeover, try pulling chairs closer to the coffee table or put out extra pillows for added coziness. And if you don’t have a full entourage of seating, think outside the box—ottomans, floor pillows, or even really sturdy storage bins in a pinch will work. The goal is to make your space as comfortable as possible so that everyone can settle in and relax.
Stocking the Kitchen
Food and drinks are a big part of entertaining, but throwing together a meal on the fly doesn’t have to be overwhelming and you don’t need to overthink it. The following few very basic strategies will get you something delicious to serve up in no time.
A Well-Stocked Pantry
The secret to never feeling unprepared when guests arrive? Keep a few go-to items stocked in your pantry. Things like crackers, cheeses, olives, and nuts are lifesavers. It takes literally no work, but when you arrange them on a pretty platter, they look impressively intentional. You have puff pastry in the freezer? Perfect! You can easily whip up a batch of savory or sweet snacks in no time. It’s all about having those right ingredients stored in your pantry that don’t take much time but pay big.
Fancy-Looking Appetizers
You don’t need to spend ages in the kitchen to whip up impressive appetizers. Bruschetta’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it takes only a few minutes with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of olive oil. Another quick but special option? Stuffed mushrooms. They bake in less than 20 minutes and always feel just a little fancier. In a real time crunch? Toss together a simple salad with whatever greens and veggies are on hand. A quick drizzle of olive oil and balsamic, voilà—instant sophistication.
Hassle-free Impressing Drinks
Drinks set a tone, and having a small selection of beverages on hand can make all the difference. Keep a bottle of prosecco or wine at the ready—it’s easy and always feels celebratory. For non-drinkers or younger guests, sparkling water or fun, artisanal sodas are great. If you’re feeling fancy, a quick cocktail like a spritz is easy to make. But honestly, if you’re really tight on time, just offer drinks in nice glassware. Don’t overcomplicate it!
Creating an Air of Relaxed Style
Now that the necessities have been spoken to, let’s talk emotions: It’s about way more than having the snacks and drinks on hand. It is about making your home feel like it is the perfect place to gather, even at a moment’s notice.
Set an Easy, Stylish Table
It takes all of two seconds to set a table, if your guests are going to be hanging around for a meal—or even just drinks and apps. You really don’t need that much: Just lay out a tablecloth or runner, use cloth napkins if you have any, and add mismatched dishes. It creates this laidback but stylish vibe that feels, you know, intentional. A simple vase with fresh flowers or greenery provides the spot of color with class, not too formally.
The Perfect Playlist to Set the Mood
Music makes quick work out of setting the tone for your gathering. Have a playlist prepared that fits the event, nothing too loud or overbearing, just something chill and ambient. Soft jazz, acoustic indie, classic hits—work just about anywhere, really. The key is to make sure the volume remains low enough not to interfere with conversations. Ambiance without hogging the stage, basically.
Smells and Textures
It’s a friendly home—what one sees, feels, and smells, too. Beyond the candle thing, try diffusing some essential oils or even spritzing a light linen spray on couches and curtains. Think of fresh, clean scents: Eucalyptus and lavender. Finally, cozy textures. Throw a slew of throw blankets about and pile the extra pillows on to make your guests feel like they are in for the night.
Hosting Hacks to Make It Look Effortless
Alas, it’s a skill to be that host who can pull together a great evening together with little time. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be hard. These hacks will have you pulling off last-minute gatherings like a pro.
Lean on Local Suppliers for a Helping Hand
Sometimes taking the pressure off involves not doing it all yourself. Don’t be afraid to call in the cavalry when time is short—in other words, local suppliers who can step in with gourmet deli pre-prepared charcuterie or a bakery supplying fresh bread and desserts. Outsource a few things, in other words, and it’s easy to feel like a hosting genius. And let’s just be honest, Pizza delivery can always save the night in a pinch. Top it with fresh ingredients or place it onto an elegant-type serving platter, and what could so easily feel casual suddenly becomes effortlessly chic.
Use What You’ve Got
Get creative with items you already have on hand. Take that decorative serving tray you like to leave out on the coffee table? Use it to serve drinks. A cutting board made of wood can be used as a serving platter for cheeses and appetizers. Even pretty bowls you might have collected can be used to hold snacks. This saves on time and lends that personal touch without being over the top in thoughtfulness.
Last-minute hosting doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a bit of planning, several savvy tricks, and the right attitude, you can fling open your door to company with ease.
