It’s September already and in a few months, your doorbell will be ringing with holiday guests. Perhaps you have been thinking of changing the upholstery on your sofa or you moved during the year and have not quite got around to unpacking those boxes or hanging those pictures up. Is your home ready for guests all the time or do you have to scurry around for hours when someone calls to say they are coming? Don’t worry, you still have a few months to go and you’ll have your house ready for guests if you start now. Here’s how to have your home always in shape for your guests.
Decorate the entrance
What is the first thing your guests see when they enter your home? Is it the end of a corridor or part of the living room wall? Decorate this and make it inviting and welcoming. For a corridor, a console with a mirror or a stunning piece of art will draw your guests in and be a conversation starter.
Get scentsational
Nobody wants to stay at a house that has all kinds of strange smells. Perhaps you have pets or you enjoy a few meals of fish every week - get rid of these smells with a good home scent - scented candles or air freshener. Put some baking soda in bowls and place strategically in certain areas of your house. The baking soda will absorb odours. You can also make your own home scents with dried herbs, dried flowers or fruit and essential oils. A quick way to get the house smelling great is to boil orange or lemon rinds.
Keep a tidy bathroom
A clean, well-stocked bathroom is a must-keep if you want your guests to be happy. Have extra hand towels, toilet paper and soap for your guests to use without coming to ask for more. Keep the windows in the bathroom wide open and burn some scented candles for a feeling of freshness.
Furniture or art with a story
Or a history. That one item in your house whose story can be repeated over and over again will wow your guests. It could be a piece you got from a trip or one you got as a gift or a family heirloom.
Make a guest bedroom checklist
If your guests are staying over for a couple of days, have a cozy guestroom set out for them. Clean and press the bedding, stock the nightstand well with a pitcher of water on the side and keep extra bed sheets, towels or blankets at an eye view.