article

Getting your home ready for that big party

By Bluehammer Admin

Preparing for a party can be a hectic time - you have a full slate on your to do list, including choosing the menu, preparing food, planning activities, and coordinating decor. It can be easy to overlook one of the most important elements of planning an event, making sure your home is presentable for your guests. Our guide will help you to quickly get your house party-ready so you can focus on all the other things involved in preparing for your event.

The day-to-day activities of any household can make it difficult to keep the house in impeccable condition. Imagine you're a guest and complete a walk-through of your home, starting from the entrance. This can help you to notice things, that you may have, otherwise forgotten. It may help to make a quick list of all the tasks ahead to keep you on track.

Your observations paired with our guide will guarantee that your home will be fabulous before guests arrive.

Step One: Clear the clutter

Remove the clutter from the main areas that your guests will occupy. This includes areas such as your entryway, the kitchen, the guest bathroom, the living room, and the dining room. When decluttering these rooms, pay attention to the tabletops -- stash bills, papers, magazines, toys, and any other items that are taking up space. Additionally, you want to remove potential tripping hazards such as shoes and bags, so that your guests can move around freely during your party.

This is also a good time to clear out your coat closet to make room for your guests' outerwear. You may consider temporarily relocating your family's outerwear to another room in the home that won't be accessed by guests. Don't forget to add extra hangers to the coat closet.

Step Two: Consider Layout

Determine if you will host the event indoors, outdoors, or both. If your guests will be moving through your home, you may want to move the furniture around to make the atmosphere more accommodating to socialization, and make it easier to move around. You can start by removing side tables or other items of furniture that are not essential, and take up a lot of space.

While living rooms are usually laid out for television viewing, think about moving the seating area around for the party. Arrange the furniture for conversation. Perhaps, add in seating areas facing each other, rather than the television.

Step Three: Focus on scent

Scent is one of the first things that guests may notice when they enter your home. Reset odors by cleaning your home, and emptying the trash in each room. If you have the time, you may even want to go as far as washing window and shower curtains.

When you're satisfied that strong odors have been removed, consider purchasing a scented candle to set the mood of the party. Light the candle for about an hour before the party starts to make sure that the scent permeates in your home.

Step Four: Decorate

Here comes the fun part! Now that your home is clean and clutter-free, furniture is laid out to encourage conversation, and you've chosen a signature scent, you can turn your attention to adding beautiful touches to make your home more comfortable and inviting. Items such as fresh flower arrangements, photographs and table settings go a long way to make your home more welcoming.

Once you're done with the steps, do another walk through of your home, and again try to take on the perspective of a guest to see how they will experience your home.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Choosing The Best Hardwood Floors For Your Home

The rich patina of wood floors adds beauty and elegance to any home.

Replacing Your Washing Machine

With moving parts, water and dirt, washing machines perform some tough work.

Condo Renovations: Making The Most Of Your Space

In real estate, nothing ever stays the same. In Toronto, the types of condo buyers are constantly changing, says real estate agent Cynthia Goodchild of Royal LePage Real Estate Services, Johnston and Daniel Division.

Choosing Window Treatments: Pros and Cons

Deciding on the right size, color, fabric and pillow configuration for your couch took three weeks. You still haven't decided on the paint color for the bedroom, despite having seven different shades of blue in swatches up on the wall. It seems like every design decision you've made in your home was critical, but the one that will help pull it all together hasn't garnered a moment of thought.

The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide To Grown-Up Furniture

You just bought your first home. Congratulations: You're an adult! Now it's time to fill it up. But if you were planning to pack up those ratty old beanbag chairs and the bed that awakens you with a morning backache and move them to your new place, we have a few suggestions. It's time for a grown-up upgrade. Here's where to start.

Can't Sleep? Why Your House Might Be To Blame And What You Can Do About It

Not being able to get sufficient sleep isn't just annoying. Beyond making you grouchy and causing you to yawn all day, it can threaten your immune system, impact your memory, and injure your back. There are a number of potential reasons for your sleeping issues, but your house probably isn't helping. With a few fixes, you may be sleeping soundly in no time.

How To Renew Your Deck In 5 Easy Steps

Summer is here, which means you need to take a hard look at your deck. Given winter's inclement conditions, there's a good chance your deck is in need of some attention. Here are some quick and easy steps for getting it in shape:

5 Tips to Clean and Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer

Making it through the summer without a working air conditioning system isn't feasible in some parts of the country. Even if you live in a temperate climate, your AC system will make you and your family much more comfortable at home.

6 Smart Updates To Make To Your Bathroom

The idea of renovating your bathroom can be overwhelming, but you don't have to knock down walls or gut the whole thing to make it feel new again. Making smart updates can get you closer to the look you want without the big budget, or the big hassle.

Easy Architectural Details You Can Add To Your Home

Newer homes, especially those geared toward first-time buyers, are often devoid of the level of architectural detail you would find in older or more expensive homes. If you're not a fan of the big, boring box look, you can easily add in some detail to up the charm factor. And, many of these projects can be done yourself with minimal skill and money.

See More Articles