10 Things to Do Before Having Company Over

There is more to having company over than just invitation. No one would like to be a bad host for his or her guests. It all starts with the measures you put in place to ensure your guests feel much welcomed.

Here is a list of the things you need to do before having company over.

friends taking wine/having company over

Cleaning The Rooms You’ll Be In

The environment you expose your guests will determine whether they will wish to come back or not.

Cleaning the room starts from the floor to the roof. The first step in cleaning the room is decluttering.

This will create enough space in the room; hence the guests can move freely. Bring in some new chairs and tables that occupy less space.

In case you have enough time and aware of having company, you can clean the whole house.

However, all your focus should be on the rooms that will be occupied by your guests.

This step is always easy if your room is always tidy. Use a piece of cloth or pillow to dust your fan blades. Wipe in all the corners of your room to remove any spider webs.

Use a wet cloth to dust all the surfaces of the room including the windows.

If you can’t use water, a vacuum cleaner can help you dust the floor.  Alternatively, if you are unable to clean up all the rooms, maybe due to time, you can resort to closing doors of the places you’ve not cleaned.

Opening Curtains and Turning Lights On

Your house must always stay bright when you have company. There are many ways you can light up the house.

The first is to open up your curtains. Not only do windows bring in light, but also fresh air.

If your windows are too small to provide enough light, or if your guests are coming at night, you can turn on some lights. However, you should be careful about the type of lighting you use.

Some lights bring a lot of heat in the room; hence your guests won’t be comfortable inside. This is so especially with the overhead lights.

Lack of sufficient lighting will make your room appear dull to the guests, which is not a very good impression.

The best way to light up your house and avoid excessive heat is by using lamps. You may turn all the overhead lights off and leave the lamps on.

Cleaning the Kitchen

Some guests may want to help you do the cooking. What happens if they find your kitchen in a very untidy state?

You will feel shameful and embarrassed. Some may even end up losing their appetite. To avoid all the unnecessary awkwardness, you should take time and clean your kitchen.

Also, if you have a small house, a single room may be, your guests can easily peep through and see your kitchen. To do this, start by doing all your dishes.

These are the ones causing very nasty smells if left for an extended period. Wipe all the cabinets and drawers available in the kitchen. Place the clean dishes at their rightful place.

Clear the decks by removing all the unnecessary items from the kitchen. To save time, find someone to help you do this.

Make sure your kitchen is sparkling clean after this process. Also, do not forget to change your dish and hand towel. Even if you do it daily, do not ignore this.

people eating and discussing

Cleaning the Bathroom

It is not an exaggeration that most of your guests are likely to use your washrooms. Cleaning your bathroom should be a routine action.

However, no matter how clean your bathroom is, sparing a little effort into cleaning it is good. Do you know your bathroom can ruin your whole reputational image to your friends?

Why wait for this to happen when you can prevent it from happening? Don’t make assumptions that the guests are your close friends; hence there’ll be no cause for worry.

The size of your bathroom may vary depending on many factors.  Start by tossing all the rugs and used towels outside the toilet.

No one will ever want to use a used cloth or towel, no matter how close you are to the person.

Make sure to pick up all the debris and hair that may be on the floor or anywhere in the bathroom. You may use an all-purpose cleaner or an acid test cleaner on your bathtub and shower.

After you’re done with the cleaning, place a toilet paper at the back of your toilet. The most embarrassing moment is asking for a toilet paper from someone. We all have faced this problem.

To avoid your guests from going through this, keep the toilet paper at an open place. Also, you should ensure the room has some lights.

Don’t make your guests use their hands when heading to your bathroom.

Checking Your Pantry and Fridge

Your guests will be super excited to see what you have in store for them in terms of food.

All guests wish to be served with a meal, even if they don’t show it to you. However, do not feel embarrassed in case you lack a fridge or the pantry.

The main concern here is the food. Make sure to grab some veggies and cookies for your guests. You can also have a soft drink and some snacks in the fridge to welcome your guests.

This is a sign of excellent hospitality. Just make it simple if you don’t have the capacity.

Remember Some Things They Forget but Are Likely to Need Them

This is especially if your guests are spending the night at your place. There are some essential requirements you must set aside for them. Start by their beddings.

In almost every household, there is a room if not linens set aside specifically for guests.

Make the bed look presentable by spreading it well in a beautiful white cover. Ensure that they have enough blankets and pillows to use.

Also, have some toothbrushes, shampoos, lip balm at the end of their bed. You shouldn’t make them ask for these things for you to give them.

Setting a Self-Service Coffee Station

Do not make your guests stay in bed waiting for you to prepare breakfast for them. Some guests are early risers.

We all know how it to feels to wake up and stay in bed without taking anything. Make things easier for your guests.

If possible, put the coffee station in their room. Let them be free to serve themselves. Do not make them knock on your door simply because they can’t find something they need.

Also, do not force yourself to wake up early just because you have guests, though it is good to be the first to wake up.

Schedule All the Activities That Are Likely to Happen.

Your guests will follow everything that you say. You will be the one to decide when are they having meals? When are they sleeping? What are they taking for supper?

You won’t do this correctly without a proper plan in mind. However, when doing this, you must consider the interests of your guests.

You can do this by jokingly asking them what they like during storytelling. Make sure all the schedule rhymes with their interests.

Be Aware of the Do’s and Don’ts When Having Company Over

Some guests may have allergies for certain foods. Some don’t take sugar or milk. Some don’t eat meat. Some may not like specific things. You don’t want your guests to go on an empty stomach just because you didn’t have an alternative for them.

It is good to be aware of the dos and don’ts of your guests. Don’t assume anything. These are the little things that can either increase your hospitality rate or downgrade it.

Take Time to Freshen up

Creating a hospitable home starts with your body. Even after all the above things, if you don’t clean yourself up, then you will have wasted your time.

Guests feel welcomed just from how you are dressed, how your hair looks, how you smell.

A bad smell could simply indicate that you are too busy and don’t have time for guests. Also, no one will feel comfortable in your house when you are smelly and hairy.

It will make them doubt you. To avoid all this, take a shower, put on a presentable outfit, do your hair well, brush your teeth apply some makeup if possible. 

Creating a welcoming environment before having company over doesn’t need to be stressful.

We can see everything revolves around cleanliness. If you are that clean guy, then your guest won’t even need an appointment when coming over.

Learn to make the above things a routine at your home. Believe it or not, after the above steps, your guests will be left wishing to come back to your house.

Some may even extend their stay due to the hospitality given to them.

Browse our guide to tasty punches for when you’re having people over!