Comments on: Getting Ready for the Unexpected Guest

By: SAHMmy Says

SAHMmy Says — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:03:22 +0000

Great tips! I agree that hitting the bathrooms first is the most important step when you’re short on time…people are much more forgiving of a little clutter around the house than of a nasty bathroom

By: MerchantShips

MerchantShips — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 02:42:14 +0000

My house usually looks okay, but I’ve been surprised (more than once) still in my nightgown or workout clothes. Maybe I should look for one of those fancy hostess gowns from the 70s at Goodwill!

By: Louise

Louise — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:28:32 +0000

My way to deal with unexpected company??? I leave my vacuum cleaner out all the time and when someone shows up unexpectedly I just say, “Excuse the mess. I am starting to do some late Spring Cleaning.” That way they can look the other way and just visit. LOL Of course I am kidding but wouldn’t that be a good excuse???

By: Pam

Pam — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:10:53 +0000

I sort my mail in the garage on my way back into the house…..all junk mail and envelopes get thrown in the trash before coming back inside ….. I do the same thing with all of the newspaper inserts….unless I know I need to buy something that may be advertised.

By: carrie

carrie — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:13:58 +0000

Enjoyed this post, Amy! We also have a lot of unexpected guests stopping in.

My priority is usually clutter control, first, and then a quick bathroom clean-up.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:15:35 +0000

Sometimes, I’m a lazy housekeeper. Ok, most of the time! I try to do these rapid-fire cleanings several times a week to keep the mess under control.

For bedrooms, it really makes a difference if the bed is made. And of course, bathrooms are sure to be seen by guests.

Jennifer:

The next time these freeloaders come over, why don’t you say you’re having a potluck? Or ask them to bring a dish? Sometimes, people are too rude to get the hint that they’re imposing. Especially if they’re family, you can mention it to them, I think.

By: Mar

Mar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:09:46 +0000

I try to do the Flylady cleaning system so that the clutter is contained, the bathroom wiped down every morning, and the dishes done before bed. If I do a little each day, I’m well on my way if company is coming, either unexpectedly or is expected.

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:25:44 +0000

That is a great topic idea and I will definitely work on that for next week! Feeding people inexpensively is definitely an important element of entertaining and I will start gathering recipes and ideas today. Thank you for the ideas!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:05:38 +0000

I think prevention is the best cure, straighten the house every day, and wipe down the bathrooms every morning.

When I get the “dreaded” phone call of impending company, I usually stand in my front doorway, and look for the 10 first things I see out of place, those are the first things a guest will see, so I deal with those first.

Straightening things makes the house look cleaner too, for instance, rug tassels, etc if they are all straight & even it looks like you just vacuumed and people perceive clean.

My biggest problem with company is cooking-getting the shopping done, meals planned & cooked without going broke. I have a family of 4, but most of my guests have large families and bring 6-8 people with them. A few days of cooking for that many extra people can be a bit hit to the bankbook. And since some of my house guests are people with a reputation for being downright cheap, I’ve actually heard them say they love staying with family b/c of how much money they save on eating out…well, someone is footing that bill, and if its my house, its me paying for them to eat on vacation! Sorry…this post triggered a little ranting, but I would love if someone wants to write on how to manage feeding dozens of very hungry house guests cheaply and or find a polite way to hint that they should help out with the food costs.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:32:45 +0000

Excellent list! I start the same place as you did–bathrooms and then clutter. If you can take care of those two things, it makes your house look wonderful! I also light a candle or a scent warmer so that the house smells good. I think that offensive smells are far worse than a little bit of dust on a table.