It might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but inviting people over can be stressful. Is the house tidy? Is there a funny smell? Are there dishes in the sink? Have the kids’ toys been put away?
To prevent the all-too-familiar ‘having guests over freak-out’, it’s important to prioritise the little things that houseguests always notice. Rest assured, they’re relatively quick and easy to fix.
Here are 10 things houseguests will notice when they visit your home.
1. The entryway
The entrance to your house is the first thing your guest will see. And just as the saying goes, first impressions last. The best way to keep your entryway guest-worthy is by doing the following:
- Tidy any shoes near the front door. If you have a shoe rack, make sure they are all paired and lined up.
- Sweep the front entry outside. If you have a doormat, shake it out to get rid of any loose dirt or dust.
- Ensure there is space for guests to remove shoes or coats, if necessary.
- If your entryway is looking dark or a bit mundane, add some fresh flowers and a lit candle to refresh your space.
2. Smell
People often become immune to the smell of their own home, but it’s the first thing your guests notice. To make your home smell amazing, light some candles or boil some water with orange or lemon peels before your guests arrive.
3. Clutter
It doesn’t take long for piles of old magazines and papers to become part of the furniture. Although you no longer notice these, your guests will. Do a quick sweep of anything out of place, moving any clutter out of plain sight.
This can be achieved by doing the following:
- Store any toys, children’s play equipment or even dog toys away in baskets and boxes.
- Fold any laundry or clean clothes and put them away. Alternatively, hide them in your laundry room until you have time to get your washing done.
- Clear out any communal spaces, especially dining areas, the kitchen or spaces that are used for social interaction. This can be done by putting away loose documents or bills, washing up dishes so your sink is clear and wiping down any unclean surfaces.
4. The bathroom
There’s nothing worse than washing your hands at a friend’s place, and the only towel available for drying is the one they use after a shower. Your bathroom leaves a lasting impression, and tends to indicate the cleanliness of your entire household to your visitors.
Ensure that your toilet is thoroughly cleaned, the mirror wiped down of any toothpaste marks and that your cupboards are neat and tidy (for any nosy Nellies).
Make sure there’s a clean hand towel in the bathroom, light a candle and top up the toilet paper.
5. Lighting
The right lighting is vital when entertaining guests. Having overhead or ceiling lights may look too bright and sterile for social occasions. The best way to remove harsh lighting is by dimming or turning off overhead lights altogether.
Using lamps, candles and warmer coloured lighting is more favourable to create flattering glow and ambience.
6. Personal touches
Houseguests often appreciate personal touches that make them feel welcome and comfortable. Take a moment to provide fresh flowers or a small welcome note in their room, and consider setting some snacks or refreshments in a designated area for them to enjoy.
Including small toiletries or bathroom amenities may also be helpful for overnight visitors as well. And of course, adding in soft music when guests arrive or while you’re enjoying dinner is ideal as well. A simple way to get it done is by using an Amazon Alexa to schedule and play your music for you!
These thoughtful gestures go a long way in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.
7. Books
Your books, whether they’re on your coffee table or in a bookshelf, say a lot about you and your interests. Your books that you put on display should be definitive of what you want to show to your guests.
Whether that’s showcasing your hobbies of craft and music, or a collection of photobooks of holidays, having personalised book displays is always a good idea.
8. Landscaping
Landscaping, especially in your front garden, gives off another impression to your guests. Just as an entryway is the first part of your home your visitors will see, the front garden is also part of that.
Before your guests arrive, it is recommended to tidy the footpaths and pavers. Sweep any leaves, including raking the lawn, and make sure to mow if necessary.
Better yet, if you are hosting a bigger event, trimming your hedges and pruning back any untidy areas of your garden is always a good idea.
9. Pet hair
Pet hair is often easy to spot, but hard to get rid of. This is especially true for pets that tend to shed easier. Make a little more effort when guests come over if you have pets in the house, by doing the following:
- Vacuum your sofa or wipe down with a cloth if made of leather/vinyl.
- Put away any of your pet’s toys to prevent the spread of hair.
- Use a depiller or brush to remove hair from soft furnishings, pillows and blankets.
- Wash any blankets or beds that your pet uses.
10. The temperature
Surprisingly, something as small as temperature can be noticed by your guests. If you have air conditioning, keeping the temperature to a temperate climate in the low 20’s is recommended.
For hotter days without air con, keeping the windows open for breezes to pass through and turning on fans is a good idea.
And finally, simply asking your visitor whether they are hot, cold or uncomfortable and adjusting the temperature accordingly works a treat!
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