As a homeowner – and a house-proud one at that – there’s nothing more stressful than unexpected guests showing up at your door. The key to minimizing this stress and maximizing the enjoyment you get from spending time with your loved ones is this: always be guest-ready. Whether it’s your in-laws or old friends from school, ensuring your home is ready to host anyone and everyone will help you stay stress-free.
Here are some top tips for maintaining a stress-free home.
Clean as You Go
The first task you can do today, to make your home that much more guest-ready, is to clean and tidy as you go. It’s incredibly simple to do and once you build the habit you’ll hardly notice yourself doing it!
So, as you go through your day simply put your belongings away in a designated space after you’ve used them. This includes any dishes, clothes or keys – and any other items that will clutter up your space and give an overall appearance of untidiness.
In addition to this, wipe the sides after you’ve used them and clean up any spills or rings as soon as they arise: you’ll prevent a build-up of mess from happening, which can also save you time overall.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home is easy. You can do this by incorporating some simple decor touches: you could add nice-smelling candles or a diffuser to your entryway; you could add cosy throws or pillows to your living space so whoever comes to visit can get comfy in their own way; or for another nice touch put fresh fruit or a bunch of fresh flowers out on your kitchen counter.
Be Ready
It’s important to have the essentials ready if your guests are going to stay over, so it’s a good idea to ensure you have some guest towels, blankets and pillows handy. These can be hidden away in a linen closet, or vac packed until you need them.
Another good investment are Ligne Roset sofa beds. This will ensure you always have a comfortable place for your guests to sleep, but also when you have no guests you have a stylish and comfortable sofa. This is a much more practical option than having a designated guest room, as depending on how often you have guests stay over, it could become a wasted space.
Stock Up on Snacks
If you have the same guests to stay somewhat frequently, it can be a nice touch to ensure you’re always stocked up with their favourite drinks and snacks – it’s sure to make people feel special when they come into your home and are poured a cold glass of their favourite white wine.
Consider stocking up on snacks such as crisps, pretzels and popcorn that you can simply pop out on the table, too. You may also want to keep some soft drinks such as lemonade and sparkling water on hand for those who may be driving. If you love looking after people and being the host with the most, you’ll want to ensure you have a strong snack game.
Embrace Minimalism
When it comes to maintaining a home that is always ready for guests, less is most definitely more. It may be beneficial for you to embrace a minimalist lifestyle as it will make it easier to keep your home tidy and clutter-free. Therefore, consider having a big spring clean! Get rid of any items that you no longer need or enjoy, and if items need replacing opt for high-quality and stylish alternatives to replace them with. By simplifying your home in this way you’ll be able to enjoy your home and your time with your guests much more.
Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
While the impact of candles and diffusers when creating ambience has already been mentioned, they also have another purpose – they keep your home smelling fresh. This is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel more welcoming. Consider opting for scents that are warm and inviting, such as lavender or vanilla. By creating a comfortable aroma you and your guests will feel at ease.
Implementing these simple tips and tricks will help you ensure your home is a stress-free and guest-ready environment. With less physical clutter around you, you’ll be able to focus more on spending quality time with your guests, as well as the more fun parts of hosting, such as what you’re going to eat, and what activities you’ll do together – board games anyone?
Remember: while having guests is the best, it’s also important to take time for yourself to relax and wind down. So, if some guests are coming around a little too often, don’t be afraid to shut the curtains and have a cheeky bubble bath instead!