Whether you’re having a small dinner party or an all-out bash, there’s probably going to be some straightening up and cleaning before guests arrive and definitely some clean up to do afterward.
Pre Party Cleaning
Give your home a thorough cleaning, following our room-by-room cleaning guide. Be sure to keep some paper towels or cloths handy for cleaning up the inevitable spills as they occur. Get out enough glasses for guests and follow our preparing to entertain guide to make sure they sparkle.
Post Party Cleanup
A lot of cleanup can be done the day after, but start with the things that should be done as soon as possible. Make sure any excess food is stored properly. If it needs to be chilled or heated and has been left out at room temperature for too long, it’s better to toss it and be safe.
Then look around for any spills or stains on fabrics, because often the sooner you clean those up, the more chance you will have at a full recovery. Armed with carpet or upholstery cleaner, make sure you dab instead of scrub to help lift stains up and off the surface and always make sure to follow the product instructions. Then, clean up any spills on other surfaces, like tables and counter tops, before they become sticky.
When you get a chance, the next step is to go around and begin clearing trash. Bring a trash bag with you so you can throw things out as needed and start gathering any bottles or cans for recycling. As you clean up, bring dishes, cups and utensils to the sink to wash by hand or in the dishwasher.
Finally, give the bathroom a quick clean. What comes next depends on your needs. You may need to pack up decorations and give the floors a vacuuming. Table linens and napkins may need to go through the laundry. This is the time to do anything needed to get back to pre-party conditions.