How to Get Your Home Ready For Guests in an Hour or Less

Tidy Main Spaces With the 'Laundry Basket Method'

Assess all high-traffic living spaces and clear out unnecessary items. The fastest way to do this is using the "laundry basket method," says Lauren Saltman, a professional organizer and founder of Living. Simplified.

“Grab an empty laundry basket and go from room to room where your guests will be, gathering everything that doesn't belong in that space,” she explains. This includes floors, countertops, and focal points. “Instead of throwing items willy-nilly into bins, cabinets, and closets, gathering all the items together in one place will allow you to easily find and properly put away all of the items that you didn't want out when your guests arrived.” 

Tackle the Bathroom

The bathroom is one place every guest is likely to visit, so it's worth giving it a quick refresh. “A tidy and fresh-smelling bathroom makes your home feel more welcoming and cared for,” says Aaron Traub, founder of My Professional Organize.

“I recommend clearing off the sink counter and putting away personal items like toothbrushes and makeup. Replace the hand towel with a clean one, wipe down the sink, and do a quick swipe of the toilet seat and lid with a disinfecting wipe.” A candle in this space can go a long way, too. 

Air Out Your Space

When people walk into a home, they assess things with both their eyes and noses. If it’s warm outside, you can open the windows as soon as you know people are visiting, but if it’s cold, then just stick to a few minutes.

Along with letting fresh air in, Saltman suggests vacuuming the carpets, lighting a candle or spraying a room spray, and getting some food or drinks going. Freshly baked cookies or brewing coffee can go a long way.

Layer Your Lighting

Switch off the overhead lights, and in their place open up windows to let in natural light or turn on accent lights for a cozy, welcoming ambiance. 

“It’s all about that layered lighting—dim, dim, dim,” says Mallory Robins, co-founder of interior design studio Kobel + Co. “Set the mood by turning the overhead lights off and ancillary lighting on. We [like to] pile on all the candles on the table—unscented, so as not to mix with food smells—and turn the lights as low as they’ll go.” 

Set Out Some Tasty Snacks

Food can go miles in making a guest feel welcome—and you don’t have to create a feast. “Regardless of why they've stopped by, guests should never leave your home hungrier than when they arrived,” says interior designer Gary McBournie. “We like to set our small silver bowls with nuts and olives.” Other easy options include chopped veggies and hummus, cheese and crackers, or chips and salsa. Don’t overthink it. 

Have Some Drinks Ready

Along with a couple of easy snacks, have a variety of drinks ready to sip. “We love a self-serve drink station,” Robins says. “Make sure to have all the wine selections uncorked and ready to avoid guests standing around waiting for you to open it out of courtesy."

For a bar cart, suggests Robin, set out an ice bucket with tongs and a couple of garnishes in a bowl, such as lime wedges or mint springs you've quickly plucked from your garden. Also, be sure to have some fun non-alcoholic drinks and mixers on hand for those who choose not to imbibe.

Put On Some Good Music

Ever notice how much movie scores add to the feel of a movie? Music is everything, so get things started on the right foot by having tunes going before your guests even walk inside.

“Make sure you’ve got your playlist locked in well before guests arrive, and a device to play it from other than your phone,” Robins says. “If the mood is right, no one will notice stains on the sofa or the toys in the corner. Everyone just wants to have a good time!” 

Greet People Excitedly

Even if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with the time crunch, try to allow all that tension to fade away once your guests arrive. Greet them warmly at the door, offering a hug, smile, and a “Come on in!”