What’s the most important thing to do first when you find out last-minute guests are on their way over?

Question

When you get word that last-minute guests are on their way to your home, you can probably think of a dozen or more things you need to do: fix your appearance, clean your home, prepare food and drinks. What do you think is the most important thing to do before visitors arrive to make them feel welcome?

Answer 1

Tidy up the common area a bit (don't worry about the whole house), make sure there's toilet tissue and a clean towel. Check the fridge for snacks and drinks and then give yourself a once-over in the mirror. If they spring a surprise visit on you and that's fine with you except for a messy house, just say, "We'd love to have you --- I'm afraid the house is a mess, so if you don't mind taking us as you find us come on over."

Answer 2

First clean the bathroom. Change the soap and towels and quickly clean the toilet bowl if you have time. If you have flowers on hand, put some in the kithcen or living room. A messy living room always looks nice with flowers in it. Make sure the sofa cushions are straightened up too. Then tidy up the entrance area. For example, if you have an entrance closet line up the shoes in an orderly fashion because this is the first home impression the guests will be left with. And then quickly go to the bathroom and put a light shade of lipstick, blush, and cream like Nivea or Neutrogena if you have some on hand to smell nice or use some light perfume. Make sure you look decent but casual. The best thing to wear with company over is a decent shirt with a skirt during the spring, fall, and early summer. During the winter, pants will be just as fine as well. If the company have children, ask your children if you have to quickly tidy up their rooms. They may protest, but don't worry if they don't because kids will alway be kids. And then make sure that the kitchen looks presentable if you plan for the company to eat in it because a messy kitchen makes the worst impression ever. If you can't do the dishes, no problem. Just comment, "I had a hard workday last night. I was so tired." Don't seem too serious either. Be casual and homely, welcoming and friendly. People like friendly personalities better than a clean house. As for the food, watch Rachel Ray for simple pasta recipes that are marvelous and spectacular and anything but simple in taste! And make sure you have light wine if the company are old enough to drink wine and if they are not against it. Wine invites conversation and a light feeling in the air. Excellent question by the way, and good luck!

Answer 3

Tidy up the room they will be in and do a quick spritz of room freshener. That is going to be the first thing they see. Then you may excuse yourself and get some appetizers out and enjoy your guests.

Answer 4

get a six pack of beer, a bag of nuts and make sure the bathroom is clean. Ugh? have a few good football games on a disk, they can watch. order a pizza?
Take the trash out that is full of dirty baby diapers.
Tell your 4 year old not to tell your wierd guy friend he looks wierd because that's rude. that should do it.

Answer 5

Get to the pub a couple of neighborhoods over and
plan on spending a good share of the evening (don't
forget the darts).

Answer 6

Pick up the house a bit, prepare a snack.

Answer 7

I like to get out the phone book so they know of a nice hotel they can stay at that is close of course.

Answer 8

Put out a bowl of snacks and put away anything you don't want other people looking at or going through.

Answer 9

Make sure no dishes are in your sink.
Light some candles, they are good for all occasions.
Tidy up!

Answer 10

Tidy up the bathroom.