6 Things to Do Before Your Party Guests Arrive

Create a few pre-party planning rituals that will impress your guests and set the tone for the evening event.

When planning a holiday party, keep in mind that your home is an extension of your personality and lifestyle. By taking a few moments to attend to important details, your guests will feel welcome the moment they walk through your door and your party will be off to a good start.

Sweep the Front Walk Way

Getting down and dirty with an old-fashioned broom is a “must” before any holiday party. The fall season guarantees leaves will be swirling around the yard and onto your front walkway. Sweeping off the sidewalk and front porch, along with a good shake of your welcome mat, will minimize the probability that your guests will bring leaves (or mud) into your home.

Commonly asked question:

Q: Can I ask my guests to remove their shoes at the door?

Answer: I would be cautious with this request. Some guests may feel uncomfortable if not warned in advance. There are many valid reasons for keeping dirty shoes out of your home, but surprising your guests with this request is not suggested. If you do decide to ask them, provide a safe place to store their shoes and supply fun socks or slippers to give to your guests as they enter your home.

Take a Good Look at Your Front Door

Dark, painted doors are a magnet for dust and grime. My own door is black and needs constant attention. Use warm water, mild dish soap and a soft sponge to clean it. Best to dry your door with a soft towel and add a coat of furniture polish to make it glimmer. Pay particular attention to the door trim and frame, vacuuming the recesses to remove any bugs and cobwebs. It’s as simple as 1-2-3 and my door looks shiny and clean!

Light the Candles

It’s uncomfortable to watch the host or hostess rush around taking care of last minute details before the party. Light scented candles early to ensure the house smells warm and inviting, or use a diffuser with your favorite scent as another good option.

Prepare Your Bar

Have a nice variety of drinks, catering to your guests’ particular tastes. Know what type of drinks your guests prefer and fill a decorative bucket with ice and a pitcher filled with premixed cocktails. Add a few bottles of wine to a wine bucket, along with plenty of pretty glasses and decorative cocktail napkins for your guests to help themselves.

Remind Your Neighbors of the Extra Traffic

This gesture is common courtesy and part of being a friendly neighbor. By now you have already alerted your neighbors and are simply touching base to remind them of the upcoming activity. Take your closest neighbors a small wicker basket, filled with a bottle of wine, a loaf of fresh bread and some gourmet cheese. Write a note to thank them in advance for their patience and understanding during the event.

Pour Yourself a Glass of Wine

Once the party gets started, you may be too busy to relax with all the hustle and bustle. Treat yourself to a special glass of wine or your signature cocktail. Enjoy a few minutes to breathe and sample what you will be serving to your guests.

 

 

You may also like Host Etiquette: Entertaining with Style. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.