Keep Your House Company-Ready

In my early twenties a guy that gave me butterflies asked me out
This article is by Jacks and Jills guest writer Amy Estes.

How to keep your house company-ready.

How To :: be a spontaneous soiree sensation

In my early twenties a guy that gave me butterflies asked me out. I got gussied up and we sipped cocktails at a local bar for a few hours before he invited himself back to my apartment to "hang out" (wink wink). We'd known one another for awhile but were yet to lock lips, so I eagerly agreed.
 
On the short drive home, I realized that my apartment was in no way ready for company. I was mortified. I tried to tidy up as we walked in the door, gave him a spot to sit amongst my clothing piles.
 
After twenty minutes of uncomfortable chit-chat while I moved piles of clothes around and apologized because I'd been so “busy”, the guy bailed. I was crushed that what could have been a hot make-out session ended up being a major turn-off. Thankfully, he saw past my messy apartment and we rectified the situation a few weeks later – 

but I swore that I'd never be that messy girl again.

I told my Jack this story. He was gobsmacked. And then, he showed me the way. The way out of my secret single-girl slothery and into the sisterhood of spontaneous soiree sensations. And, I'm a changed woman.
 
These days, I pride myself on keeping my place ready for a party – be it friends unexpectedly passing through from out of town, my Jack showing up on my door step streaky-cheeked with guyliner, or when happy hour's ended and we aren't quite ready to part ways. I want my home to be welcoming and comfortable for guests, even if I have five minute's notice. Here are our Jack + Jill tips for keeping my house party-ready ::

1. 15 Minutes a Night

Every night, while getting ready for work, I tidy up for 15 minutes. My clothes get put in a hamper, I wipe my bathroom counters, stack my books and put my shoes away. The time commitment is minimal because I do it everyday. I tend to be a cluttery person and by breaking it down in short chunks daily, I'm rarely overwhelmed by my own mess.

2. 30 Minutes, Twice a Week

Pick any two days that work for you, and make those longer days of cleaning. Since clutter is addressed nightly, it's a matter of scrubbing the toilet bowl, cleaning my hardwood floors and running a dust cloth over my bookshelves. The sparkle returns and best of all, if someone comes by, they'll smell the delicious scent of Method cleaning products.

3. Party Pantry!

Keep some snacks on hand (hide ‘em from yourself if necessary!) that can please a crowd and feed the masses. A few boxes of water crackers, a hunk of good cheese, fancy nuts, and if you're extra ambitious, a roll of cookie dough that can be sliced and baked in 15 minutes are good start. Because nobody doesn't love fresh-out-of-the-oven baked goods. And hey, if you don't use the supplies in a few months, bust them out and host that 'lil soiree.

4. Pick Your Poison

Keep a bottle of red, a bottle of white, something sparkly and a liquor + mixer of your choice on hand. While you'll never please everyone, it's nice to have a bit of a choice. Don't forget the coffee and filtered water for those who may need to sober up or re-hydrate.

5. Just Like Life.. It's All About Your 'tude

If you invite friends in with a smile and genuine joy to see them, they'll look past the magazines and hair laden round brush on your bedroom floor. Be confident, use what you've got, and remember that what really matters is quality time with the people you love.

What 'No-Notice Hostess with the Mostess' how to's has your Jack // Jill shared with you?

 
1 comments
2011-08-07 08:00:00 | Posted By Jacks and Jills

Wonderful Amy! Like Boy Scouts, we are always prepared darlings.

A soiree doesn't just happen, but making it look like it did is a real art form. A dinner party playlist on your music device du jour is a must (keep a few for different types of company and activities).

One of Jack's favorite tips is keeping some nice aged cheese around - cave aged gruyere, comte, something French. It lasts for some time if properly cared for, and makes a smash for a quick plate with crackers and wine.

Jack is telling me not to forget about the fruit and nuts. I never do.

 

 

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