The leaves are changing, the air’s getting crisp, and the farmer’s market has apple cider doughnuts. It’s fall, y’all! And between Halloween and Thanksgiving—not to mention all the winter holidays that come after—that means it’s officially “company’s coming to visit” season.
But you don’t have to wait for your big Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner to get ready. If you follow these tips for preparing your home for house guests, you’ll be ready to welcome your company with open arms.
Do Some Light Redecorating
Home improvement projects always drift in and out of our thoughts throughout the year—maybe the dining room needs a fresh coat of paint, or the floors could use refinishing. But we’re never quite so aware of them as when company comes over. That makes early autumn the perfect time for some redecorating.
Now, don’t think I mean you need to stress yourself out about gutting the whole interior just to please your visiting in-laws. But even taking a weekend to refresh your foyer’s design before the company comes will make you even more excited to welcome them in.
Check Your Dishes
When it’s just our own families, we tend to use and wash the same few plates and forks over and over. It’s another story when you’re serving a table of fourteen people. Take the time to count up your:
- Dinner plates
- Saucers
- Forks
- Knives
- Spoons
- Glasses
- Mugs
Also, keep in mind that if anyone is bringing little ones, you may need some plastic plates and forks as well. And if you’re having a whole lot of people over, there’s no shame in going with paper or compostable plates.
Examine Your Linen Closet
You’ll want to make sure overnight guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. That means doing a check of your home’s linens, especially:
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Towels
- Wash clothes
- Extra hand towels
Pro Tip
Speaking of linens, if you want to make your guests feel like they’re sleeping in a luxury bed-and-breakfast, try making their beds with the triple-sheeting technique. First, put the fitted or flat sheet on the mattress; then add another sheet, a light blanket, and a decorative top sheet, all tucked into the mattress.
Create Spaces for Different Age Groups
When company comes to visit, you may have people of every age in the house. That may mean kids a little younger or a little older than your own, so it helps to create spaces where those kids can enjoy themselves too. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Create multiple “kids tables” for younger kids and teenagers
- Have different activities in different rooms
- Encourage families to bring their favorite games and toys to share
- Pull out some toys your own kids enjoyed when they were young
Having company over can be stressful, but taking the time to prepare your home for house guests early can help take some of the stress off you for when they do arrive at your front door.
