company coming?

Southern Living, Nov 2004 by Anderson, Sara, Warren, Rebecca G

Get Your House Guest-Ready

If life were like the movies, you'd put your prettiest soaps on display in the powder room and some Chardonnay on ice, and-poof!-you'd be ready to welcome guests into your home. But in the real world, your to-do list can stretch on and on before family and friends show up with their suitcases. So we compiled this countdown checklist to help you cut down your welcoming workload. Here's one simple suggestion to get you started. The day before guests arrive, fill a large basket with towels, soaps, and other items out-of-towners may need, and place it in the guest room. This way, your company will have everything they need to get their morning started. In the basket, you can also include a "justin-case" list of important information, such as phone numbers and your address.

Lessen your stress with these clever to make guests comfortable.

Every good hostess wants her guests to be extra-comfortable-that's a given. But that doesn't mean you have to spend every minute of the holiday season slaving away to make Jk sure the shampoo bottles are well-stocked before sunup. Let these tips take the hassle out of being a topnotch hostess.

A Month To Go...

* Admit this now: You'll wear yourself out if you try to make every meal from scratch. Write out a list of things you'll be making (cookies, roast beef) and things you can buy (frozen waffles, breadsticks). Prepare what you can in advance, and take your list every time you go to the store so you can buy a little at a time.

* Survey your furniture situation. Will you need more chairs around the dining room table? Should you add more seats to the living room? Borrow items, and shuffle things around now.

* Do major housecleaning (such as silver polishing) and home-repair work. Now is the time to fix that wobbly kitchen shelf or a leaky shower.

Two Weeks To Go...

* Make an extra set of house keys for guests so they can come and go.

* If you have a big group gathering for more than a few days, devise a meal plan menu-and don't forget to pencil in plenty of help.

* Round up maps of your town, and place them in a basket or bin by the front door. Mark your house and a few popular spots, such as the mall, a park, and the nearest grocery store.

A Few Days To Go...

* Check your food shopping list. Make sure everything is crossed off.

* Purchase a small chalkboard to place in your kitchen that can serve as a daily announcement center.

* Clear out half of a closet so everyone has space to hang up coats and bags.

One Day Left...

* Place clean sheets on all the beds; fluff pillows.

* Do light cleaning in major gathering areas. Make sure all your favorite family photos are front and center and dust-free.

* Set out your fun stuff. Place books and magazines on coffee tables and in guest rooms. Arrange DVDs and CDs near the TV and stereo. If kids are coming, set out board games and decks of cards on side tables.

Before the Doorbell Rings...

* Light scented candles around your house, and put on some music.

* Open a bottle of wine or have iced tea ready to serve. Set out snacks for your travelers. SARA ANDERSON, REBECCA G. WARREN

Favorite Reader Tip

"When I'm expecting guests, I set up a coffee-and-tea bar on a countertop so everyone can help themselves. In a shallow basket near the coffeepot, I place a jar of coffee with a scoop, a few types of tea, chocolate-dipped spoons, sugar, individually wrapped homemade cookies and muffins, paper napkins, and an assortment of cups and mugs. Early risers, late-nighters, and the jet-lagged can take a break whenever they're in the mood." P.S. O'REILLY

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA