Enlist a set up and break-down party. To help make sure you aren't left to do all the work alone, ask two friends or family members to show up early to help you set up, and two different friends or family members to stay an hour after to help you break down. Most pals will be more than willing to pitch in.
Clean out your fridge. Several days before you begin meal-prep, do a deep clean to your fridge and freezer to ensure you have enough space for ingredients and leftovers.
Set up a cleaning station. To encourage guests to help clean up after themselves, try to clear your dish rack, empty the dishwasher, and set out a dish bin of soapy water near the sink. Similarly, placing trash cans and recycling bins in clear places (not nestled under your counters like usual) can help remind guests to clean up after themselves.
Only tidy trafficked areas. Many homeowners do a deep clean prior to hosting, and while it's easy to get carried away, remember you only need to tidy up areas your guests will traffic. Your front porch, entry hallway (make sure you have a spot for jackets!), kitchen, dining room and guest bathroom are the number one areas to attend to.
Divvy up tasks. Don't forget, your friends and family members are often all too excited to help you create your holiday experience - especially if you divvy up tasks based on their talents. Ask your friend with the awesome taste in music to create a playlist, your sommelier friend to suggest the wine, your artist friend to create a table centerpiece, and your baker friend to bring dessert.
Don't be afraid to ask. Your pals know how hard it is to host. At the start of the meal, don't be afraid to ask friends to wash their own plates at the station you set up or be mindful of trash. So long as you couch it in your appreciation for them, everyone should be more than happy to help out.
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com
