Whether you're hosting just a couple of friends or a big group of extended family, getting your home in order is a must before guests come through the front door. If you don't have time to do a whole-house clean, the editors at Martha Stewart advise focusing on these six areas. This will help ensure your visitors see your home at its very best.
1. The entryway.
Since this is the very first place in which your guests step foot, focus on getting your entryway in order. Declutter by removing clothing and footwear from coat and shoe racks, along with personal effects, like keys, mail and umbrellas. Make sure there is a good-sized rug in the entryway, and wash it if need be. Finally, add a little ambiance, like a vase of flowers, accent lamp or scented candle. These touches will help set the mood from the get-go.
2. The bathroom.
A clean bathroom for guests to use is a must, of course. Make sure you are well stocked on essentials such as toilet paper, clean towels and hand soap. Give all fixtures, including the shower, bathtub, toilet and sink a deep clean. Spray a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar on all surfaces, then scrub down with a bristle brush and rinse.
3. Guest rooms.
If you're hosting overnight guests, you'll want to make sure your guest room is in tip-top order. Make sure all bed linens are washed, and have an extra blanket or two on hand. Remove personal items and make room for your guests' travel bags and a space for them to store and hang clothing. Add touches of ambiance here as well, such as a healthy green plant, reading material and a decanter and glass for water.
4. The kitchen.
As the heart of the home, especially during the holidays, the kitchen should be the focal point of your cleaning endeavor. Start by cleaning inside cabinets that are likely to be used by guests, such as those that store glasses and mugs, or snacks and condiments. Then thoroughly wipe down high-touch surfaces, including counters, faucets and door handles on the fridge, microwave and stove. Gather together servingware you're likely to use and clean it in advance, and take care of areas where odors gather, like the inside of the garbage can. Leaving a bowl of white vinegar or opened container of baking soda overnight will help absorb cooking smells.
5. High-touch surfaces.
Wipe down spots that will be frequently touched in your home, such as door knobs and handles, light switches, remotes and faucets. This not only gives your home an overall sense of cleanliness, it helps stop the spread of germs at a time of year when people are particularly vulnerable.
6. Floors.
Prone to collecting dirt and dust on the regular, floors require a good mopping before guests arrive. Then, right before the festivities begin, do a quick spot clean to wipe up any dirt that may have been tracked in by kids and pets.
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