Unexpected Guests

    Oh, the relaxing days of summer…So, who’s relaxing?  We know it’s not anyone expecting company or surprise visitors. I often begin one of my seminars by asking: What if the phone rings and a dear pal from your far distant past is on the other end, an hour away between planes, and just dying “to stop by for a quick visit”?  What would you do and is your home “visitor ready” at all times?  
    What do you do to relieve the stress of drop-in visitors? Obviously, if you were “mostly clutter free,” it wouldn’t be too difficult to do a quick once over. Oh – there’s that mostly clutter free. More of us are mastering that skill with understanding of why it’s so important – even if you’re not in to Feng Shui (that famous Chinese dish that should be on everyone’s menu).  Though it might be hard work to get it that way, the end result is worth it.  However, even if your have your house under control, you still have to live in it.  But day to day living “stuff” is different.  It’s the kind you can get a handle on in an hour before unexpected company knocks on your door.  
    • So – there’s damp towels in the bathroom and yesterday’s underwear and socks, as well as the toothpaste, make-up and brush on the counter. It takes less than two minutes to put the dirty clothes (including the hamper stuff) into the washer and store your personal things in their designated places. 
    • Another 3 minutes to make the bed and hang up yesterday’s outfit or put it in the trunk of your car to go to the cleaners. The trunk! What a great place for clutterers to hide their stuff!  Just back the car halfway into the garage….No–No! Just kidding.
    • Ten minutes to vacuum or dry mop. 
    • Five minutes to clean off kitchen counter surfaces.
    • Five minutes to top dust in main areas.
    • Five minutes to check the powder room for fresh towels, bathroom spray, and to clean the sink and bowl. 
    • Five minutes to empty all waste baskets and garbage pails and take them to an outside pail. 
    • Five more minutes to put something in the oven, like frozen cookies, not whatever you dumped from the counter, and put up a pot of coffee. (Nothing smells better when guests arrive).
    • Then a quick shower.  Don’t forget to stick the towels in the washer, take a deep breath and get ready to open the door with a smile and enjoy your company.

    To make entertaining less stressful, have on hand at all times: fresh fruit, nuts, cheese, wine and crackers, and treat yourself to the purchase of fresh flowers weekly or pick some from your own garden. 

*Photo Caption: Our Uniquely Natalie Quality Consignment Store can get you ready for guests all year round with furniture and accessories at prices that will amaze.