Sparkleize the way you live

The challenge. A friend of mine received a call from her family in California: they were on their way for a short-notice visit! To make things worse, her house was entirely in disarray. Yet my friend panicked only momentarily, because she remembered that she could always call on me for help.

Quick and dirty. My friend was on a budget and wasn’t interested in an extensive amount of work. She wanted my assistance in a quick and dirty power overhaul of her home for guests, focusing mainly on (a) the biggest problem areas and (b) on beautification. She wanted to do most of the work on her own but didn’t know where to begin.

What I did. I spent approximately one hour assessing her home from top to bottom. I concentrated on identifying areas where a minimal amount of effort would produce the biggest results. I then recommended to to her a minimum number of tasks (see items 1 and 2, below) that she should complete to prepare her house for her family’s impending visit.

The solution. The following is the step-by-step action plan I prepared for her, tailored to her own style, budget and needs:

Crystal’s personalized prescription for decorating the home and preparing it for guests

Here are simple things you can do to make your house more comfy, inviting and beautiful, particularly when guests are on their way…

ABSOLUTE MUSTS:
1. A good first impression is critical! Your assignment:

• Mow the lawn;
• Trim the unruly parts of your front yard hedges;
• Sweep the front porch and front steps;
• Oil the squeaky screen door on your front porch;
• Buy a welcome mat for the front door; and
• Ensure that the entryway/foyer is clean and tidy.

2. Clean and well-equipped bathrooms are essential when you have guests. Things to work on:

• Start with clean counters, toilets, floors, tubs and shower walls;
• Add a basket of clean towels or a stack of them on a shelf. Also hang a hand towel near the sink;
• Replace towels often (ideally every other day) to keep your guests happy;
• Have on hand toiletries that everyone can appreciate (Examples are: cotton swabs and cotton balls, hand lotion, a soap dish with soap that smells nice, box of tissues, air freshening spray);
• Wash your shower curtain and liner.
• Stack magazines in an attractive basket near the commode.
• Finally, add a vase of fresh flowers near the sink.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS (LESS CRITICAL):

Kitchen

• Clean the cupboards. Make sure the cupboard where you store your glasses is free of dust and crumbs. Invest in a rubbery liner for this cupboard; it makes a big difference! Do the same for the drawer where you store your eating utensils.
• Stock up on snacks. Bananas and granola bars are nice to have as quick snacks to offer your guests, as are pitchers of fresh juice and iced tea. Place fruit in an attractive basket on the counter. (Make sure it’s a basket with holes for the fruit to “breathe”.)
• Make sure you have cooking staples. If you’ll be cooking, stock up on olive oil, garlic and onions. These are staples for any good dish!
• Procure coffee supplies. Coffee drinkers in the family? Fresh grounds and a clean coffeemaker are essential. If they take cream and sugar, add these things to your grocery list too.
• Buy mugs and glasses. Do you have enough mugs and glasses? If not, consider purchasing some more. They’re inexpensive, and having extra is very convenient for guests.

Living room and den

• Haul ‘em out! Take all the old cardboard boxes out of your dining room, and stack them neatly in the garage. Better yet, take them to the recycle station!
• Fresh flowers are nice. Drive to a thrift store and pick out some funky vases and jars. Arrange store-bought or wild flowers artfully in these vases (please cut them to an appropriate length!) and place them in areas of the house where they feel right. (It’s very difficult to go wrong with flowers.)
• Beautify the sofa. Add three to four coordinating throw pillows and a blanket to your sofa.
• Coasters. Be sure to also have coasters handy to protect the wood from your guests’ beverages.
• Front door organization. Install a set of hooks next to front door, as well as a dry erase board for messages. The latter is extremely useful for family communication. Use the hooks for dog leash, keys, hats, coats, umbrellas etc.
• Brighten up the dining area. Add some tasteful place mats to your dining table.
• Add to the mantle: candles in tasteful, simple holders; photos in frames; or a vase of flowers.

Other areas of the house

• Sweep the debris off your back deck. Arrange outdoor seating around a table, to include a pot of flowers and an outdoor candle. This will make a cozy conversation area to share with guests or to relax in when you need a break from family!
• Stack interesting books and magazines near the guest beds.

Have additional thoughts or ideas to share? Leave a comment, or write to Crystal and let her know.