How to Prepare Your Home to Host a Special Event

Hosting brings together your loved ones all in one place, and a survey of 2,000 Americans found that 72% prefer staying in with friends to going out. They deserve to see and experience the best of your home.

Before you start cleaning, identify which rooms your guests will actually use. Prioritize clean and functional spaces in the main gathering areas. Your kitchen should feel welcoming and organized, and your restrooms need to be spotless. Private spaces, such as your bedroom or home office, can stay behind closed doors.

Start by confirming your final headcount and RSVP list so you know exactly how many people you’re preparing for. Then establish your menu and do a deep clean of the main rooms guests will use. Clear out your refrigerator to make space for party food and drinks. Buy all nonperishable food items, drinks and paper goods now.

A week before, you can book vendors or rental companies and confirm their arrival times. Whoever you ask for help should be reliable, transparent and punctual, so they don’t add another layer of stress on top of hosting.

Test your furniture arrangement to ensure you have enough seating and walking space. Organize drop zones by clearing space in entryways or closets for coats, bags and shoes, so you’re not scrambling when the first guest arrives. Declutter surfaces and hide excess everyday items to make rooms feel open and guest-ready.

Take time to double-check every recipe and write down any missing ingredients. By mapping out a timeline for what needs to be baked, thawed or chopped at what time, cooking doesn’t become chaotic.

Handle make-ahead food, set your table early and pick up fresh flowers or last-minute groceries. You can also clean and polish your serving platters, glasses and flatware.

To prevent rushing during the day of the event, you can start setting up your drink station, bar cart or glassware inventory ahead of time. Clear space in your refrigerator for incoming groceries and fresh foods.

Finish any last-minute cooking and ensure food is ready before guests arrive. Make sure to empty the dishwasher, so you have space for used dishes throughout the party.

If you suddenly find your home disorganized on the day of the event, consider reaching out to a cleaning service. Many cleaning companies, such as Maid Bright, offer one-time cleaning appointments for parties or gatherings.

A cleaning service can handle the big tasks, like vacuuming, wiping surfaces and dustings, while you focus on decorating, setting out food and doing last minute preparations.

Resist the urge to panic-clean at 1 a.m. while guests are leaving. After the party, grab a large trash bag and collect all disposables or trash left behind. Load and start the dishwasher, or soak pots and serving trays in hot soapy water. Put perishable food in the fridge so nothing spoils. You should also do a quick wipe on sticky counters to keep residue from hardening overnight.

The next day, you should:

• Sanitize tables, countertops and high-touch areas.
• Sweep hard surfaces and vacuum carpets.
• Wipe grease spots with a cloth and a mixture of cornstarch and vinegar.
• Open windows or run air purifiers to clear lingering odors.
• Empty bathroom bins, wipe counters and replace used hand towels.
• Put away any event-specific decorations.

According to Mental Health America, “Keeping your living space clean is shown to promote calmness and a sense of control over your day-to-day life.” You don’t want to put off cleaning and find yourself with piled-up dishes and a messy kitchen days after the event. If it feels overwhelming, you might consider scheduling a one-time cleaning after the special event.