Hosting a party: Clean & prep for your best event ever

by Carolyn Kay 02/12/2023

outdoor home entertaining table setting blue and yellow dishes and napkins on wooden table with seating

Post party clean up is one major downside of entertaining at home. While you get to enjoy the comfort of your own space and share it with your guests, you’re also responsible for putting it back together once everybody leaves.

Luckily, there are some simple ways you can make party cleaning tasks easier for yourself and wow your guests at the same time.

Clean before your guests arrive

It’s always helpful to begin with a clean slate. The more you clean before your party starts, the fewer after party cleaning tasks you’ll have. Tackle the big projects like sweeping, vacuuming and dusting. Take time to scrub the sinks and toilets if your guests will be using your bathrooms.

Utilize outdoor entertaining areas

Outdoor parties are often easier when it comes to the inevitable post party cleaning. Minor messes and stains aren’t an issue outdoors - decks and patios can always be hosed down, and any liquids spilled in the grass will get absorbed automatically. Use your outdoor spaces as much as possible for entertaining.

Provide easy options for trash, recycling & compost

Both indoor and outdoor parties face the potential issue of trash pileup. Used paper plates, utensils, empty cans and bottles - all of it makes for an overwhelming mess if not properly managed during the party. To help, make trash, recycling and compost receptacles available in more than one location during the party to encourage your guests to help out.

Avoid stuffing your menu with messy foods

Unfortunately, some of the tastiest party snacks make the biggest messes. Chicken wings, nachos and other beloved finger foods are prime examples of foods you might want to avoid serving at your party. Avoiding a few sticky stains will help you once the food and guests are long gone.

Cleaning up after a party can involve a great deal more than dirty dishes. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy hosting your next party and also enjoy a less strenuous cleaning process afterward.

About the Author

Carolyn Kay

As a Real Estate professional, I specialize in helping my clients buy, rent or sell properties in Westchester County. I am passionate, dedicated and committed to my clients and my first priority is to provide them with first class service and guidance throughout the entire process. It has been said that I go above and beyond for my clients to get the deal closed! I have experience working with clients who have financed their purchases with either a conventional, VA or FHA loan and have a good understanding of how they work; no sale is too big or too small for me to take on. My family and I relocated to England for 2 ½ years, this was a wonderful experience but at the same time, it was overwhelming. I have first hand knowledge of the challenges as well as the positives in discovering a new community. I was born and raised in Scarsdale and once married, my husband and I decided to raise our two daughters here. Both of our daughters successfully graduated from the Scarsdale schools and are both married, living and working in Manhattan. After living in the same house for 30 years my husband and I took the leap, sold our home and bought and renovated a condo townhouse in another town. Once again we are discovering a new community and fully understand the highs and lows of selling a home we loved and buying and making a new home. I feel that my personal real estate experiences have made me more in tune with my client’s needs and therefore better able to help them navigate through the complex process. Please call me so that I can put my knowledge and experience to work for you.