I love having people over. I detest the undue stress I place on myself when I have fair warning that guests are coming. I actually thrive with the unexpected variety, because no excuses shall be made: yes people, this is how we live…well, sort of. I do pull some last minute trickery, and I’m going to let you in on my secrets. But then I thought that perhaps I am missing a few great tricks, too! I put the question about last minute house guests to our facebook fans on the Pantry Paratus page…and wow–they’ve got some great advice I’m going to try next time.
#1 Keep “Never-Fail” Recipe Ingredients on Hand
Laura G. says that she always keeps the ingredients in stock for a few favorite recipes, just in case last minute house guests arrive. “They are quick to make, easily paired with a simple salad, and I have not yet found someone who does not like them. ”
Likewise, Hannah J. says that chili is her “quick dinner on the go” and I have to agree: I tend to always have chili ingredients lurking in my pantry. We love this quick chili seasoning mix by Frontier, sold at Pantry Paratus. Having home-dehydrated onions and green pepper, home-canned tomatoes and even home-canned beans means that I can open-and-dump this family favorite. All I need is to quickly defrost some kind of mystery meat (beef, venison, something). Here’s my recipe for venison chili, by the way.
Just yesterday, I pulled out one of my fastest recipes, although it isn’t one to which I always keep the ingredients–fresh cranberries are a seasonal thing, but if you have those, you have what you need for this 12 minute meal!
#2 A Pot of Coffee or Tea Says “Stay Awhile & Chat”
Of all of the ways to set the tone, nothing says, “please, stay awhile” like a nice selection of tea and coffee. It says something about you–that you prioritize conversation, community, and eye contact. Hey, it also keeps them at the table or in the living room–no Parade of Homes required! But what to serve with the tea? Well, if you’re smart about it, you can make the house smell decent and serve a treat! Keep reading…
#3 Inviting Scents & Yummy Treats
This must be a common trick for all of us. For me, I make an awesome apple cake because I’ve made it over 100 times and am super fast at it, but it’s an ingredient-heavy recipe that nearly destroys the kitchen in the process. One bite and the last minute house guests forgive my mess, though! Here are some suggestions that are bit more practical than mine:
Lynda T: “I made applesauce when the home appraiser came over – my kitchen was excused and the house smelled good..but I had the clean everything-else.”
I often make homemade applesauce for dinner guests, even the planned ones, just because it has a wow-factor at the table since so few people make it, but it’s simmering on a back burner out of my way!
Hannah J: If I have 10 minutes notice, I like to slice two apples and put them in water in a small sauce pan on the stove, add 2 tablespoons of imitation vanilla and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. It smells like an apple pie is baking, just don’t forget about it! It can simmer for about 2 hours–or brewing a pot of coffee works, too!
I’m totally seeing the apple theme here: the takeaway? An apple a day keeps the dirty-diaper smell away!
#4 Bake Something First, Then Clean the Bathroom!
This is totally what I do. Because, as we’ve mentioned, the house smells better with the baking treat. Oh, and I do love to relax with a cup of tea and something sweet during excellent conversation with my friends. A messy kitchen is always excused when they know that you made something delicious just for them. What a way to make someone feel special! But let’s face it, all that tea will mean a potty break—don’t forget to clean it, pronto!
#5 Set the Table
She’s right, you know.
Jocelyn C. says “Setting the table first, whether for family or guests, is a visual expression of welcome and readiness even if you’re still cooking. Guests feel easier about relaxing or chatting with you while you’re wrapping up the meal preparations this way.“
Last night I had a dinner guest and hadn’t set the table. He seemed anxious; he must have asked me 4 times what could be done and if he could set the table, so I let him. But how much more conversation could be had if that work-ahead task had been done?
#6 Last-Minute Cleaning & Organization Tips
I’m sure you never have a clutter problem. Consider the blog over, then. But for my own benefit, I’m keeping a record of great advice for my next unexpected house guest!
Laura G: “If the house isn’t “company ready” the mess gets banished to the private rooms to be sorted later, and a quick sweep and dust does the rest. Once guests have arrived, the four year old and six year old get to entertain them while I get things finished.”
Jocelyn C: “For general tidiness, which is a big part of guest readiness, the “touch it once” philosophy is HUGE. Mail comes in and gets sorted to recycling, bills to pay folder (or are paid!), or magazine rack immediately. Packages or groceries arrive and the purchase is put away and the box or bag flattened and put where they go until recycled. Instead of setting the shovel aside to clean and put it away later, don’t let it out of your hands until properly stored. It sounds silly to advise this, though it’s amazing how useful this “touch it once” habit can be.”
Hannah J: “I usually run through the house with a laundry basket and pick up, wipe down the bathroom, and if I have time I run a vacuum.” She continues, “The house never looks perfect, but if it’s tidy and smells good I can relax and enjoy the company!”
And that’s the point, isn’t it? Shouldn’t we relax enough to allow our guests to feel the same? Your attitude will set the tone, you know. You are giving the gift of hospitality to your last minute house guests, but they are giving the gift of friendship to you–don’t squander that away because of your notion that things have to be perfect. Use the excuse to sit down yourself, to enjoy a cup of tea and homemade applesauce.
Now, on your mark, get set….GO!
Chaya