Special Occasion Cleaning
The holiday party season is approaching; is your house ready? Your usual cleaning routine isn’t enough when you’re planning a large get-together with family and friends. No one likes to be caught washing wine glasses, polishing silver or searching for a place to hang coats when guests are walking through the door. Think ahead about what you need to prepare, using this checklist as your guide:
Place settings. If you’re supplementing your usual supply with glasses, plates and silverware that are stored away, take a careful look at what shape they’re in. Are the glasses and plates dusty or spotted? Give them a quick run through the dishwasher. Is the silverware tarnished? Grab your silver polish and a cloth for a quick rinse.
Serving Pieces. Make sure your bowls, platters and trays are clean and ready to go. Match them up with the serving spoons and forks you’ll be using to make sure you have enough.
Holiday Linens. If your towels, napkins and tablecloths have been sitting in the basement or attic, they’ll probably have a musty smell. Check them for stains too, which can set in throughout the year. A short wash cycle should get them ready.
Foyer Closet. Remove your family coats and accessories to make room for guests’ coats, hats and boots. Make sure there are enough hangers.
Extra Seating. If you have folding chairs and card tables in the basement, at the very least they will need dusting. A wash-up with damp SCOTT® Towels might be even better. The same goes for coolers and ice buckets for beverages.
Guest Room. If you’re expecting out-of-town guests, give the guest room a good dusting and vacuuming, even if it’s been closed off since the last visitor. Change or wash the sheets so they smell fresh and toss the blanket and comforter in the dryer with a nice-smelling fabric sheet to get rid of any musty odors. Decorate with flowers or a basket of shampoos, soaps and snacks.
Special Occasion Clothes. Don’t forget about getting yourself ready! Make sure your party clothes are cleaned and ready to go before the holidays arrive. While you’re thinking ahead, make appointments for haircuts, manicures and other hard-to-get appointments.
Question: What special cleaning and preparation do you do before holiday entertaining?
