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I have admitted before that I don’t like cleaning. It’s so hard to keep a house clean with 3 young children…I almost always have toys scattered all over the house, everything is sticky and I have a four-year-old boy, so my bathrooms can be frightening at times. I’m also a messy person, so when I plan a party, I leave a trail of glitter everywhere I go. So, who am I to be giving cleaning advice? I don’t know…but I have a system that WORKS to prepare your home for a holiday party! Read on for my tips for getting your home party ready:
Maintain a Clean Home
I always try to keep my home clean enough that if I have an unexpected visitor, I can tidy up really fast. My home doesn’t look perfect on a day to day basis, but it’s clean! If you haven’t already, download my FREE Cleaning Schedule. It’s been pinned over 40,000 times because it really works! That is the key to maintaining a clean home…so when you do have a party, you can focus on the party.
Choose Your Food Wisely
I usually have one or two homemade treats, then the rest is premade. This party was such a breeze to put together. I bought meat and cheese pre-cut, plus some delicious dips at Costco. I made Bruchetta boats (recipe coming soon) that are to die for, but they were really simple to make. Everything was super easy to clean up, too. If you do make your food and decide to bake, just make sure you clean as you go…which is actually my next point.
Clean As You Go
If you get something out, put it back as soon as you’re finished. This is the hardest thing for me to do because I have crafting ADD. I start one project, then swiftly head to the next. Every time I don’t clean up after a craft, I regret it!
Leave Plenty of Time to Clean Before the Party
I maintain my clean home, but I know that I will need to clean up some party prep messes. I leave certain things last, like the bathrooms (because my four-year-old WILL make a mess before the party), dusting and dishes. Make sure you have cleaning products to help, like a Swiffer Duster and Cascade Action Pacs. I love my Swiffer Duster and you can get a large box of refills at Costco in the cleaning section (then head over and get the Cascade Action Pacs…they clean dishes well and they’re super convenient). I also love Mr. Clean Magic Erasers because my four-year-old also happens to love drawing on my window sills! Shopping at Costco saves me tons of time because I can literally get everything for the party there…food, cleaning supplies, even some decor!
And because you don’t want rings on your table, here’s a tutorial for making some printable coasters! And the images are a different color because I didn’t like the blue when I set up the table…and my manicure is lovely, too…but I was too busy party planning and cleaning! Anywho, you’ll need:
- FREE Printables (page 2), for personal use only
- White Card Stock
- Chipboard or cardboard
- Scissors
- Hot Glue Gun
You’ll simply print the printables on card stock, then cut them out with scissors. Trace the circle onto the chipboard, then cut that out as well. Glue the printable to the chipboard and you’re done!
So head over to Costco for all your party needs! What type of party will you be throwing this holiday season?
Cristi Comes says
What a fun and festive party! I always have trouble cleaning as I go too. But it really does make it so much easier in the end, doesn’t it!? #client
Erin says
Definitely! That’s the one thing that kills me every time!
Elise says
another great printable, Erin! Thank you so much!
Erin says
No problem!
BreAnna | Crafty Coin says
I love this! How cute and fun. The DIY coasters are such a great idea – you can match them to any party theme!
Erin says
Thanks, BreAnna! I’m totally saving the chipboard so I can change them out for other occasions 🙂
Jessica Burgess - Fantabulosity says
Why have I never thought of making coasters like this!? Love this idea!
Erin says
Thank you! I really love them!