Easy and Elegant Last Minute Entertaining: How to Be Prepared for Guests at Any Time

If you live in suburbia, and even if you don’t, you never really know when you could have unexpected company. It’s a pleasure to have friends and family in our homes to socialize and create warm memories. But it might not always feel that way if you aren’t prepared. ​

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​I have certainly felt the discomfort of greeting guests into my home as my ungroomed self, not having done the dishes, and feeling completely inhospitable for not having something reasonable to serve (because of course tomorrow was grocery day). Thank goodness for water, right?  

Not long ago, my husband arranged an impromptu gathering with our neighbors to come to our home to watch a football game. We had a great time, but I was embarrassingly unprepared. After feeling not-so-poised as a hostess I certainly learned my lesson.

Here are some tips I’ve cultivated to help you be ready to entertain on a whim so you can truly relax and enjoy your loved ones.

Groom Yourself

It seems to go without saying but I’ve been guilty so, so many times. Brush your teeth, wash your face, comb your hair, and maybe even apply a little makeup (it doesn’t take much to give your self-esteem a boost).

Do all of this right away to start your day, so it’s out of the way! (If it helps, remember my unintentional rhyme).

Dress In Something That Feels Good

A frilly dress isn’t necessary. Just make sure you’re always wearing something that actually feels good, but isn't pajamas. The last thing you want is to entertain, even informally, in stretched out sweatpants and an extra-large vacation tee that hangs off of you and somehow pulls your whole upper body down with it, too.

Cleaning days are no exception; we can still put on yoga pants with a cute detail and a simple, yet stylish top. You’ll feel better, and that is the point in it all.

My signature style includes many cute, button-up cardigans that I find to be perfect for throwing on to stay comfortable, yet stylish in front of guests.

Clean and Organize

Keeping the house in a picture perfect state all the time is really hard to do and unrealistic when small children live in the house. But mindfully picking up as you go about your day ensures that you won’t feel too self-conscious if guests drop by. And you’ll feel more confident knowing you have put in an effort.

It’s much easier for me to keep the house neat and clean when I set out with the intention of doing so. Go to that place, that mindset where you are focused and just tell yourself that you have the energy to do this.

At our home toys are almost always on the floor and this is not something I worry about. But when I’ve left my kitchen in a state of disaster it makes preparing food or drinks for my guests like trying to complete a miniature obstacle course! And I never fail to become a little grossed out and self-conscious about the bits of food, dirt, and liquids that linger when I haven’t emptied the sink, wiped the counters or swept the floor.

The kitchen is my number one focus for this reason. With that, set out to keep each dish washed or loaded in the dishwasher. Keep your kitchen counters clear and you’ll have a better sense of calm if you should need to whip up a delicious dish for your guests in just five minutes.

What’s more important than the kitchen? The bathroom that your guests would use (or all of them, you never know).  Keep the trash emptied, the mirror clear, the counter wiped down and the toilet bowl clean. Keeping an air freshener in there goes a long way, too. Wall plug-ins are my favorite because I can forget about them and these add a cute decorative touch.

Activities

It’s also good to have some activities for the kids. Most of the time we can expect them just to play with each other’s toys, but in case they get bored I keep a plastic organizer with crayons and coloring books readily available for a quick and easy change of pace. 

​Serving Essentials

It’s nice to have any of these items on hand because you can’t serve your tasty drinks or impressive snacks on thin air.

• Tea Kettle. I love my electric kettle because it boils so quickly. After I boil my water, I make and serve tea in my beautiful floral china tea pot. It gives an added touch of charm to time spent with friends and makes them feel special.

 

• Tea Cups. If the idea of beautiful china floats your boat, you will definitely want tea cups and saucers. But if that just sounds like too much, some cute or unique mugs that make you feel giddy will suffice.

 

• Glass Drinkware. In my youthful state of motherhood I have yet to replace my inelegant collection of plastic cups that we accrue from our favorite pizza restaurant (though it’s on my to-do list because they make my mother-in-law cringe every time she visits). It’s amazing how a simple drinking glass can create such better feng shui for your guests, and you!

 

• Plates. I keep disposable appetizer plates on hand. These are still elegant and its nice be able to clean up so easily when your visit is over.

 

• Napkins. Cute paper napkins are also easy to clean up, but add a touch of personality to your impromptu gathering.

 

• Serveware. A small cheeseboard is a must and a pretty platter will also serve you well. It need not be large because you likely won’t be throwing together enough food to feed a football team. Some small bowls are also very useful.

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Food and Drink

​These items will all last on your pantry shelf for a while, so you’ll always be prepared.

Drinks

Drinks are the one thing that you really want to be able to offer. Conversations are just that much more enjoyable when we have a tasteful drink in our hands.
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• Bottle of juice. For the kids.

 

• Cans of Ginger Ale. You can’t go wrong here. It’s a simple soda that most find agreeable. Keep some blackberry syrup around, as well, to mix in for an extra special touch.

 

• Tea Bags. Keep something like this Harney and Sons Royal Palace Tea that looks and feels really special, but will suit most tastes. Green tea, jasmine tea, and herbal tea are all wise options to have around, as well, but Tazo Passion Tea is my and my daughter's favorite!

 

• Bottle of Red Wine. Just in case…

 

• Flavored Coffee. My mother-in-law often reminisces to me about times spent visiting with girlfriends while enjoying hazelnut coffee and it just sounds exquisite.

 

• Lemonade Mix. This drink option is perfect for summertime.

 

• Chai Tea. In the fall, one of my dear friends always has a batch of chai tea chilling in her fridge. She serves it over ice with pumpkin spice creamer and it is truly divine.  

Food
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• Crackers. Entertainment. Crackers are an excellent choice to pair with many of the items on this list. I absolutely love rosemary entertainment crackers; the flavor is subtlety superb and the added herb just feels more elegant.   

 

• Shelf-Stable Parmesan Cheese Wedge.

 

• Jarred vegetables. Artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, pickled asparagus, sweet cherry peppers, gourmet pickles. You’ve got a lot of great options out there, keep this in mind for your vegetarian guests.

 

• Olives. My favorite olives are castelvatranos. They’re a beautiful bright green color, nice and meaty, and have a buttery flavor.

 

• Pickled quail eggs. What a unique eat!

 

• Salami. Perfect for impromptu cheese boards.

 

• Canned Tuna. Mix tuna with mayo and curry powder for a unique and scrumptious treat that is sure to impress.

 

• Smoked Oysters. Yes, those things. Those things are delicious, try them if you haven’t yet. Have them on a cracker.

 

• Deviled Ham. Assuming you have a loaf of bread, spread this canned meat between two slices. Cut off the crusts then cut into small rectangles or triangles for splendid little tea sandwiches.

 

• Cookies. If you’re guests aren’t hungry for savories it never fails to put out a small plate of delectable cookies. Apricot Raspberry Thumbprints will pair nicely with tea, while chocolatey Biscottis will go so well with flavored coffee.

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​Obviously there are far more options out there when you open up your fridge or freezer, however, this list is so handy because these items can just sit there waiting for your unexpected guests. Check your best by dates and enjoy yourself if the opportunity calls for it, but at least now you’ll always be ready.
Not all occasions call for quite so many snacks. My quick and easy go to for these kinds of moments is a cup of tea and some packaged cookies.

Whatever foods you choose to keep I’ve found that a quick rehearsal leaves me feeling truly prepared. I’m prone to the chicken without a head feeling so I have to work at being composed.

Why go to all of this trouble?
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Good question! In this era, I feel that many of us never knew that knowing etiquette could make social situations so easy and enjoyable. And I’m afraid that in the age of digital communication, warm and courteous face to face interactions and hospitality haven’t exactly flourished. Take a look at my impromptu hosting script to polish your social skills. 

Taking these simple steps will make your guests feel more welcome in your home. You’ll leave a positive, lasting impression, set a good example, and maybe even inspire your friends and family.

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