How I Prepare for Dinner Guests

he table is set, garbage cans emptied, and disposable guest towels refreshed! Tomorrow is my Twilight dinner party – hope you can join me on IG stories and on the blog tomorrow as I give you a glimpse into it. You would all be invited if I could have parties over whatever the limit is now (actually unsure but know it’s small) and if you lived close by!

I wanted to share how I get ready for company – whether for parties or dinner parties. I know it’s an unusual time to be hosting, but it’s my hope to stay positive that one day in time we will host. Do what makes you comfortable, small gatherings, or outdoor.

Front door

• Blow off or sweep leaves by the front door
• Clean the glass, in the door, and the front light

House

• Take out all trash in house
• Play music on entertaining rooms Google or play TV
• Turn on string light in backyard
• Dim all lighting
• Turn on battery operated candles in rooms
• Make sure pillows look fluffed – aka chopped ;)
• Spray counters and linens with spray – this is my favorite.

Guest bathroom

• Light a candle
• Fresh flower bud in vase or orchid
• Check sink and toilet is clean
• Replenish disposable cloth hand towels

Kitchen/Dining

• Light candle
• Set table
• Florals for tablescape
• Fill water pitcher, put in fridge to chill, cover with Saran Wrap
• Fill water glasses 
• Set out big platters/serving dishes with post-its for food to come

After the party

• Lysol spray surfaces, couches and doorknobs
• Refluff pillows
• Take out trash
• Start the dishwasher or wait for morning!

It’s pretty simple, but there’s always the prep work with tablescape decor, menu planning and such. I usually order food about 20 minutes before guests are supposed to arrive – I want the food to arrive maybe 15 to 25 minutes after the party “start” to give guests time to snack on appetizers and mingle.

I’m grateful for the small gatherings I can have and the friends who are healthy and feel comfortable coming over. It’s been such a while since I’ve had a small gathering here so I’m looking forward to some giggles and fun to fill my heart – and to see how everyone looks dressed up as a Twilight cast member!

If you want to see what I ordered for the Twilight party decor see this post.

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Diana Elizabeth loves her cast rolling chairs for her dining room, you can see her dining room post here.