It’s easy to turn down opportunities for connection with friends and family during busy seasons of our lives. The idea of how much prep time is required to tidy up your home or cook for guests might be overwhelming when you have plenty of obligations looming over you and so many to-dos to get done. But what if we told you that we should view connection with loved ones as one of those important to-dos on your list? What if we said that opening up your doors and spending quality time with others is just as crucial as all those other obligations in your life?
Furthermore, realizing that connection is just as nurturing to the soul as good food and fresh air is the first step to accepting that maybe you shouldn’t put hosting low on your priority list. And, what if we told you we can help you cut your hosting prep time down to 10 minutes? Read on to learn how to be ready for guests in no time.
How to Cut Hosting Prep Time Down to 10 Minutes
Part 1: The 5-Minute Cleaning Hack
If you’ve followed us for a while, you might already know that we believe that you can invite people into your home with a mess. It’s completely normal (and human) to have laundry, kids’ toys, shoes, and a plethora of other items in your house. However, we also love our 5-Minute Cleaning Hack, which can make a room feel clean in just a few minutes. (We even did an IG Live to demonstrate how easy this hack truly is!)
5-Minute Cleaning Hack:
1. Set a timer. Setting a timer is magical. During the specified time, put down your phone and minimize any other distracts and just get to work. It’s incredible what can get done with nothing to get you sidetracked!
2. Use a basket. Grab a large basket (a laundry basket works too!) and put everything that doesn’t belong in that room into it. Then, put the basket into an inconspicuous place, such as a room you know guests won’t be in, and organize after company leaves.
3. Focus only on rooms that matter. Your guests will likely only be in one or two rooms, so focus on only that area and the guest bathroom. With the help of a Swedish dishcloth, wiping off spills and dirt from various surfaces of your home becomes simple and easy. There is no need to clean all of your home!
4. Finish it up with lighting a candle. Candles create instant warmth and ambiance, elevating any space in your home with minimal effort.
Part 2: 5-Minute Prep for Food, Beverage & Mood
You might’ve already lit a candle at the end of your 5-Minute Cleaning Hack, but there’s still a few more items needed. Food, beverage, and mood are all important pieces that make guests feel welcome and comfortable. So, let’s get to it in under 5 minutes!
Beverage: Fill a pitcher with a beverage of your choice. Iced water works perfectly or keep quick mixes of lemonade or iced tea on hand. Fill with ice cubes and set on a tabletop where guests will gather. This will ensure your quality time is relaxed with fewer trips to the kitchen.
Food: Snack boards are a quick and easy choice when you don’t have much time on your hands. We love to pick up a premade snack board from our local grocery store and then replate onto one of our favorite pieces of serveware. If you don’t have time to stop at the store, a smorgasbord of crackers, deli meats, olives, pickles and a variety of other items you might already have in your fridge and pantry work perfectly too!
Mood: Music is a powerful tool in crafting your desired atmosphere when hosting. Playing instrumental music in the background will put guests at ease, and they won’t feel like they have to compete with vocals. Use your favorite device or streaming app to choose from a premade playlist and simply hit play!
Hostess with the Mostess
What exactly is the Hostess with the Mostess? Often what comes to mind is a house that’s magazine ready, a hostess perfectly outfitted, a menu to die for, and not a piece of laundry or mess in sight. But we happen to think of the Hostess with the Mostess as the woman who brings her whole self when inviting people into her home. We think of her as the person who, instead of worrying about perfection, focuses on connection with loved ones.
The Hostess With The Mostess is the hostess with the most laugh lines from smiling and laughing with friends, the most sweet memories from time well spent, and the fullest heart from knowing that while perfection will never be achieved, she seized every moment possible for deep connection and meaningful conversation. We think of her as all of us, no matter what season you’re in or the struggles you might be facing. We’re all deserving of inviting people into our homes and lives. We’re all deserving of connection.
So, cut down on your prep time when inviting people into your home and make it that much easier to welcome them in. And remember, if it’s a choice between turning down company due to a messy house or opening up your mess to loved ones, always choose sharing the mess. You’ll never regret those memories that you’re making with the people who matter most.
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