Relaxing Lockdown: Getting Your Home Ready For Guests

It seems like such a long time ago now. A different age. A different place.

Do you remember the last time you had guests visit your home?  It definitely happened. At least, that’s the way we remember it.  A friendly chat. A hearty giggle. There may have even been hugs! HUGS!…You may have to Google that last one to help spark memory of those lovely moments.

Well, good news, folks!  Since 17 May, people have been allowed to meet up inside homes in groups of up to six people from three different households! And, they can stay over!

Yes, we know. You know this already. Why are you telling you things that you already know?

Because, dear reader, you are having people around. And we need to make sure that you, and we, remember exactly what needs to be done to make your home visitor ready.

So, grab your pad and ready your pen. Here are 5 tips to help get your home ready for those long awaited guests.

Hygiene It Up: It’s still early days, so it’s quite likely that some people are still going to be a bit nervous about cleanliness – including you. So scrub the place down and maybe purchase some extra hand wash and/or hand wipes. If guests see you’re on top of the game then it’s going to be far easier to relax and focus on having a jolly good time. And that, after all, is what this is all about.

Light Fantastic: Summer is almost here, so let’s open those curtains and pull your living room out of the dark ages. You’re going to want to show off how great your place looks and to do that your guests are going to need to be able to see it. You’ll be saving pennies by switching off those electric lights and, let’s face it; it’ll all look so much better bathed in the season’s natural glow. Oh, and open up those windows if it’s not too cool! Good ventilation is still key.

Presentation Perfection: Okay, this one sort of goes without saying, but we’re going to go there anyway. This is the first time in a long time that you’ve had people over, so make the place look the best that it can possibly be. This is a special moment, so make it worthy of a photo or two. Facebook and Instagram were made for such times.  Show off that new sofa throw. Put up that picture of the Edinburgh skyline you got for Christmas. This is your home’s chance to put on its sexy face. Don’t let it down.

Garden Show: If it’s a nice day, you may want to skip the living room altogether and go straight through to the garden to capture some well-deserved Vitamin D. Of course, this option is only available to those fortunate to have an outside escape, but, if it is possible, why not?  Give the lawn a trim and declutter the garden table. The sun has got his hat on. Let’s enjoy it!

Party Preparation: Speaking of enjoying things, let’s get this party started! Stock up on food and drink and put together that Spotify playlist. Having guests around is a big deal, so don’t be afraid of making a big occasion of it. Polish those glasses and bring out the fancy plates. It’s time to celebrate. So let’s do it in style.

Having family and friends around has been a long time coming, but the moment has finally arrived. Whatever you do, just make sure you have fun. Good company, sparkling conversation and fine food and drink. Well, whatever else is life for?