Lately, I have been pressed for time between starting my Arbonne business (http://angieslayton.myarbonne.com), summer schedules and everything else but I still want to entertain. In light of this, I have developed a party prep routine that allows me to get party ready in under ten minutes. I also say "that would be great," when people ask if they can bring something. "Whatever looks good to you," is what I say when they ask me what I need.
Quick Clean (Three Minutes)
Grab the Windex, Bathroom Cleaner (I like Scrubbing Bubbles) and a roll of paper towels and head to the only bathroom guests will use. If you are a "green cleaner" replace paper towels with cleaning cloths of choice.
- Windex the mirror
- Wet the paper towel used to clean the mirror and wipe down the sink and potty
- While everything is still wet, spray the Scrubbing Bubbles over all surfaces
- While that sits for a few minutes, replace the hand towels and fix the shower curtain so it hides the tub/shower (remember this is the Quick Clean - no one will be showering or looking in your shower)
- Wipe down the surfaces with a clean paper towel
- Put the cleaning products away
- Wipe down the counter in the kitchen
Have on hand grapes, crackers, cheese (I like the sandwich sliced variety) and summer sausage of your preference. Get out a cutting board, knife, kitchen scissors and if using the sandwich sliced cheese, the pizza cutter and three plates.
- Wash your grapes and set on paper towels to dry
- Put crackers on a plate, any plate will do - dinner plate, or a couple of small plates
- If using sandwich sliced cheese, place four pieces on the cutting board each one covering half of the previously placed piece
- Roll the pizza cutter up the middle, this will yield eight, long and skinny pieces of cheese
- Roll the pizza cutter horizontally to cut each piece of cheese in half - not cutting the piece underneath (you now have 16 cracker cut pieces of cheese, already staggered to layer on a plate)
- Place the cheese on a plate and continue with the cutting process until you have as many pieces as you need
- Slice the summer sausage and place on the plate with the cheese
- Grab the grapes and kitchen scissors and cut the bunch into tiny bunches with 4-6 grapes on each (guests can grab a few grapes without fighting the entire bunch)
- Put out some small plates and napkins for guests
Take a quick look around and
- Fluff couch pillows
- Straighten rugs
- Stack up any piles of paper or magazines
- Toss shoes or bags or any miscellaneous items into a bedroom or closet
- Put on some lip gloss and smile! Your guests are here! Enjoy your visit!
