Company's COMING

Get-together season is here! We’ve got practical advice for preparing to host any gathering without sacrificing your festive cheer.

- BERIT THORKELSON,PENELOPE DULLAGHAN

Oh, the irony: All those jovial holiday season to-dos (the decorating, the wrapping, the baking) can make it next to impossible to keep your home clean, tidy, and company-ready. To help you host family and friends with joy, we asked home pros for their top tips on pulling together an orderly and welcoming entertaining space, no matter how much—or how little—time you have before the doorbell rings.

If You Have 30 Minutes …

❑ The basket trick

Head to your gathering space with an empty laundry basket. Set a timer for five minutes, then start your sprint. Toss in toys, junk mail, random cords—anything adding chaos. Stash the basket behind a closed door. No shame.

❑ Bathroom blitz

Grab supplies, then work from top to bottom—and quick: Shine the mirror; wipe down the counter, sink, and fixtures; clean the toilet seat and rim; and swipe away any visible spots or floor debris. Replace the hand towel and make sure you have enough accessible TP. Bonus: Fold the edge of your toilet paper into a triangle, like at a hotel. A bit much? Maybe. But it’s a fun little surprise that makes people think you really have it together, and it takes five seconds.

❑ Speed vacuum

Even if it’s just the living room and entry rug, a quick vacuum gives the illusion of an overall clean house. It’s the “lipstick and sunglasses” trick of cleaning.

❑ Out of sight

Your guests aren’t going to snoop (and if they do, that’s on them). Close bedroom and laundry room doors, and focus energy where it counts.

❑ Light it up

Lighting is an environment’s most impactful adjustment. If it’s daytime, open curtains and blinds for instant cheer. If it’s night, dim overhead lights and switch on lamps for max coziness. Also turn on exterior lights and those in all street-facing rooms so your home looks happy, alive, and welcoming when your guests arrive.

❑ Quick wipe