6 Tasks Pros Never Forget Before and After Hosting Dinner Parties
mStarr design / Photo by Becca Brendler
When it comes to hosting your very own dinner party, it could be daunting to think about the chores that come with the big task. We spoke with home entertaining and organizing experts to learn what are must-dos after guests leave, as well as a few tips and tricks that will help make the post-event tidying go more swiftly and smoothly.
Meet the Experts
Aleka Shunk is the founder of the blog Aleka’s Get-Together.
Becca Cousins is a dinner party expert and influencer.
Jen Martin is the founder and CEO of Reset Your Nest.
Empty the Washer Beforehand
Most homemakers will recommend cleaning up immediately after dinner guests leave so that you can rest easier that night. But with tabletop setup, cooking, and other prep tasks looming, not every host thinks to empty the dishwasher beforehand, which can help reduce cleanup time substantially.
“Emptying the dishwasher before guests arrive is hands-down the most important task," Aleka Shunk, founder of the blog Aleka’s Get-Together, says. It makes cleaning up 100 times easier and even enjoyable."
Becca Cousins, a dinner party expert and influencer, agrees and recommends making a staging area for all the dishes that don't fit in the sink or dishwasher.
"That way, they are easy to grab and load into the dishwasher when space becomes available," Cousins says.
@alekasgettogether / Instagram
Make It Informal
Clean-up will go much faster if you implement informal place settings such as easy rinse and wipe placemats or a disposable table cover.
“Use a roll of kraft paper as a table runner or charcuterie display instead of platters and boards,” Jen Martin, founder and CEO of Reset Your Nest, adds.
If you’re conflicted about creating waste, gauge how much water (and energy) you would likely use to wash kitchen linens and extra dishes, and if you end up going with the low-frills route, be sure you’re using eco-friendly materials.
Also, consider using minimal settings. For example, plan out what eating and serving utensils will actually be needed throughout the courses, so you don't end up having multiple items out and unused by the end of the night.
Get a Head Start
It’s not unheard of to start clearing things during the dinner event. “Collecting abandoned plates and glassware throughout the night is helpful,” Cousins says.
Also, get an early start on leftovers: if you’re done with a certain course and no one seems to want seconds (you might want to ask the guests), consider packing these leftovers into Tupperware right then and there, and stash them in the fridge.
Just be sure you’re not neglecting your hosting duties in your eagerness to clear and clean throughout the night.
@hostinyourhome / Instagram
Set It and Forget It
“Hosting a dinner party is a lot of work, and it’s tempting to go into full relaxation mode when you’re done,” Cousins says. However, it may not be the wisest move long term.
She suggests spot-treating linens and tossing them in the hamper right after clearing the table. Better still, plan on using napkins and tablecloths of a similar color so that you don’t have to spend an extra minute sorting them into individual hampers, nor do you have to run separate washes.
You can run the washing machine that night or even later in the week. Either way, if you’ve popped them in the hamper, you won’t forget about them.
Tableware, meanwhile, may be needed the next day if you use everyday settings as opposed to flatware, glasses, and dishes that you use for special occasions only. Martin recommends not only loading the dishwasher as soon as guests leave but also starting it. This especially gives Martin peace of mind since she won't need to worry about them until the next morning.
Have Supplies Ready
“I would highly recommend setting up the wet vacuum or mop before your guests arrive, and keep it hidden but easily accessible,” Shunk says. “This will allow you to clean the floors immediately, but it’s also ready to go in case there’s a spill during the party.”
Having additional napkins, utensils, or cups will also come in handy just in case anyone drops or loses theirs throughout the night.
Get Trash and Recycling in Order
Like the dishwasher, you’ll want to empty trash bins before your guests even arrive. You don't want to have to stop and change the trash bags mid-cleanup because it will kill your momentum and maybe even make you procrastinate for a day or two.
In the same vein, have an empty recycling bin ready. “If you don’t have a designated recycle trash can, consider using a brown bag from the grocery store,” Cousins says.
It’s an easy, low-cost, and recognizable—most of the time—receptacle for guests to toss away bottles, cans, and other recyclables.
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Read the original article on The Spruce.
