What’s the most important thing to do first when you find out last-minute guests are on their way over?

I would say honestly say that not much is required for last-minute guests other than to make them feel as welcome and at home as possible. exactly what is reasonable and how to prioritize depends on the state of things at the time you learn of the impending visit.

my checklist would go something like:

(1) my appearance ... if I was wearing anything respectable (i.e. clothes I would be comfortable going out in public in) and my hair did not look like I just rolled out of bed, I would consider the first point taken care of.

(2) place for guests to sit ... just straighten up living room with emphesis on "big" picture and not vacuuming, dusting and polishing detail. close doors for rooms that are in a mess or you would rather the guests not see (if possible)

(3) glance around for any other obvious things you don't want respectable company to see ... I leave what that might include up to the imagination.

(4) welcoming manner ... get in the mood to be sociable and a good host especially if the the visit is actually more of an inconvenience or obligation than a pleasant suprise. your attitude is probably the most important thing in making the visitors feel welcome.

I do not thing you can be expected to have everything picture perfect for short notice visits ... just try your best and do not panic. This is especially true for all the "other" things you could do or would do if you had more advanced warning, such as food or cleaning. bottom line is keep your place semi-presentable most of the time so these events are not a major embarrassment (but also keep in mind that a "clean" house is very different for a working single mom with two young children and a wealthy elderly couple with fine china and a butler

Fix your appearance, because if you look crazy you might make them feel weird. When I say fix your appearance I don't mean run to the salon, I mean just a quick fix up, and the pick up the noticeable things around your home. You can always make something quick and light for them to eat or serve drinks when they arrive.

First clean the washing room. substitute the cleansing soap and towels and as we talk clean the rest room bowl in case you have time. in case you have flowers handy, positioned some interior the kithcen or front room. A messy front room continually looks impressive with flowers in it. make confident the settee cushions are straightened up too. Then tidy up the front section. as an occasion, in case you have an front closet line up the footwear in an orderly vogue because of the fact it rather is the 1st abode effect the travellers would be left with. and then as we talk bypass to the washing room and positioned a delicate coloration of lipstick, blush, and cream like Nivea or Neutrogena in case you have some handy to sniff impressive or use some gentle fragrance. ensure you look good yet casual. the perfect component of positioned on with corporation over is a good shirt with a skirt in the process the spring, fall, and early summer time. in the process the iciness, pants would be only as nice besides. If the corporation have babies, ask your babies in case you may as we talk tidy up their rooms. they could protest, yet do not worry in the event that they don't because of the fact little ones will alway be little ones. and then make confident that the kitchen looks presentable in case you intend for the corporation to consume in it because of the fact a messy kitchen makes the worst effect ever. in case you won't be able to do the dishes, no difficulty. only remark, "I had a stressful workday final night. i grew to become into so drained." do not look too severe the two. Be casual and homely, welcoming and friendly. human beings like friendly personalities greater beneficial than a clean abode. As for the nutrition, watch Rachel Ray for trouble-free pasta recipes that are magnificent and outstanding and something yet trouble-free in style! and confirm you have gentle wine if the corporation are sufficiently previous to drink wine and in the event that they don't seem to be against it. Wine invitations communication and a delicate feeling interior the air. impressive question via the way, and good success!

All of the options that you just stated in your question are what I consider most important. If you think you might run out of certain items where the food is concerned, go out and purchase more.

Put on some clothes, turn off the porn, unleash the slave. These are the most important things. At least at my house.

Put the drugs and paraphernalia away for starters.

Lock the door !