You know that host who makes it all look easy? The one who’s relaxed, the food’s hot, and nobody’s wondering where the bathroom is? They’re not a wizard. They just did a little prep before the doorbell rang.
Here’s the short list, so you can be that host too.
- Clear the walkways and keep the entry lights on
Your guests will show up with coats, casserole dishes, and maybe even a gift. Make sure they can see where they’re going. Sweep leaves, shovel snow, and move anything that could trip someone, like hoses, shoes, and the toys your kids swore they’d put away. Then leave the porch and entry lights on so everyone can find the door, and their car at the end of the night.
- Set up a drink station away from the kitchen
Every gathering ends up in the kitchen. It’s just what people do. Give them somewhere else to go by setting up drinks, glasses, and ice on a side table or in another room. Guests can help themselves, and whoever’s cooking gets room to move around the stove.
- Keep candles away from curtains and décor
Candles make a room feel warm and welcoming, so go ahead and use them in rooms where people will actively be in. Just give them some breathing room. Keep them away from little hands, curtains, paper decorations, and greenery, and set them on a stable surface that’s out of reach. Please never leave a lit candle unattended. Set a reminder on your phone to blow them out when you leave the room or head to bed.
- Spread out the extension cords and avoid overloading outlets
String lights, slow cookers, warming trays: the plug count adds up fast. Spread everything across multiple outlets instead of piling it all into one, and use cords that are rated for what you’re plugging in. Keep cords out of walkways so nobody trips, and don’t run them under rugs.
- Test your smoke alarms before guests arrive
This one takes about ten seconds per alarm. Press the test button on each one, and swap the batteries if you need to. You’ll feel better knowing it’s done while you’ve got a house full of people you love.
Once the prep is done, that’s it. You’ve earned the good part. Pour yourself something, turn the music up a notch, and enjoy the people who showed up for you.
Happy hosting from all of us at Bamboo Insurance.
Information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice.
This information contains general safety tips based on publicly available information and is provided on as “as is” basis. Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of the content. The information is for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional training or official safety guidance. The access and use of this information does not create a professional-client relationship between you and Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services. Always exercise caution, follow safety instructions provided by manufacturers, and consult professionals for specific situations, questions, concerns, or more information and guidance. Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services is not liable for any harm or loss resulting from actions or inactions taken based on this content.
Bamboo Ide8 Insurance Services, LLC (“Bamboo Insurance”) is a Managing General Agency licensed to sell property-casualty insurance products; NPN 18657046.
