Party clean-up made easy

by Judy Szablak 12/08/2024

outdoor home entertaining table setting blue and yellow dishes and napkins on wooden table with seating

Post party clean up is one major downside of entertaining at home. While you get to enjoy the comfort of your own space and share it with your guests, you’re also responsible for putting it back together once everybody leaves.

Luckily, there are some simple ways you can make party cleaning tasks easier for yourself and wow your guests at the same time.

Clean before your guests arrive

It’s always helpful to begin with a clean slate. The more you clean before your party starts, the fewer after party cleaning tasks you’ll have. Tackle the big projects like sweeping, vacuuming and dusting. Take time to scrub the sinks and toilets if your guests will be using your bathrooms.

Utilize outdoor entertaining areas

Outdoor parties are often easier when it comes to the inevitable post party cleaning. Minor messes and stains aren’t an issue outdoors - decks and patios can always be hosed down, and any liquids spilled in the grass will get absorbed automatically. Use your outdoor spaces as much as possible for entertaining.

Provide easy options for trash, recycling & compost

Both indoor and outdoor parties face the potential issue of trash pileup. Used paper plates, utensils, empty cans and bottles - all of it makes for an overwhelming mess if not properly managed during the party. To help, make trash, recycling and compost receptacles available in more than one location during the party to encourage your guests to help out. 

Avoid stuffing your menu with messy foods

Unfortunately, some of the tastiest party snacks make the biggest messes. Chicken wings, nachos and other beloved finger foods are prime examples of foods you might want to avoid serving at your party. Avoiding a few sticky stains will help you once the food and guests are long gone.

Cleaning up after a party can involve a great deal more than dirty dishes. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy hosting your next party and also enjoy a less strenuous cleaning process afterward.



About the Author
Author

Judy Szablak

With over 30 years in the industry, Realtor Judy Szablak has been on national television for her real estate expertise on the HGTV Network, featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio "Morning Living” , NPR radio as an expert real estate panelist, It’s Relevant News channel, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal for her in depth knowledge of Fairfield County Connecticut real estate.

She was also on the local NPR radio station (WSHU) as a Fairfield County CT real estate expert. Judy has provided multiple online respected news sources with her real estate expertise including The Daily Easton, The Daily Weston, The Daily Fairfield, The Daily Stamford and The Daily Greenwich, as well as in print in the New York Post. She is a weekly Real Estate Columnist for WestportNow.com, another real estate column "Real Estate With Judy” is syndicated through Hearst CT Media Online and seen in The Connecticut Post, The Danbury News-Times, The Stamford Advocate, The Greenwich Time, The Hour, Fairfield Citizen, Westport News, Darien News, New Canaan News and the Wilton Villager.

 Judy is also the author of the book, The Art of Buying or Selling a Home, available at all major book retailers. Additionally, Judy has been nationally recognized in a number of national real estate trade magazines, some with distribution to over 1 million members. She was featured in Real Estate Today as early as 1994 for her commitment to, and implementation of technology in real estate. Judy appeared in the Certified Residential Specialist Magazine, as she provided advice on marketing strategies and ethics in the article titled "Marketing Makeovers.”

 Judy was also featured in REALTOR® Magazine, regarding image enhancement for Realtors. She was again featured in REALTOR® Magazine, in an article on "Achieving Flow” and operating at optimal peak performance. In another article in the same publication, Judy offered guidance to fellow real estate professionals as she explored the topic of implementing and maintaining personal websites. She has appeared in The Council of Residential Specialists Magazine, which featured her ideas regarding technology. Additionally, Judy authored an article on marketing and technology for the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Online Magazine. On two occasions, in 2015 and 2017, she appeared as a featured agent in Top Agent Magazine. I have a few other websites- www.TheCtrealtyBlog.com www.CtHomesAndRealEstate.com www.BestWestportHomes.com www.ThePetitePowerhouse.com www,SzablakConsulting.com