Last week a friend I’ve known since middle school sent me a text, “I’m in SF!” {change in layover flights!} and would love to see you. Unconsciously {and excitedly!} I invited her over for dinner – in an hour! With a ticking clock to tidy up and get things guest-ready, I knew I had to bust out my go-to entertaining secrets, fast!

And by secrets I actually mean pretty practical tips that you can totally use too. It starts by always having staples in the pantry and in your closet, ready-to-go. For example, champagne? One of life’s necessities and happily housed next to the eggs in the refrigerator at all times. But first things first: the loft requires a tazmanian-devil-like, 3 minute clean!

last-minute-party-essentials

The Essentials:
> Stunning Servingware: Doma Serving Set
> Candles Lit: Baxter of California Candle Ash
> Dog Hair Fix: Dyson Multi Floor Vacuum 
> Champs: Your fave brand!
> Strong Cocktail Recipe: Gin + Kumquat Cocktail
> Nice Napkins: Border Stitch Napkin Set {on sale!}
> Red Lip: Laura Mercier Lipstick Belize
> Go-To Dish: Summer Orange Salad
> Sexy Pump: Leopard Pump
> Cool Coasters: Merino Wool Felt Coasters
> Cheese Plate: Serve Up Your Faves on this Serving Board

Besides {nicely!} stuffing mail in drawers and {frantically!} placing dirty dishes in the dish washer, the number one way my house goes from “lived-in” to guest-ready is with the Dyson Multi-Floor vacuum. Reason being: the dogs shed A LOT and the Dyson is the only thing that picks up every pesky hair around. It’s a game changer and I seriously could not survive without it.

Once the place is dog hair free, things are much, much easier to manage. Now tackling a last minute dinner party seems like a piece of cake. I immediately light candles to relax my nerves and freshen the room. I throw on an instant face brightening red lip and a flattering pump to fancy up my favorite pair of jeans. With that, I’m set to open that door. Is that the doorbell??

No worries: open that door, you look great, the house is clean, the mood is set and once your guest walks in there’s just a few more things you need:

> Pop open that bottle of champagne! Cheers. 

> Start prepping your go-to dish- the one you can make in a flash with no recipe needed. My favorite? An orange salad with fennel– it’s bright, delicious and oranges are always in my fruit basket. 

> Take out your best linen napkins and serving-ware to make things feel like a party.

> Send the significant other to the cheese market down the street. Nothing helps a party/day/mood more than a yummy cheese plate! Am I right?!

I actually LOVE when friends make an unexpected pit stop at my door. It requires me to spruce up the Loft {a clean Loft is a happy Loft!} and allows me to enjoy a gorgeous meal on what otherwise would have been take-out-Tuesday!

Those are some of my last minute dinner party essentials. What are yours?

This post is in partnership with Dyson. The new DC65 cleans better than any other vacuum across carpets and hard floors. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34′s doors open.

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7 Comments

  1. I could use a few of those things, especially the servingware and those incredible pumps…. ooh lala. Thanks for sharing so many wonderful tips, too. Have a great week… 🙂

  2. I am allergic to Oranges so to me your go to dish could be risky. It looks great though! I would have to do cranberries or something.

  3. I’ve always wanted a Dyson. With a dog and three kids it would make my life so much easier. So what’s stopping me ? Money, their so expensive. Someday I’ll get one and live happily ever after.