Expecting overnight guests this summer? Having people over should be about relaxing, having fun, and reconnecting with loved ones — not stressing out over ratty sheets and what to feed everybody. So do yourself a favor and follow our tips for setting yourself up right and you’ll be a prepared, happy hostess that’s ready and relaxed on a moment’s notice.

Make yourself a ‘For guests only’ linen kit

Fill a shopping bag or small box with linens, towels, and bathroom essentials. Label it “For guests only” and stash it in the closet with no worries of yourself or family accidentally grabbing it for daily use. When guests arrive just pull out the kit and you’ll be totally set up in 10 minutes or less. Items to include:

• A clean set of nice, high-thread count sheets
• A light cotton blanket
• A couple sets of towels (bath, hand, and washcloth)
• A small basket filled with miniature bathroom essentials (bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, tooth brush, toothpaste, razor, and body lotion)
• Anything else you might use or put out for guests (like a new sachet or a small decorative dish with potpourri)

Stock your kitchen with a few choice basics

Guests are always hungry it seems but feeding them doesn’t have to be a big deal. Keep a few basics tucked in the back of your pantry/freezer, and don’t be afraid to order out (especially if they arrived unannounced). Items to keep in stock:

• The makings of cheese and crackers, and/or frozen artichoke dip that can be pulled out and heated in the oven
• The makings of a favorite easy recipe like spaghetti (dry noodles, jar of sauce, frozen ground beef and garlic bread)
• A frozen brand-name cheesecake (top with fresh fruit if you have it)
• Coffee, regular and decaf, and an assortment of teas (plus creamer and sugar cubes)
• An assortment of sodas, diet and regular
• A couple bottles of wine, red and white.
• Bottled water

Keep the main living areas tidy

Save yourself a lot of stress by establishing a regular cleaning routine that keeps the main living areas tidy and presentable. The extra work will not only save you lots of grief when people pop-in without notice but will improve your daily quality of living as well! Besides regular vacuuming and dusting, these steps can also make a big difference:

• Keep clutter like toys and junk mail from building up in the wrong areas by using attractive and conveniently placed bins or baskets.
• Buy fresh flowers regularly.
• Dedicate a few minutes every night to “making a pass” through the main living areas and straightening up as you go. Just 5 or 10 minutes will make a huge difference in keeping the house presentable.
• Set up an outdoor visiting area with comfy chairs and a few flowers growing. If the house is really a mess you can always seat guests outside in nice weather.