Page 105
Getting Ready to Entertain
Words Sayo Akinlude
Let’s address the rumours …you are allowed to entertain, just with a few precautions. Now that’s cleared up let’s get into it. WOTC are going to help you get ready to entertain, post-Covid.
Entertaining From Home
Entertaining at home is a great opportunity to clear out the house as you begin to make space to host. • Identify the part of your home you will use for hosting e.g. the living room, dining room, garden etc.
Scan the space and begin to remove valuable items, items that cannot be replaced and items you do not want people touching or possible breaking.
If you have a small space, creating room for your guest is essential. Remove items that do not have to be in the room. You can place the items into a room that will not be used during the event, or storage (Quick tip you can also place them in the car boot). The aim of this is to maximize space. In the process you can also do a clear out. If you no longer need or want certain items, this is a good opportunity to get rid of them or donate them to charity.
Furniture such as sofas, tables and shelves usually take up the most space. If it’s an event where mostly everyone will be standing, it’s in your best interest to remove these items.
Remembering UK guidelines, you are not allowed to host an event with over 30 people. So you want to make sure your space is enough for 30 or fewer people including yourself and your household.
Once you are happy with the room and feel comfortable with how much space you’ve created and with the items in the room, it’s time to clean. This may sound strange but cleaning before hosting is just as important as cleaning after. Now that your preferred room is ready, it’s time for the rest of the whole. When hosting, guests will need to use your restroom at some point - so the next room to prepare is the bathroom. If you have a guest bathroom prefect, direct your guests there.
Make sure there’s an abundance of loo roll. I always like to leave the window open and light a candle as well as leaving out the fancy air freshener. If you don’t have a guest bathroom don’t worry, the same rules apply. With a family bathroom, you just need to do a little bit more preparation. Again, remove all of your valuables and toothbrushes. Arrange your shower gels, shampoo etc, get rid of empty bottles and most importantly give both bathrooms a good clean. Wipe down your mirrors and make sure everything is working accordingly.
Now that we’ve got the two main rooms ready you’re almost done. It is important to impose rules when hosting, if you do not want guests in the bedroom, make it clear. Let them know which rooms are available and unavailable to them. Inform them to take off their shoes (if that’s what you want) put a sign up if you have to, your peace of mind is very important. It isn’t rude or impolite to inform your guest of what makes you feel comfortable. Lastly give the whole house (if you have a house where your guest will be in corridors, hallways entrance etc.) a good clean and wipe down. Now due to Covid, it is extremely important to make sure you have hand sanitiser stations everywhere.
Wait don’t lose faith! Hand sanitiser station means dotting around extra hand sanitisers all over the house. Once the event is finished clean, pack up and place everything back or maybe use this as an opportunity to rearrange your space and your house will be as good as new.
Psst! You don’t have to do this in any particular order, they are all of equal importance.