No matter how skilled you are at multi-tasking, it can be challenging to juggle cooking and cleaning in your kitchen before a dinner party. Fortunately, there are a number of last-minute tips you can use to make sure your kitchen is neat and tidy before for your dinner party.
We compiled a list of expert-approved, quick cleaning tasks from cleaning and organizing professionals to help you tidy up your kitchen before your next dinner party.
Start With a Plan
Before you begin frantically tossing dishes in the sink, arguably the most helpful tip our cleaning and organizing experts have to offer is this: start with a plan.
“Clean in an efficient (but quick) order,” says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid.
Many professionals, Mock included, suggest you arrange your cleaning tasks from “top to bottom.” In other words, you want to clear your countertops, tackling garbage and dirty dishes first, then move down to the floors last.
As you tidy, Mock recommends strategically organizing your space, keeping essential cooking tools easily accessible.
“Efficient organization is essential for a party-ready kitchen,” she adds.
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Remove Any and All Trash
The first step in Mock’s cleaning routine is to get rid of garbage.
“Start by throwing away trash and removing anything that does not belong in the kitchen,” she says.
Move your onion peels into the compost bin. Empty pasta boxes and salad bags into the trash. You should also toss any dirty hand towels into the laundry hamper and replace them with clean ones.
Anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen, for the remainder of your cooking or for your soon-to-arrive guests, should be removed promptly.
Declutter the Counters
Once the trash has been removed from your kitchen, continue to declutter the countertops.
“Counters that are clear and bright provide the impression that your kitchen is organized and functional,” says Elizabeth Shields, the operations manager of Super Cleaning Service. “Even if the rest isn’t flawless, it’s like putting on a nice shirt. You feel put together.”
Start by moving all your dirty dishes to the sink; we’ll get back to those. Next, tidy up any clutter like keys or mail, by moving them to a drawer or storage basket. Once the clutter has been removed, spray and wipe down your countertops with a cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
Clean the Dishes
Now that you’ve cleared and decluttered your countertops, the kitchen sink may be the most glaringly messy space in the room. While you may be tempted to ignore the chaos, Shields suggests spending five minutes to wash some dishes before moving on to other tasks, like setting the table or tidying up the living room.
If you’re really pressed for time or your dishwasher is full of clean dishes, fill your sink with soapy water to let everything soak while you clean the floors.
Tackle the Floors Last
Next, clean your floors. In the interest of tidying up your kitchen quickly, our cleaning and organizing pros recommend a quick sweep or vacuum to get rid of any crumbs or food scraps. If you have the time, go over your floors with a mop as well, or spot-clean with a damp cloth.
In a pinch, focus your attention on busy areas like the space below your sink or in front of your stove, where you would have spent the bulk of your cooking.
Organize With Decorative Trays and Baskets
Now that your kitchen is clean, you can spend some time organizing and staging for your guests.
It’s important arrange any leftover items and dishes on your countertops strategically, especially if you’re still cooking and need to keep certain tools and ingredients accessible.
“Use decorative trays or baskets to store essentials such as salt, cooking vessels, etc.,” says Maria Anderson, an organizing expert with Henfield Storage.
Similarly, you can also sort last-minute toppings, like lime wedges or grated cheese, in stylish bowls and dishes.
“This not only frees up space but also creates a more structured and tidy look.”
Prepare for Grazing Guests
As a final step in your dinner party prep list, make sure you’re prepared to welcome grazing guests.
“Set up dedicated areas for drinks and food, ensuring a smooth flow for guests,” says Mock.
Set out a selection of beverages for your guests, as well as appetizers if you have the time. Make sure your dinner table is set, and your living room is tidy, so visitors have everything they need to make themselves at home while you put the finishing touches on their meal.
“The goal is to create an inviting, functional space for effortless entertaining,” adds Mock.
