17 Things You Should Never Do Before Company Arrives

These mistakes are hosting no-nos.

Good Southern hosts have their checklist of things to accomplish before the first guest arrives. They prepare the food, vacuum the floors, and wipe off the counters. You’ll be hard-pressed to find them unprepared. If anything, they’re overprepared. Where they often stumble into trouble though isn’t with the things they wish they had thought of but rather those they regret doing right before the party.

As hosts, we need a reverse to-do list, if you will. With the help of national etiquette expert Diane Gottsman from The Protocol School of Texas, we’ve answered the call. Ahead of hosting your next gathering, go through these tips for what not to do just before the party starts. Here’s your ultimate list of things to avoid before welcoming guests.

Starting A Project At The Last Minute

“If you have to do something that requires organizing, don’t start the project even an hour in advance because you’re going to run late,” advises Gottsman. “We all get distracted. We’re getting ready, we’re getting our food prepared, and then all of a sudden we realize we can’t find the can opener or corkscrew. Then we start to tear a drawer apart.” Face these problems sooner rather than later so you have time to solve any issues and clean up the messes they make.

Cleaning The Floors Too Late

Save time for all cleaning, but especially the floors. The last thing you want is a guest slipping on a freshly mopped or waxed floor. At the same time, you don't want to clean the kitchen floor before you've finished cooking and baking. Save it for almost last but not too close to when guests will arrive.

Having Clutter On The Tables

We love a good centerpiece as much as the next Southerner, but remember that table space is important and not everything belongs there. Clear unnecessary items off coffee tables, dining tables, counters, and other surfaces that may be useful for guests. They will appreciate having a spot to set down their cocktails.

Letting Trash Pile Up

Empty the garbage before guests arrive so that you don’t have an overflowing waste bin before the party even gets started. Have extra bags at the ready in case trash cans need to be emptied throughout the event.

Putting Food Out Too Early

Whether your dishes should be served hot or cold, this mistake has the potential to ruin the meal. You don't want your appetizers or sides to grow stale or congeal. (Gottsman’s golden tool for keeping hot food warm for the whole party is a slow cooker.) The rule applies to drinks too. No one likes warm beer or starting the party with a bucket of melted ice.

Being Unprepared For Gifts

“You don’t want to have to search for a vase,” says Gottsman. “Have a couple off to the side ready to go, just in case someone brings you flowers, so you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to figure it out.” However, when it comes to host gifts like food or wine, she is adamant that a host is not required to serve anything that is sprung on them.

Expecting Food Or Drinks

Unless you're hosting a clear-cut potluck, don’t rely on guests bringing things. If you absolutely need something at your party, make sure you already have it. If you would like guests to contribute, ask. But don’t expect guests to bring needed items if you told them not to bring anything!

Ignoring Allergies

Hopefully, your guests with allergies or intolerances to foods with gluten, dairy, or other ingredients have everything under control, but it’s important to be considerate nevertheless. This is vital in situations where the allergy is particularly severe. Guests can be exposed by cross-contamination (using a knife to crush nuts and then to cut vegetables, for instance) or by airborne allergens. In any situation, be prepared to inform guests with food allergies of which dishes they can and cannot enjoy.

Not Stocking Bathrooms

Don't set your guests up for failure. Leaving an almost empty roll of toilet paper with no replacement in sight is certain to cause issues. Make sure your bathrooms are stocked with at least one obvious backup roll.

Drinking Too Much

“Certainly, no one is going to fault the host if they have a glass of wine before guests arrive,” Gottsman says. “However, don't start an hour early or greet your guests with a drink in your hand.” Take it easy and wait for the party to get rolling before you indulge.

Forgetting About Pets

“Make sure your pups are put away safely if they have a tendency to bite, get in the way, or run out the door,” says Gottsman. “You’re doing this early so you’re not chasing your pet when the door opens, and they start nipping at everybody’s ankles.” Some dogs get overexcited and jump on newly arriving guests, so it may make sense to introduce them after things have calmed down.

Assuming Everything Is Clean

When cleaning in preparation for a party, make sure to look both up and down—at the floors and ceilings—to make sure you get everything. Don’t assume that just because something looks clean that it is. Gottsman recommends checking for smells weeks in advance.

Frantically Shoving Coats Aside

One thing to think about ahead of time is where guests’ coats will go. The same goes for umbrellas.  “There has to be a designated place that you have prepared in advance,” Gottsman says firmly. Clear out a coat closet, umbrella stand, or any other designated place for guests to drop off their belongings.

Putting Out Too-Precious Things

We love showing off our prized glassware, china, and art, but they’re not worth spending a whole party worrying over rather than enjoying your event. If guests aren’t allowed to touch it, it probably shouldn’t be out. “Everything has to be usable,” says Gottsman.

Turning The Heat Too High

Have your temperature controls set to something reasonable long before guests arrive. Be careful not to go too light on the AC or too heavy on the heat because the room will naturally get warm once it’s filled with people, advises Gottsman.

Overlooking The Details

It’s the small stuff that counts, as Grandma will tell you. Cut up any fruit you’re serving, and make sure you have hand towels to spare.

Waiting To Set The Mood With Lighting

Create ambience with your lighting long before guests arrive. “You don’t want to start turning on the lights and lighting the candles when the guests are walking through the door,” Gottsman says. “The candles should already be lit and the scent should already be permeating the air by the time the guests arrive, and the lighting should be adjusted to where you want it.”