5 Tiny Things You're Forgetting to Do Before Having Guests Over
Andrew Walker
Updated on February 22, 2026
When planning to host people in our home, some of us will spend days or even months preparing for the occasion. You may go out and buy a new dining set to impress your dinner party guests, or you might redecorate your living room to create a cool new vibe. No matter the case, don't let your bigger preparation plans distract you from making sure some of the smaller tasks get done as well. Talking to experts, we got insight into some of the tiny things people often forget to do before having guests over. Read on to find out the five last-minute tasks you should make sure to do while waiting for them to arrive.
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1 Adjust the temperature
While you may prefer to keep your thermostat at a clean 80 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid a costly A/C bill, you shouldn't subject your guests to that.
Larry Snider, a hosting expert and the vice president of operations for Casago SB Rentals, says that you should always adjust the temperature of your home before people start showing up.
"Forgetting to set an appropriate temperature in the home can make guests uncomfortable," Snider warns. "Ensuring a pleasant indoor climate demonstrates thoughtfulness and helps guests feel at ease—whether it's adjusting the thermostat or opening windows to create a refreshing breeze."
2 Take out the trash
You may easily fill up your trash can with food scraps or miscellaneous boxes while preparing your soiree. Unfortunately, many people end up forgetting to take this out in the final hour leading up to when guests are supposed to arrive, according to Virginia Frischkorn, a high-end event planner and founder of the event planning platform Partytrick.
But she says this isn't something you should let slip from your mind so easily. "Emptying your trash before guests arrive prevents overflow, makes it easier for your guests to dispose of items, and provides a clutter-free and clean environment," Frischkorn explains.
3 Chill beverages
Another last-minute task you shouldn't forget to do is chilling any beverages you plan to serve, according to Frischkorn.
"Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are best served chilled, therefore, removing items from the fridge and chilling over ice is a best practice as a host to ensure you are meeting your guests' needs while providing them with an accessible place to grab or make beverages," she says.
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4 Empty the dishwasher
While you're doing final prep work in your kitchen, don't dismiss your dishwasher. Paul Kushner, a long-time event caterer and bartender, tells Best Life that many people don't even realize they should clear it out ahead of time.
According to Kushner, this one task can help you from getting overwhelmed and make sure guests are able to focus on enjoying the evening.
"A lot of guests feel guilty about leaving dishes in the sink or feel obliged to help clean up after a party, but if you have an empty dishwasher you can hide those dirty dishes easily," he explains.
5 Restock your bathroom
Stop by your bathroom before others show up. Are you running low on any items in there?
"Refreshing and restocking your bathroom demonstrates that you care about the comfort of your guests, while also creating a welcoming atmosphere," says Frischkorn.
Erin Green, a hosting expert and founder of The Hen and Drake Modern Tearoom in Oakley, California, also advises having extra toiletries available beyond ample rolls of toilet paper.
"I always stock my powder room with a box of extra tissues, dental floss, and even feminine products," Green says. "It can be embarrassing for a guest to ask a host for these items—so I make them easy to find. You always win when you step into their shoes and put their needs first."
Kali Coleman Kali Coleman is a Senior Editor at Best Life. Her primary focus is covering news, where she often keeps readers informed on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and up-to-date on the latest retail closures.Read moreFiled UnderEtiquette • HomeRead This NextPut These 5 Kitchen Items Away When Guests Come Over
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