Entertaining Tips and Tricks for Unexpected Guests

These entertaining tips and tricks make having unexpected guests a breeze without the stress, leaving you more time to enjoy your company!

Thank you Gloria Ferrer for sponsoring this post. Elevate your everyday entertaining this season with Gloria Ferrer wines!

There are few things less stressful than preparing to entertain company. When the prep work is for unexpected guests, that stress can double or triple.

Follow these entertaining tips and tricks for a seamless transition from relaxing to entertaining in 15 minutes or less.

Entertaining Tips and Tricks #1

Clean and declutter only areas your guests will see

Keep decorative baskets and crates handy in the most common areas of your house. When unexpected guests drop by, you’ll be able to quickly hide toys, games, and other unnecessary clutter.

Take 5 minutes to put dirty dishes in your dishwasher. No need to rinse, you can always pull them out later for proper washing.

Does your carpet need a good vacuuming? Don’t bother! Picking up the larger pieces of messes made by kids and pets is all you need to do.

Use cleaning wipes to quickly wipe down the guest bathroom counter and sink. Hide hair products, styling tools and other bulky items under the sink.

Entertaining Tips and Tricks #2

Offer something to drink

A good host/hostess will always offer his or her guests something to drink. Have a variety of beverages available for your unexpected guests.

My favorites are bottled water, iced tea, lemonade and sparkling wine.

I love being able to offer a variety of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. While some of your guests will welcome an alcoholic beverage (after a long journey, perhaps?), some may not drink.

Teas and lemonade are easy, but, if you’re wondering what wine to keep on hand, I can help. You can easily over think which types of wine to purchase, since there are so many of them.

My solution is sparkling wine.

First of all, it’s a sort of celebration. As far as I’m concerned, any time you can visit with friends or family is a reason to break out the bubbly.

Secondly, a good sparkling wine, such as Gloria Ferrer. With over 500 gold medals and 50 90+ ratings in the last 5 years, it’s California’s most awarded sparkling wine house.

My favorite everyday Gloria Ferrer sparkling wines are Blanc De Noris and Sonoma Brut.

Entertaining Tips and Tricks #3

Everyone appreciates a snack

While your guests may not plan to stay for lunch or dinner, it’s always thoughtful to have something for them to nibble on.

This is a situation where I don’t offer food, I just serve it.

Not wanting to impose any further, they will usually answer with an emphatic, “No, thank you”, even if they’re starving.

I have found that having a few basics on hand can go a long way. I like to choose items that will last a long time.

This way, I don’t have to worry about anything going bad.

Packaged roasted pork or crab meat and hard cheeses like aged gouda are my go-to choices, plus, they both pair well with both the Blanc De Noirs and Sonoma Brut.

Crackers and nuts make a good addition as well, giving your guests a nice variety.