Entertaining Last Minute Guests

Your husband calls to tell you he invited his boss over for dinner. Friends from out of town inform you they will be visiting you in a few hours. You aren't prepared to entertain these guests. What do you do?

Instead of panic, follow these steps to help you get ready.

Follow a last minute cleaning schedule. Only clean the rooms your guests will see. Spend five minutes on each of the following tasks. Set your timer to make sure you clean quickly.

* Clean your bathroom
* Sweep the kitchen and bathroom floors
* Vacuum or sweep the floor in the living room
* Clear any piles. Throw things in cabinets or closets if you need to.
* Sponge down your kitchen counters and the table.
* If your dishes aren't clean, just consolidate them all to the sink.

Put out finger food. You don't need to cook a five course meal to help your guests feel welcome. Check your cabinets. What do you have? Put out bowls of finger foods such as nuts, crackers, and pretzels. Fix them a drink and enjoy their company.

If you are hosting a last minute dinner party, prepare something simple. Soup, grilled chicken or steak, and a simple salad are quick and easy crowd pleasers. Or, you could always order takeout and serve it on fancy plates.

Keep a well stocked pantry. It is a good idea to keep your pantry well stocked with items that will make entertaining at the last minute easier. Here are some suggestions:

* Pretzels
* Crackers
* Cheese
* Dried fruit
* Snack mix
* Nuts
* Frozen shrimp and cocktail sauce
* Cold cuts
* Smoked salmon

Keep your freezer well stocked. Another great tactic is to make some appetizers in advance. Make a large batch of your signature stuffed mushrooms and freeze them in portions. This method works for just about any recipe. That way, when your husband calls to tell you he invited someone over for dinner, all you'll need to do is defrost and cook that frozen lasagna, open a bottle of wine, and serve it with a vegetable dish.

Create a great atmosphere. Light a candle or two to make your home smell nice. Spray air freshener, if necessary. Dim the lights and try to put out a vase of fresh flowers. You want your home to feel warm and inviting. You may not have time to decorate but even the simplest things help create a great atmosphere.