I love welcoming guests, and we have had a wonderful time with my husband’s parents in town this past week. It was lively, fun and we made such great memories. I tried my hardest, but teared up as their train left the station for Heathrow this morning.

Once guests go, there are a few tasks to do to get ready for future visitors. I recommend breaking this down into a three day process to move it along, but not feel stressful. {You just hosted, afterall!} It’s helpful to decide what is most important to you, and tackle that first. Here’s my go-to routine:

Day 1: Wash the table linens {tablecloth and napkins}, strip the guest bed, and wipe down the bathroom.

Day 2: Wash the guest sheets and remake the guest bed, dust furniture with a damp cloth, and toss out any wilted vegetables or expired items that you didn’t use {as much as I like to use every little thing, sometimes this just happens — it’s okay!}.

Day 3: Wash the towels, vacuum the carpets, and straighten any miscellaneous items.

By using this process with laundering a different group of items every day, it also makes it easier to complete before and after work if needed. After just 72 hours — ta da! All set for the next guests to visit.

So many beautiful nights spent around the table. Till next time!