Key Points

• The most important thing you can do before guests arrive is set the right ambience, lighting, music, and scent to create a welcoming first impression. 

• Preparing your home about 30 minutes before guests arrive helps you stay calm and present, making everyone feel comfortable.

• Clean spaces, thoughtful seating, and a warm drink offering show care and make guests feel instantly welcome.

Whether you’re inviting guests to stay the night or for dinner, hosting loved ones is one of the most rewarding endeavors. At the same time, it comes with a bit of that palpable nervous energy, often driven by a desire to ensure everyone feels welcome and has a great time. 
Delicious food, a tidy space, and an inviting ambience all play a role, but what’s the number one, non-negotiable thing you should do before guests come over? For the answer, we spoke to several hosting, entertaining, and manners pros.

The Most Essential To-Do Before Guests Arrive

According to all five of the experts we asked, setting the right ambience, especially right near the entryway, is going to make the most impact. It makes sense when you think about it; this is your guests’ first impression. And bonus points if you’re there to greet them at the door with a warm smile and "come on in!" A small welcome gift or decor piece can also elevate the vibe effortlessly.

"The single most important thing you can do before guests arrive is set the tone for the party with ambiance," says Olivia Pollock, etiquette and hosting expert for Evite. "The 'big three' of ambiance are lighting, music, and scent. These are some really small ways to make your space feel instantly put together and inviting, signalling to guests that it’s time to have some fun."

Professional event planner Penny Haas agrees. She also recommends having your home ready about 30 minutes before the guest's arrival so you, too, have some time to relax. “This means the lights dimmed, clutter away, décor set, doors open, any music on, and you are dressed,” Haas says. “The food may still be finishing up, but having an inviting space that looks ready to the guest's eye and welcoming your guests as they arrive will set the tone, and will look like you are prepared for the party.”

Emily Reno, founder of The Vegas Planners, notes that there are few things less awkward than having guests walk in and not know where to go or who to talk to. “Being calm, put-together, and fully present sets the tone right away, and it makes guests feel welcome and immediately puts them at ease,” she says. 

Other Hosting To-Dos That Make a Big Impact

Tidy Congregating Spaces: A close second to ambience, Reno says, is making sure your home feels tidy and intentional. "Small details go a long way in helping guests feel like you prepared for them.” If you have a house cleaner, consider scheduling them the morning of or the day before.

Tend to the Bathroom: A quick wipe down of all surfaces can also make a big difference here. “Quickly wipe down the sink, quickly wipe down the toilet, and put away any miscellaneous items, and of course, throw away anything that needs to be thrown away,” advises Genevieve Draison, a modern etiquette expert and COO of Fresh Starts Registry.

Have Thoughtful Seating: From the living room to the dining table, seating matters. “It sounds simple, and it may not be the first thing that comes to mind,” says Tamara Czartoryski, etiquette expert and founder of L'Agence Eventive. She says this really drives emotional connection and the feeling of belonging.

Offer a Drink: After warmly greeting your guests, Pollack says that a natural segue is to offer them something to drink. Provide a few options or consider having a “signature drink” that sets the tone for the party. 

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