[ Almanack Index | Metro | Metroactive Central | Archives ]

Party Planner

Housecleaning Expert advice--It'll cost ya, but there are housecleaning businesses throughout the valley that offer same-day service. Just call 'em when you get to work in the morning, then dash home on your lunch hour to let 'em in. Obviously, trust is an issue here, so if you don't have a regular housecleaning service, ask around about who you'd want to have in your home when you're not there. Some of these housecleaners will also come back and clean up after the party, a big bonus if little Brittany smeared chocolate all over the wall or someone jiggled the boss's elbow and sent her cabernet into a free-fall that ended on your carpet. DIY--Two words: distract and obscure. There are a lot of little things you can do to make your place look cleaner than it actually is. Even if you don't have time to scour surfaces, give kitchen and bathroom counters a quick wipe-down, and make sure the bathroom mirror is clean for guests who make primp stops on the way out. Dusting can be avoided by covering surfaces with books, CDs and videocassettes, which also makes you seem well-read and cultured. Candlelight is great for creating atmosphere and hiding the fact that you haven't vacuumed in a month. And doors are made to be closed. [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]