This post is created in partnership with Walmart+. All opinions are my own.
It’s the time of year for gathering with family and friends. And let’s be honest, sometimes those gatherings are pretty impromptu! Don’t give into the panic! Instead, get prepped with these tips for last-minute hosting!
1. Do a quick, timed-clean
When I set a timer, it’s amazing what I can get done. Try 15 minutes, and focus just on the most important areas, such as the kitchen and adjoining spaces. This isn’t the time to do a full house deep clean. (I’m speaking to myself here. 😂) Clean the clutter, wipe the countertops, and do a quick sweep of the floors. You can even get the full family involved, making it a game to see who can finish their tasks first. I swear, I never clean quicker than when unexpected guests are on the way.
2. Set the Mood
Light a candle or start the diffuser and turn on the tunes. Although these are super-simple, they truly set the ambiance and create a welcoming environment for your guests. For fellow pet-owners, I also like to sprinkle my area rugs with this. Once it sets for a few minutes, vacuum it up! It creates a fresh, linen scent!
For even more ambiance, I like to go around and turn on all of our battery-operated flameless candles! Again, it might sound silly or unimportant, but those simple, easy details set the mood and create a I-was-totally-planned-for-this vibe.
3. Create an Easy Snack Board
For last-minute hosting, having some light snacks like a cheese and crackers for a charcuterie board is perfect. I’ll be honest, we’re big cheese-lovers over in our house, but if you’re not, just place a quick Walmart+ order! Some of my favorites to order are Kerrygold Grass-fed Reserve Irish Cheddar, Daniele Gluten Free Gourmet Deli Selection, Toasteds Party Pack Crackers, Red Apple Smocked Natural Gouda, and Sahale Snacks Maple Pecans Glazed Mix.
4. Drink-ready!
I love having a few drink options at the ready for anytime of day. Wine is a no-brainer. (I like to have at least one white, red, and rose on hand for myself– ahem, unexpected guests.) Another one of my go-to staples is a variety of coffee blends for our home coffee bar, and a selection of tea. Again, these are things we use weekly ourselves! Lastly, having a sparkling non-alcoholic option is a wonderful addition. I keep both sparkling water and a container of tonic water (that I serve on ice with a fresh lime slice!) for a low-key yet fancy-looking mocktail.
5. Walmart+
I’ve talked a ton about my love for my Walmart+ membership this year, but for all my last-minute needs, it truly is my go-to. With unlimited free delivery, you can get fresh, high quality groceries delivered to your doorstep for free. Cheeseboard ingredients? Check. Wine? Candles? Dinner ingredients? Check, check, check. But with Walmart+, you can order so much more than groceries. Shop your store for all your household necessities! Need a last-minute gift? Get it to your door ASAP, while you get on with everything else on your to-do list! Order again and again as many times as you need with no delivery fees ($35 order minimum. Restrictions apply.)!
You can sign up for a free 15-day trial here! After the trial ends, the membership fee is $12.95/month of $98/year.
