It’s the season of the summer bash. Friends enjoying BBQs and Pimms on the lawn. With all those people, bits of food and drink you might end up with a big clean-up job on your hands the morning after (not what you need when you’re feeling the post-party effects!). But with our tips on how to keep the mess at bay you’ll be able to enjoy your party to the max without worrying about the next day.
Bags and bins
Place rubbish bags and bins in every room and near every food station. Paper plates, plastic cups, disposable cutlery and cans will all go straight in and all you’ll have to do is put them in your dustbin the next day. If you’re recycling, make sure you clearly mark the different piles for each material to make it easy for your guests to throw things in and to save you from having to sort through later.
You’ll be surprised how much rubbish your guests will get through so make sure you have plenty of spare bags in easy to reach places.
Tablecloths
Cover your tables and surfaces with tablecloths and you can simply shake them down and pop them in the washing machine. A great tip if you’re worried about drink spills is to lay a bin liner over the table before putting your tablecloth on top. That way if any liquid gets spilled it won’t soak through onto the table’s surface.
The dishes
Things are much easier if you’re using disposable partyware and there are some fantastic biodegradable plates and cups out there that are made from renewable materials. But if you’re using a few choice serving dishes and plates then our top tip is to start the party with an empty dishwasher, that way things can go straight in and you don’t have to unload and put everything away before you can clear away mess.
We’d also recommend filling your washing up bowl with soapy water so that things can be put in there to soak and to keep them all in one place.
Spill kit
There are always going to be spills at a party. You can prepare for it though, without looking like a panicky host! Put together a stain remover spray and some cloths as well as a roll of kitchen towel and keep it somewhere easy to access that way you’ll be ready to go when the inevitable moment comes!
Food choices
When thinking about food for your party, keep your clean-up in mind. The messier the food you’re serving, the more you’ll have to clean up in the morning. If you stick to small biteable pieces and avoid anything too saucy then you’re onto a win. Of course, if you’re guests are bringing dishes with them you can’t always control this. If someone turns up with something that looks a bit saucy then strategically place it near napkins and away from any clean carpets!
Take the morning off
For the ultimate in easy post-party clean up, let us do it! You can be free to take to the city centre for a much needed breakfast and coffee. There are some pretty good pancakes on offer at more than a few places in York. While you’re out enjoying some much needed fresh air and relaxation we’ll take care of all the rubbish, spills and mess that might be lingering in your home. You’ll come back through the front door to a clean and fresh sight. The only evidence of the night before will be on social media 😉
Tell us about your next event and we’ll get your pre- and post party clean sorted.