Last-Minute Party Prep from Speed Decorating

One of the reasons that Jill Vegas' book is a great one to have on your shelves is that she has a ton of lists that help with last-minute makeovers. We love her quick and inexpensive last-minute cocktail party prep tips.

1. Clean up the clutter; Hide all those stacks of papers.

2. Make an instant side table: Stack magazines on the floor and top it was a bowl of nuts.

3. Make surfaces shine. Spray and polish all mirrors and glass until they gleam.

4. Put out a vase of fresh flowers.

5. Turn down the lights, and festoon the room with candles to light moments before the guests arrive.

These tips could be used after a full, deep cleaning, or in place of one, especially because dimmed lights mean it's harder to notice any dirt or clutter!

Comments (4)

Bowl of nuts on top of a stack of magazines on the floor?
Really?!
That's not "Speed Decorating".
That's a speedy way to a frat house look.

posted by Daily Nuance on November 9th 2009 at 4:35pm
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That's a tip? Clean up before a party? How old is she?

posted by nene on November 9th 2009 at 5:26pm
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I prefer all my lights turned on when I have company, not dimmed (even with candlelight) as suggested. Keeping all the lights on feels more welcoming and it won't make my guests sleepy! Don't dim your lights to try and hide dirty surfaces ... that's really bad advice! lol

posted by nerdnik on November 9th 2009 at 7:14pm
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Is it me or does the poster sound college age? I would think everyone knows to clean before a party and using magazines and nuts to make a side table sounds like something done in a fraternity.

posted by ChrisGal on November 10th 2009 at 8:27am
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