Keep candles on hand, and light them during the evening, whether guests are expected or not. It makes for a festive and homey atmosphere, helps to make the long dark nights more cozy, and can hide a multitude of sins (i.e., undusted surfaces, etc...) :-)

I keep a package of disinfectant/multisurface wipes in the bathroom. If people are coming over, I can quickly wipe everything down in there in a matter of seconds.

Keep things on hand like good olives, a couple of tasty cheeses, crisp simple crackers, fruit, a couple of bottles of wine and some beer in the fridge. I always try to have some soup in the freezer that can be an easy quick supper for guests.

I welcome drop in guests and love it when people feel comfortable enough to drop by for quick chats, a beer, or a meal. I always cook too much and love to have folks over in a very casual, impromptu way. I don't have much for family, and friends are always welcome in our home.

Always keep some kind of frozen appetizer on hand. If you suddenly realize that you're short on snacks, they're so easy.

I always have a bag or two of homemade crab puffs in the freezer, and in a pinch, all you have to do is preheat the oven and throw them on a baking sheet. You can do the same with pre-made mini quiches, puff pastries, etc.

In 19th century novels, characters always tell people that they are "at home" on Thursday, or Tuesday or whenever. They basically have an open house every week, and are thus prepared for drop-in guests.

I sort of wish we still had this same system. It would be fun to drop in on friends, and have them come over, without a lot of elaborate planning.

Love the tablecloth made from stitched together IKEA dishtowels.

akay, I do the same with thin-crust cheese pizzas. I just cut them into bite-sized pieces instead of full slices. They also come in handy for larger parties, so you can break them out if the party goes later than planned and you get low on chips and dip.

Lisa (Montreal), I totally agree. I particularly feel that way after reading one of my Jane Austen novels. mntwmyn, I'm so envious that you regularly get drop-in guests. We're mid-Cure, so they would be stepping into a mess, but I'm still jealous.

We always have a few things in stock, less for guests and more becase we like them, but they also come in handy when friends come by:
1. Drinks. We keep a good stock of beer and wine and liquor for mixed drinks. We also always have tea and coffee ready to go.
2. Candles. We also have a ton of tealight candles and simple glass holders. I'm addicted to little ivory and white ones. So handy.
3. Flowers. Once every couple of weeks we get new fresh flowers. My husband (who wakes up insanely early) refreshes the water and trims the stems every other morning to make them last. They always make the house feel more welcoming.

NOOOOO DON'T COME IN!! You see, I started doing this "kitchen cure" thing, but then that sailing class took all weekend and I had a project due at work and the next thing we knew we had a mixer on the dining room table and bottles of beans in the living room and all our unwrapped wedding presents sitting by the couch...

Actually, I do wish people would drop by. I grew up reading those cookbooks that recommended keeping a batch of refrigerator cookies that you could slice and bake when the neighbor popped in for coffee. So civilized. Love all the tips.