Has the British Summer Finally Arrived?
It certainly feels like it! I know many of you are itching to enjoy the sunshine, embrace outdoor living, and fill your calendars with garden parties and outdoor suppers. I’m delighted that social plans are blossoming once more, and I’ll be hosting a Summer supper this weekend to celebrate Mid Summer with some of my dearest friends.
As I’ve been organising, I’ve come to realise that the key to stress-free hosting is simple: a clean, welcoming, beautifully scented home. So, I’ve put together a few of my tried-and-true tips to help you prepare for a truly lovely summer gathering.
How to Organise Your House for a Summer Party
Let’s start with a list (who else gets a thrill from ticking things off?). Take a walk through your home and make note what needs attention:
Focus areas like: Bathrooms, hallway, kitchen, and living room always need a little extra sparkle.
Entryway magic: First impressions matter - clear away trip hazards (yes, including tennis balls and chewed-up toys, thank you very much, Mr Hobbes).
Guest space: Set aside an area for coats, shoes, and bags so your guests can settle in straight away.
Cleaning:
Begin with a good declutter. I always rope in a family member for this part - one person tidies, the other cleans! Here’s my go-to kit:
Multi-Surface Spray - the scent of windswept sea air while leaving every surface sparkling? Yes, please.
Scented Vinegar & Loo Cleaner - perfect for bathrooms. It’s fresh, floral, and wonderfully nostalgic.
I’ll give the bathroom a spritz of our Loo Parfum. Not only does it smell divine, but it's rather funny as well.
Scenting
Scent is everything. It creates an instant mood and lingers in memory long after the party ends.
Diffuser Oil: I place a Reed Diffuser in the hallway - it greets every guest with a warm, elegant fragrance the moment they arrive.
Room Sprays: A few spritzes in key areas (especially the kitchen and lounge) add vibrancy without overpowering.
No Candles? No Problem: If little ones or dogs are around, I skip the candles and stick to room mists and pop on a electric diffuser and use our diffuser oils to scent the area.
Don’t Forget the Dog!
Let’s face it - your four-legged friend will want to say hello to every guest. I always give Mr Hobbes a wash with dog shampoo and conditioner (Coastal Walks obviously) and then finish him off with his dog cologne before guests arrive. They’ll be the best-smelling guest at the party (and they know it!).
Hack: The Spill Box
Wine spills? Muddy paws? Someone tips the hummus? It’s all part of the fun. I keep a small box tucked away with stain solution, dish cloths, and our go-to cleaning products - ready to swoop in at a moment’s notice. (Let me know if you’d like our Stain Removal Chart)
Easy Touches That Make a Big Impact
Fresh Flowers - picked straight from the garden! There’s something deeply grounding about wild blooms you've grown yourself! Cut them a few days before your party so they have time to open, and use a pinch of cut flower food to keep them fresh.
Place flowers in unexpected corners - the loo, the guest room, or by the drinks tray.
How to Relax Before a Party
Despite loving the energy of a party, I sometimes feel a bit jittery before the doorbell rings. That’s when I reach for my Calm & Meditate Pulse Oil. I roll it onto my wrists, breathe in deeply for a few minutes, and it always brings me back to myself.
With your home clean, beautifully scented, decluttered, and gently styled - all that’s left to do is pour something fizzy and enjoy! Your guests will feel relaxed and welcome, and you’ll have the peace of mind to truly enjoy the evening.
I’d love to hear if these tips help you, and what your own summer plans look like. Whether it’s a suppers outside in the sunshine or an impromptu barbecue - here’s to the sunshine at last!
Talk soon,
Bella x
P.S - Red wine stains? click here for my secret tips.
