1. FOCUS ON VISIBLE AREAS FIRST. The first places to clean are the rooms and areas that are most noticeable; usually this includes the kitchen, dining room, living/family room, powder room and entry/hallways. Leave areas that will not be utilized for last.

2. PREPARE THE NIGHT BEFORE. Do as much preparation work as possible the night before your company comes. Wash and chop vegetables, season your meat, slice cheese, combine baking products (without the liquid) etc. This will save you tons of time the day of.

3. BUY EASY TO EAT FOOD. Stock up on foods that do not require any preparation, this way your guests can grab something quickly should they get hungry during the day.

4. FOOL THE 'EYE.' Make sure light colours (like a white table cloth) are spotless since they are the most likely to let any dirt show. Doing this will trick the eye and people will assume that dark colours in your home are equally as clean.

5. CREATE THE RIGHT AMBIANCE. Light candles, play music and cook delicious food to create an inviting atmosphere. Anything else in the house that is not quite right probably won't be noticed.

6. STOCK UP ON NECESSITIES. Make sure you have plenty of clean towels, sheets, toilet paper, soap etc. This is especially important for overnight guests.

7. 'MAKE IT SPARKLE.' Using window/glass cleaner, give your bathroom and kitchen one last clean just before your guests arrive to make them sparkle.