Preparations

[poliphilo]

The last time we threw a big party was when we got married- 13 years ago. That one lasted several days and involved goths sleeping on the floor.

Historically the family party is held at my sister-in-law's on the other side of town. This year, for various excellent reasons, we're hosting it here.

This is a big house, but we contrive to make it feel small and cramped. We have too much furniture. And who needs cupboards and wardrobes when there's still room to stack things on the floor?

I have from now until Monday to create a minimalist aesthetic.

I shall start by moving the decorating equipment out of the living room.

Comments

[besideserato.livejournal.com]

Ooh, best of luck on your cleaning and party endeavours!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I've just spent God knows how long up a ladder changing a lamp shade. In the process I broke the light fitting and had to "borrow" one from another room.

And the lamp shade didn't fit anyway, so the old one is back in place.

One step forward- two steps back.

Two? Make that three.

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

I have from now until Monday to create a minimalist aesthetic.

I've been trying to "create a minimalist aesthetic" for all my adult life. The closest I have come is "cultural clutter."

My own personal housekeeping list of hints, which reveal my own slovenly ways; most will not apply to your house, which looks uncluttered and inviting.

1. If in doubt, throw it out.

2. Dust off the top book in the stack. The others will look clean by association.

3. Use very low-watt light bulbs: they provide lovely, flattering light and also hide glaring rips and stains.

4. Place a small, interesting piece of furniture on top of a ripped place in the Turkey carpet.

5. Warm India fabrics can be tossed over sofa ends to provide a sophisticated and sensual mood while also hiding cat shreds on the sofa arms.

6. The best emergency storage areas:
a- Under beds
b- Under the sink
c- Empty boxes: cover with more fabric from India, top with poinsettia, and--voila! A table!

==I know you and Ailz will have a wonderful party at your house. It already looks very clean and inviting, and I'm sure you won't need my Housekeeping Hints!

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

Isn't it fun? Whoopee!

I do love cleaning house.

Jackie
(joking)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

LOl.

I am very bad at throwing things away. I like to watch those daytime TV shows about treasures being found in attics. It's amazing what people will pay good money for these days.

Anything with Mickey Mouse on it, for instance.

I've tried the India fabrics. "sophisticated and sensual" isn't exactly the effect I obtain. They always end up wadded into a ball in the corner of the settee/armchair and when you shake them crumbs fly out.

I'm not sure there's any room left under the beds.

The photographs I've been posting give a misleading impression. It's not true about the camera never lying....

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

While putting cans of paint away in the cellar I found an almost untouched pot of aubergine I didn't know I had, and was able to touch up the scuff marks on the living room walls.

Yay!

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

I once visited a tidy apartment, and we were all in the kitchen talking. I opened the cabinet door under the sink, where most people keep their trash containers, preparing to throw away my paper plate, and the hostess cried "No!"

And a balloon attached to a string bobbed out of the opened cabinet door and gently rose to the ceiling.

So there you are: even the tidiest little house has its housekeeping secrets.

[silent-mouse.livejournal.com]

The best way to handle party preparations - do not think too much about it. People will always find something to sit on. :) As long as the party is fun - no one will notice minor inconveniences. At least that's my hope. :)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I wonder what Miss Marple would have said about that?

She'd have spotted how the concealed ballon fitted into the LARGER PICTURE.

Actually I don't suppose she'd have said anything; she'd have twinkled and raised an eyebrow and stored the information away for future use.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Yes, I need to chill out.

I just disconnected the computer by injudicious tidying. Ho hum!

[silent-mouse.livejournal.com]

I think someone is already trying to tidy things in your area: http://www.snow-forecast.com/maps/uksnow_next3days.shtml :)
Looks like it's going to snow!

[morrison-maiden.livejournal.com]

And who needs cupboards and wardrobes when there's still room to stack things on the floor?

Hehe, I subscribe to that manner of decorating as well ^_~

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

I follow the same policy in dorm room.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I love the Harold Lloyd icon!

[morrison-maiden.livejournal.com]

Lol, thanks! It was made by mimisoliel :)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I do hope so.

[besideserato.livejournal.com]

Oh that's terrible! I hate spending time on things that end up not working out! It always happens, too, when you are given only so much time to clean something in time for some festivity!

[besideserato.livejournal.com]

One step forward!

[halfmoon-mollie.livejournal.com]

I have a friend who says she never dusts...when the piles of dust get too high she moves.

I'm sure your party will be a major bash everyone will speak of for years to come, with great awe.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Quentin Crisp said that if you leave the dust for two (or is it five?) years it reaches an optimum level and never gets any worse.