Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

Hosting a party: Clean & prep for your best event ever

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 03/20/2024

outdoor home entertaining table setting blue and yellow dishes and napkins on wooden table with seating

Post party clean up is one major downside of entertaining at home. While you get to enjoy the comfort of your own space and share it with your guests, you’re also responsible for putting it back together once everybody leaves.

Luckily, there are some simple ways you can make party cleaning tasks easier for yourself and wow your guests at the same time.

Clean before your guests arrive

It’s always helpful to begin with a clean slate. The more you clean before your party starts, the fewer after party cleaning tasks you’ll have. Tackle the big projects like sweeping, vacuuming and dusting. Take time to scrub the sinks and toilets if your guests will be using your bathrooms.

Utilize outdoor entertaining areas

Outdoor parties are often easier when it comes to the inevitable post party cleaning. Minor messes and stains aren’t an issue outdoors - decks and patios can always be hosed down, and any liquids spilled in the grass will get absorbed automatically. Use your outdoor spaces as much as possible for entertaining.

Provide easy options for trash, recycling & compost

Both indoor and outdoor parties face the potential issue of trash pileup. Used paper plates, utensils, empty cans and bottles - all of it makes for an overwhelming mess if not properly managed during the party. To help, make trash, recycling and compost receptacles available in more than one location during the party to encourage your guests to help out. 

Avoid stuffing your menu with messy foods

Unfortunately, some of the tastiest party snacks make the biggest messes. Chicken wings, nachos and other beloved finger foods are prime examples of foods you might want to avoid serving at your party. Avoiding a few sticky stains will help you once the food and guests are long gone.

Cleaning up after a party can involve a great deal more than dirty dishes. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy hosting your next party and also enjoy a less strenuous cleaning process afterward.



About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.