19 Tips For Easy Party Cleanup

Hosting a party is undoubtedly fun, yet the truth is that cleaning up afterward can feel more daunting than the initial preparations. However, there’s no need to despair! I’m here to provide expert advice on hassle-free post-party cleanup, ensuring you never regret hosting a celebration. 

Now, I get it. You want to host a memorable event without the stress of post-party chaos. These tips are all about smart planning and efficient cleanup strategies. From using disposable linens to picking non-staining foods and drinks, we’ll cover all the basics for a stress-free party that leaves your space as sparkling as before. So, let’s dive into the world of easy party cleanup and turn that daunting task into a breeze!

Rent Dishes, Glasses, Utensils, and Linens

Dirty dishes, flatware, and glasses can pile up during a party, and you don’t want to neglect your guests to go clean them. So it ends up waiting until after the party (or the following day) when you run the dishwasher several times and hand wash the rest. It’s one of my least favorite parts of hosting a party. Renting really comes in handy if you’re hosting a large group. All the serving dishes come with containers to pack dirty dishes into as the party is happening. And you don’t have to worry about stained table cloths. Most rented items come with a return-dirty policy – music to my ears!

Go Disposable, Stay Classy

If renting dishes and glasses isn’t in your budget, you can opt for disposable plates and utensils, even serveware. And disposable doesn’t have to mean tacky. You can find elegant disposable dinnerware and serving trays that look chic but can be discarded after use. 

Finger Food Fun 

If you can eat it without utensils, you’re winning. Some less mess foods don’t even really require napkins or a plate, like chips, popcorn, nuts, pitted olives, and berries. Your party prep should include napkins and small plates on the table so guests don’t have to stand at the serving table to eat. And just in case, have some utensils ready to pull out for the guest who asks – there’s always one!

You can make your dinner party extra fun by giving the foods a theme or an interactive element. A Mediterranean theme could include, olives, falafel, tapas, and hummus. A high tea event could feature scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours.

One of my favorite interactive elements is a dip party. I make 4-8 dips and serves them with bread, crackers, chips, fruit, and vegetables. Dips parties make it easy to account for dietary preferences and food allergies like vegan or gluten free or nut allergy. Build-your-own crostini with 4-6 toppings works well too, just be sure to have at least one gluten free option.

Photo by Aneta Voborilova on Unsplash

Catering is Your Best Friend 

Whether you pick up pre-made delights or hire caterers, let someone else handle the food. 

One of the most significant advantages of catering is the time it saves. When you hire a caterer, you’re freeing yourself from the time-consuming tasks of planning a menu, shopping for ingredients, cooking, and setting up. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your event or enjoy the occasion without the stress of food preparation. And the stress of cleaning up after you prepared the food.

In-house catering includes cleanup services. After the event, the catering team will clean the dining area, wash dishes, and dispose of any food waste, leaving you with one less thing to worry about. Sometimes your house looks better than before they arrived!

Avoid the Stain Game

Choose foods and drinks that won’t leave their mark. For example, white wine instead of red, clear sodas instead of colored ones, and light sauces over tomato-based ones. Use cups with lids for children. 

If you use linens or tablecloths, darker colors and patterns hide stains better than solid, light-colored ones. You can also pre-treat them using a fabric protector spray that repels liquids.

If a spill does occur, be prepared. I like to use club soda & salt or a wine stain remover.  

Start Fresh

Begin by giving your event space a comprehensive clean. This includes dusting, vacuuming, washing floors, and cleaning windows. A clean space is more welcoming and sets a high standard for the event.

Remove any unnecessary items or clutter from the event area. This not only creates more space for your guests but also minimizes the chances of items being misplaced or damaged during the event.

Just before the party begins, empty the sink, dish drain, and dishwasher. Also, put a new trash bag in each of the trash bins. A clean slate will give you time before you need to worry about tidying up.

Weather-Proof Your Entrance

A big entrance mat can keep the mess at bay. Before the guests arrive, designate a spot for umbrellas and wet coats. If you have a small entry, try utilizing the front porch, mudroom, or garage. Umbrella stands and shoe racks work too. I also like to keep spare towels by the door in case the doormat isn’t enough and there are puddles that need to be mopped up. 

Another option is putting up a pop-up tent near your entrance or backdoor. I probably wouldn’t store anyone’s belongings under it, but it gives them a place to brush off snow or shake out umbrellas before coming into the house. It also gives smokers a place to take cover if it’s raining.

Recycling and Trash

Clearly label your trash and recycling bins so the proper items end up in each. Having trash and recycling in different locations is also helpful. Such as “The trash is in the kitchen cabinet, and the recycling is just outside the garage door,” so that you limit confusion. 

I also find it immensely helpful to have trash cans in multiple rooms so that dirty plates and napkins don’t pile on tables. It’s like telling your guests, “Hey, help me out here!” in the politest way possible.

Visible Cleanup Aids

Keep paper towels and stain removers in sight. It’s like subtly saying, “Spills? No biggie.” Have napkins or paper towels accessible to guests and near the food & drinks. Most guests will want to try to clean up if they make a mess. This way, you won’t have to be a first responder for the mess. 

You can keep a stain remover in the bathroom so if someone does have a spill on their clothes, they can quickly take care of it. Great way to prevent red wine stains.

Outdoor Dining

On lovely days, move outdoors to take a bit of cleaning and stress off your plate. The beauty of outdoor dining lies in its natural ambiance. Select a location that offers both charm and functionality, whether it’s a lush garden, a spacious patio, or a cozy courtyard.

When having an outdoor party, opt for a menu that suits outdoor settings. Foods that are easy to eat and require minimal preparation on-site, like grilled items, salads, and finger foods, are ideal. This also simplifies cleaning tasks.

Bonus: you don’t have to worry about vacuuming afterward; if there are spills, it’s in the grass – oh, well! Or maybe you have to hose off the patio. Either way, it’s less of a mess to worry about. 

Just Say No to Glitter and Confetti

They might look festive, but they’re cleanup nightmares! Even with a high-powered vacuum, you will still find bits for months. Just avoid them. 

Alternatives to Glitter and Confetti:

• Paper Decorations: Opt for larger, easily disposable or recyclable paper decorations like streamers or paper pompoms.
• Natural Decor: Consider natural decor elements like flowers, leaves, or petals, which are biodegradable and add an elegant touch.
• Fabric Banners and Ribbons: Fabric decorations can be reused and don’t leave behind the same mess as glitter or confetti.
• Electronic Light Displays: Projectors or LED light displays can create a dynamic and festive atmosphere without any physical mess.

Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash

Prep Your Drink Station

If you are hiring in-house caters, they can help alleviate the inevitable post party cleaning. They will be manning the bar, so that drunk hands aren’t pouring drinks. If there is a spill, the caters are right there to clean it up. They will keep the bar tidy and well stocked for the entire party.

I like to use full-sheet baking trays on the bar; they help contain spills and keep them from spreading to the floor. I also prefer sweat-proof ice buckets and wine bins, but the trays keep condensation from building up on the bar if you don’t own any. All food and beverage stations should have at a minimum napkins and a small trash bin.

Easy to use dispensers can be another tool in your party spaces. Pre-mix a house cocktail and put it in a dispensing vessel. Or use the precision pour spouts, they do they working of measuring for you by cutting off at 0.75-2 ounce pours.

Bathroom Essentials

Make sure your bathroom is stocked with everything a guest could need. Extra hand towels, plenty of soap, a stack of toilet paper, tissues, plunger, and toilet brush. It can be embarrassing for your guest to leave the bathroom if the toilet isn’t functioning, especially if people are waiting to use it. Give them the tools to handle it discreetly. 

I also like to have stain pens, lotion, tampons, and/or pads readily available in the bathroom. Speaking of feminine hygiene, if you have pets that get into that sort of thing, have a trash bin with a tamper-proof lid, or just put it in the sink cabinet. That’s the last thing you need to be dragged into a party. 

Guests to the Rescue

Sometimes, they genuinely want to help. Let them! If guests ask what they can do to help you, give them something that is easy to explain and execute, like “Put any empty plates and napkins in the trash can” or “Can you help me package the leftover food in these to-go containers.” Don’t ask them to put dishes away; it will take them far too long to figure out where everything goes in your kitchen. 

Sneaky Cleaning

A little tidying during the party, like taking out full recycling bins, can be a game-changer. Don’t let it be your focus. Little things like putting away an empty serving dish or condiments after everyone has had their entrees. Just a little cleaning can make a big difference at the end of the night.

Checking the bathroom mid party can also help in the cleaning process. Ensure it remains clean and well-stocked with essentials like toilet paper and hand towels. Address any issues as soon as they arise.

Leftovers: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

At the end of the night, why bother packing all the leftover food into your fridge? Instead, reduce your cleanup and waste and have containers ready for guests to take food home. It’s like a parting gift, but better.

You can keep a stash of wax-coated paper containers, like you find at restaurants, or traditional leak-proof plastic containers, or even use thrifted casserole and Pyrex containers. It’s best if the container your guest takes home isn’t something you use every day and instead is something you wouldn’t mind if they kept. 

Make it easy for your guests to pack their own containers by setting them on the serving table or creating a packing station in the kitchen. Have tape and markers so they can label their own containers.  

Photo by Kim Deachul on Unsplash

Post-Party Cleaning

I know you’re tired and possibly a little tipsy at the end of your party, but do yourself a favor at a minimum – put any food away and run a load of dishes. Tomorrow you will thank you!

If you want to do a little extra for your post party clean, focus on the high traffic areas and pick up any garbage and vacuum the floors. Wipe down the kitchen counters, dining table, coffee table, and any other surface used by your guests.

If you do this in addition to a couple of other tips, the next day’s cleanup will be minimal. Maybe another load of dishes, vacuuming and wiping down some surfaces. 

Bus Tub Brilliance

Having one of these is like having an extra set of hands. Often, you can sweep a room in one go. It’s also perfect if you pick up anything with liquid; you won’t have to worry about spills on the way to the kitchen. It’s one of my go-to tools for easy party cleanup.

Hire a Cleaning Crew

If you can, why not? You’ve done enough by hosting. If you have a regular housekeeper, ask them about scheduling and after-party cleaning. Otherwise, look for cleaners in your area that offer post-event cleaning. Try to request this service several weeks in advance to ensure their availability. 

By incorporating these strategies, you’ll not only enjoy the party more, but you’ll also save precious time and energy. Now you are equipped for easy party cleanup. So, are you ready to throw that party without the post party cleaning dread? Let’s make it happen!