The ultimate spring clean

Hosting at home but terrified your guests will go on the rampage? Simply relax with a cool drink and our guide to pain-free parties.

Prepare to Party

Even the most considerate people can cause mayhem when they get into the party spirit. She may be pushing 80, but feisty Auntie Doris is a serious danger to your valuable ceramic vases as she leads a vigorous conga across the lounge. So just a few simple preparations will give you partying peace of mind.

Protect your valuables

Your mother-in-law isn’t going to steal your best silver but as the party pace hots up, you don’t want your favourite things in the firing line. Keep your stereo away from drinks and enthusiastic dancers and hide away that rare vinyl – someone’s bound to want to ‘catalogue’ your collection at 3am. Turn your TV screen to the wall if you can’t be bothered to move the set.

Save the sofa

Your white leather Robin Day sofa is smashing – keep it that way by replacing it temporarily with that old Dralon one dumped in the garage. Use cheap but attractive throws on furniture to defend against spillages, and tablecloths for wood surfaces. Provide plenty of spots for guests to put drinks – other than on the carpet.

Breathe easy

If you don’t feel brave enough to banish smokers to the patio, scatter huge ashtrays everywhere – burning butts won’t end up on upholstery.