The short answer
The easiest cleanup starts before the party: start with an empty dishwasher and trash, set up a glass station and a coat spot, and protect light rugs. The morning after, work in order: glassware and dishes, food and trash, surfaces, spills on rugs, powder room, floors.
December in Greenwich moves fast. The annual Christmas tree lighting at Greenwich Town Hall kicks things off, Greenwich Avenue fills with holiday shoppers between Putnam Avenue and the Bruce Museum end of town, and invitations stack up from Old Greenwich to Cos Cob. If you are hosting this year, a little planning means the morning after takes an hour instead of a whole day.
Before the party: set yourself up
- Empty the dishwasher and trash right before guests arrive.
- Set up a glass station with a tray where empties go, so glasses do not end up on every surface.
- Plan a coat spot, a cleared closet or a bed in a guest room.
- Protect light rugs near the bar or food table, or roll them up.
- Stock the powder room with extra hand towels and a spare roll in plain sight.
- Keep a spill kit handy: white cloths, a spray bottle of water, and a small bowl.
During: quiet resets
Every hour or so, clear the glass tray to the kitchen, tie off a full trash bag, and check the powder room. Five minutes during the party saves thirty after.
The morning-after checklist
1. Glassware and dishes
Hand-wash delicate stemware if it is not dishwasher safe. Run the dishwasher full, then reload.
2. Food and trash
Store or toss leftovers, wipe serving platters, and take trash and recycling out the same morning.
3. Surfaces
Wipe ring marks off tables promptly. Use a cleaner suited to wood, stone, or glass, and check care guidance for antiques or specialty finishes.
4. Spills on rugs
Blot, do not rub. Work from the outside in with water and a clean white cloth, following the rug's care instructions. Valuable or delicate rugs belong with a rug specialist.
5. Powder room
Sink, mirror, toilet, floor, and fresh towels.
6. Floors last
Vacuum rugs and mop hard floors once everything above is done.
Hosting more than once this season?
If you have several gatherings planned, a deep clean before the first one and a regular cleaning visit between parties keep the house ready. For the full season, see our holiday cleaning timeline.
Booking a post-party clean
Many hosts schedule a cleaning for the day after the party. Tell us the date, what kind of gathering it was, and any specialty surfaces, and we will plan the visit. You do not need to be home.
House cleaning in Greenwich
We serve homes throughout Greenwich, including Cos Cob, Riverside, and Old Greenwich, and neighborhoods along East Putnam Avenue. For local details, see our house cleaning page for Greenwich, CT.
Check the Town of Greenwich for this year's tree lighting date and time.
Party cleanup questions
How do I get a wine stain out of a rug?
Blot right away with a clean white cloth and water, working from the outside in, and follow the rug's care instructions. Valuable or delicate rugs should go to a rug specialist.
What should I do before a party to make cleanup easier?
Start with an empty dishwasher and trash, set up a glass station and a coat spot, protect light rugs, and stock the powder room.
Can I book a cleaning for the day after a party?
Yes. Tell us the date, the type of gathering, and any specialty surfaces when you request a quote.
When is the Greenwich Town Hall tree lighting?
It is an annual December event. Check the Town of Greenwich for this year's date and time.