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HOW TO CLEAN UP BEFORE A PARTY

By Tava Smiley

Smiley, a frequent party giver, is the host of Clean Sweep, a home makeover show on the Learning Channel.

When you spontaneously invite everyone over and need to spruce up your place fast, the first thing you should attend to is your sound track. The music gets you going while you tidy up, and it will seem like the party has started by the time your first guest arrives. More strategic tips:

i Grab and stash. Designate one closet or room as off-limits to guests by turning off the lights and closing the door. Not only can you skip cleaning in here; youill also have a place to toss clothes, books, and magazines in the last minute before the doorbell rings.

i Scratch the surface. In the kitchen, clear the countertops, and consolidate all dishes in the dishwasher. Next, sweep clutter off coffee tables, desks, and other flat surfaces, and go over them with an all-purpose cleaner. If you have hardwood floors, run a Swiffer sweeper around the edges and corners of the room, where dust tends to gather; for carpets, just pick up any visible fuzz with your ...