The Only 5 Things You Need to Clean Before Hosting Easter Brunch

published Apr 16, 2022
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lamb chops, deviled eggs, asparagus, and thandai sauce set on a table
Credit: Photo: Ghazalle Badiozamani; Food Styling: Barrett Washburne; Prop Styling: Paola Andrea Ramirez

Easter brunch has to be the brightest holiday gathering: Spring morning sunshine glinting through the windows, sparkling silverware and glass, and pastel-colored Easter eggs ready for hiding. It’s all so pretty and light. 

But if you’re hosting, you know how much of a scramble (no pun intended!) it is to get the food and the house ready to welcome guests. Not that everything has to be completely perfect and finished, but, of course, you want to honor your friends and family with a prepared spread and a home that’s clean and comfortable. And because someone (or everyone) inevitably ends up in the kitchen with you, you want to feel like your kitchen is presentable. To freshen up the house right before company arrives, focus on these big-impact but simple things to clean.

Credit: Amelia Lawrence/Kitchn

1. Clear clutter on counters.

Clutter on the counters makes the entire kitchen look untidy. Clearing the junk off will make things look much more clean. If you don’t have time to properly put away items that are out of place, stash them in a laundry basket that you can set in another private room to deal with later. 

Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn

2. Run and empty the dishwasher.

Start your brunch off with a blank slate by emptying your dishwasher. You’ll have a place to put things during and after brunch. This way, dirty plates won’t clutter up the counter (see above) while your guests are around.

Credit: Joe Lingeman

3. Wipe down the counters. 

With clutter cleared off, it’s time to wipe down your counters. Grab a clean rag and a nicely scented cleaning spray and give your counters a quick cleaning. This not only makes your kitchen look great, but it also prevents any spills and crumbs from spreading to items you may set on the counter. 

Credit: Joe Lingeman

4. Clean your stovetop.

A messy stovetop won’t do much to get guests excited to eat your food. Do what you can to clean up spills and crumbs. If you have a glass cooktop, you’ll have to take special care. Also, if you have time, give your stove grates a cleaning, too!

Credit: Syda Production

5. Sweep the floor.

Crumbs, spilled chopped onions, or stray leaves of arugula on the floor are not ideal. Do a quick sweep with a broom and erase all traces of food flying around the kitchen. Like a cleaned-off counter, a clean floor gives a strong impression of a clean space. 

What do you make sure is absolutely clean before guests arrive? Tell us in the comments below.