In this age of cell phones ("We're in your neighborhood and thought we might stop by"), you might not have 30 minutes to spare. Here's a streamlined 10-minute version for the truly panicked.

Tidy, round one Close any doors you can to hide messier spaces.

Grab a large garbage bag and dash through the house culling clutter; toss it in a closet, behind one of those doors you just closed, or hide it in the shower. Clear items on the floor first, such as toys, because they look messiest.

Time: 2 minutes.


Clean next If you've got only enough time to partially clean one area, make it the bathroom, because you can't deny guests access. Multitask: While the toilet cleaner is foaming, clean the bathroom sink, then scrub the toilet. You've only got time to grab one cleaner, so make it a window-cleaning spray because it will make surfaces sparkle. Put up fresh towels.

Time: 3 minutes.


Tidy, round two Still got a few minutes? Attack elevated surfaces such as the dining and coffee tables and kitchen counter. If you don't have an empty dishwasher, a cold oven or microwave are your next best hiding spots (just remember you can't warm up any appetizers) Or load up a dish pan with dishes and stow it on top of your washing machine. If you don't have time to relocate paper clutter, at least pile it into neater, consolidated stacks. (Be careful not to exceed structural stability; toppling piles of clutter might not be the conversation starter you're looking for.)

Time: 3 minutes.


Staging If it's night, turn off the lights in any messy rooms. Then light candles in the living room and set out beverages. It sets the mood and distracts guests from looking at any areas that are less than company-ready.

Time: 2 minutes.