Hosting Tips- The Easiest Way to Get Your Glass to Sparkle

I know you're probably thinking, This is a hosting tip? And to that I say, Absolutely! Lighting is your best friend for creating ambience, and windows and mirrors are its sidekick. Just a couple of weeks ago, Shawn and I pulled up to a friend's home to return some baby gear we'd borrowed. It was just after sunset and their curtains were open to display the Christmas tree they were decorating. It was lovely, and it got me thinking: At nighttime especially, windows create beautiful reflections of light, and it adds something to the mood you're trying to create. Since you never see more lights during any season than you do at Christmas, it's the best time to make sure your glass is sparkling. Don't wait until Spring!
On the same note, don't neglect your mirrors. Most people notice their bathroom mirrors and make sure they're clean, but they may overlook their decorative ones. You want those to be sharp and standing ready to do their job. Your guests probably won't say, Now those are some clean windows and mirrors, but that doesn't mean they won't notice the special atmosphere.

During college, I worked as a maid for a year and I got the inside scoop. So, here are the two secrets to piercingly clean glass. Other than your Windex (or whatever your go-to cleaner is) use:

• NEWSPAPER. Not paper towels, not rags, newspaper. No, the ink will not get on your glass. Trust me. They will be squeaky clean and totally streak-free.
• Beware of direct heat. It was cause streaking. When cleaning your bathroom mirrors that sit directly under wall-mount vanity lights, for example, don't turn on those lights. Use lights from the next room to see what you're doing, or bring in a lamp. 

My final tip. Don't just stand back and give it a once-over to see if it's clean. Glass is tricky, so examine your work from all angles. You'll be surprised by how much you may have missed. 

Now, go to it! An hour of work and your house will be a stand-out this weekend!