5 Ways to Get Your Living Room Ready for Entertaining

1. Create mood lighting. Poor lighting — whether too dark or too light — is an instant mood killer at any get-together. You want guests to feel comfortable, but you also want to keep the area light enough so that everyone can see. Layer different types of lighting and bring in lamps at different heights. Make sure all the light bulbs are working and replace any burned-out bulbs.

If you don't have lamps to bring in, dim your overhead lights and light some candles. It will look and feel much more cozy.

2. Clean and pick up clutter. More than anything else, you want to make sure your living room is fresh, clean and comfortable. If you have the time, do a big cleanup. Start at least a few days before to avoid stressing out, or having your guests arrive while you're still scrubbing the floor. Sweep, vacuum, dust and polish. Check behind cushions and underneath pillows. You don't want a guest to be the one to find that missing popsicle from last summer.

If you've left cleaning up until the last minute — don't worry! As long as it's out of sight you'll be OK. Take a big bag, sweep clutter into it and store it in the garage or another unused room until after the party. Fluff the pillows, and you should be fine.

3. Seating. Make sure your furniture is organized in a way that's conducive to group conversation. You want your party environment to feel natural, and let the conversation flow smoothly. Make sure that most of the chairs are at the same height so guests can see eye to eye.

Set up multiple conversation areas so that people can have private conversations, but join the group again with ease.

Don't worry about things matching! If you don't have enough seating, feel free to bring in other tables, ottomans and chairs from other parts of the house. Pillows are your best friend when entertaining. Pillows can correct too-deep sofas, or serve as impromptu floor seating.