It’s that time of year when people invite themselves over and intrude upon your private space because it is the holidays and they want to spend time with you. Sigh. Alright, we’ll play nice and try to accommodate the best we can. We gathered some tips on how to spruce up your apartment in a pinch and give the false impression that you live in a civilized manner all year round.

1. First Impressions.

(Make your boyfriend, friend, or roommate greet your guest at the door dressed as your personal butler. This is important in fooling your guest into thinking you are living a highly refined life. Actually one better, get Gerard Butler to dress as a butler and answer the door for you, whatever you do after that pretty much won’t matter.)

2. Tidy Up.

(Don’t have time for a deep clean? Don’t worry, there is an easy solution. Shove your scattered clothes, shoes, and spare tutu into your closet as quickly as you can. Then take your shoe rack and move it in front of your closet door in case your guest decides to get snoopy)

3. Mood Lighting.

(Class up the joint by placing a candle in a tiny little mason jar. But don’t stop there, tie some twine around the top so that you disguise the fact that you just stuck a candle in a jar)

4. Refreshments

(Someone told me that they once went to a super fancy dance club and there was champagne in the bathroom! Well, I drank all of mine the other night so I placed some extra beer and wine I had around the toilet instead which should do the trick! Whatever you do, make sure you keep a wine and bottle opener within reach so that your guest can pop their bottles easily)

Well, there you have it, 4 easy and totally doable steps that transform your apartment into a chic lounge that could trick any of your imposing friends into thinking you are classy.