Random hosting question (NWR)

SaintPaulGal

FI and I are having a holiday party at our house tomorrow.  We have a finished basement, but it is going to be "off limits" because it's a total wreck down there (in the middle of a flooring project right now.)  There is no door that can be closed; the kitchen leads right into a few steps down to a side door, and then the steps turn and head to the basement.

How should I make it known that people shouldn't go down there?  A few people who will be attending have been to other parties where we did use the basement, but most have either never been to the house before or haven't been down there. (We eventually plan to put our bar station down there, but for now we pretty much only entertain on the main floor unless it's a massive party where space is an issue.)

*Barbie*

is there another way to block it off?

PrettyGirlLost

Can you put a tension rod up in the stairwell where the door would be and hang a curtain to close that area off?

That's what my mom has done in an area of her house that she doesn't want ppl going through.

Is there any reason why anyone would automatically just go down there?  If anyone heads in that direction just tell them that you're in the middle of a flooring project and the basement is ot of commission.

thefanciestbeckler

Maybe tape a ribbon or some twine and put an "Under Construction" sign on it so people will get the hint. I've found that most people don't get too adventurous and explore my house if they've never been there before. But a sign would at least deter people from going down there.

climbingsingle

Tape across the doorway to block it. 

MissKittyDanger

Have you told people there's renos being done? Maybe just saying "basement's off limits until it's done" might be enough

SaintPaulGal

Thanks everybody!

I really like the tension rod idea!  I will plan on doing that.  I forgot to mention in my original post that we will have to slip down there ourselves a few times over the course of the night since that's where FI's precious ice machine lives.  

Heffalump

SP29

Hmmm.... I feel like if the lights are left off, that's a pretty big signal to someone who doesn't live in your house that says, "don't come in here". If you welcome your guests in and lead them to the living room (or wherever) and show them the food and drink, I presume they would generally stay in that area (I always stay where the food is ).

I would never wander aimlessly around someone's house unless I was introduced to that area. I went to a holiday party the other weekend and the host let everyone know "there is additional seating upstairs" (she has as bonus room on the second level). We used this area, but then her bedroom doors were closed. I wouldn't presume I was allowed upstairs until she directed me so, and then I wouldn't help myself to one of her bedrooms with the door closed.