Are you having guests over for dinner and are embarrassed with your decorating? Haven't updated in a while? Let us help you! Here are a couple of tips that are inexpensive and quick that will help your house look great in no time.

These tips are fast and easy and inexpensive. As long as you give yourself a little time - then you can make it work.

If you don't want all of your guests migrating to sit in front of the TV all night or maybe you just don't like how the TV area or entertainment center looks, place a screen room divider in front of it. This will block the view, hide the area and create a different setting. If you don't have the money to buy one, but figure you'll be using one often - make your own. You can take tall house shutters and cover the front and / or back with fabric. Attach the shutters (3-4 of them) with hinges. You can find shutters at flea markets, indoor antique malls, thrift stores, or just get new ones from the hardware store.

Furniture is always another problem. People don't feel they have up to date furniture - or what they have is dirty (from kids and pets). Always have on hand a large square piece of material. Go to the local fabric store and purchase the material of your choice and sew pieces to make a large enough square to cover your couch, love seat, or chair (so the fabric drapes to touch the floor on all sides of the furniture). Measure before you buy the fabric so you know how many yards you'll need. If you're not too good with measurements, measure the height, depth and width of the couch and someone at the fabric store can help you. Just make sure you tell them exactly what you are trying to do. Once you have the fabric sewed and company is coming over - drape the fabric and tuck it in the cushions.

Light colors are usually not the best colors to use when having company over. It will get dirty quickly and the stains are harder to get out. Choose a color with a rich tone (reds, golds) and have a couple accent pillows to throw on the couch.

Need another table for eating, but don't have one? You can rent tables and chairs from your local rental company. It doesn't cost much - and it will pay off to be able to have your guests comfortable while they are at your home.

Always use table clothes to even out the appearance of the table. White always works, but anything goes these days. Just use whatever fits the theme for your evening.

If you don't have enough matching dishes for each guest, but have multiple sets of dishes, alternate them for the settings. They don't all have to match. Do every other one, and even set silverware the same way. Be creative with the glasses. Even if you're just having punch or soda, use wine glasses or goblets.

For a centerpiece, don't use something over powering and so big that guests can't see each other when at the table. Put a tray or plate with a few votive candles in the center of the table. Floating candles are always an added touch as well. You can also tint the water that you use for floating candles. Use a couple drops of food coloring and add the candles. Mirrors are always a good centerpiece. A square or round mirror with a candle (in a votive holder) in the center.

If you don't like candles, put a bowl with ornaments in the center - or fill the bowl with glass marbles and stones. Be creative. You can find most everything you'll need in your house.

Have quiet music playing in the back ground during dinner. It's a nice added touch, but not distracting. Have a couple scented candles burning off to the side - so their is a light fragrance in the rooms. You will find most people notice the smell of a place immediately - and you don't want it to be unpleasant.

Another thing to do is have 'mood lighting'. Don't have every light on in the house if it makes it too bright. Just turn on some lamps or torchieres and light some candles. Lighting, depending on too bright or just right, will affect a person's attitude.

Instead of throwing all the guests coats on the bed - clear out the coat closet and place your things some where your guests won't be. Use the coat closet to hang their coats up. That way they don't have to wait for someone to get their coat if they need to leave quickly.

Make sure all the clutter is picked up. Don't leave toys or dog bones laying all over. Put away all your mail and piles of paper you always have on your table. Remove anything that is a distraction to your guests.

Always greet each guest personally. Walk over and say hi and acknowledge their presence. Don't just yell to them from across the room. Let them know you appreciate them coming. And always thank them when they leave. Be a good host/hostess - so they'll want to come back again.

It doesn't take much to have a successful evening with friends or family. Prepare ahead of time and know that most of these things you can put away when your guests leave and bring them back out the next time around. It also gives the guests a feeling of being somewhere else - and not just at your house. Don't over extend yourself. Don't go into debt to do this. Just have fun and do what you can. The most important thing is to always make it special.