7 Tips For Entertaining In A Small Home
How to Host a Party When Space is Limited
Entertaining friends in a small house or apartment can be a wonderful experience, where the coziness of the space fosters closer connections. However, there are unique challenges when it comes to hosting and accommodating guests. No worries, I have compiled 7 valuable tips to make the most of your limited space without compromising on the fun. From clever furniture arrangements to creative party ideas, these suggestions will help you create memorable and enjoyable gatherings in even the coziest of living spaces.
Tip 1: Tailor the Party to your Small space
With limited space, the guest list becomes especially important. A carefully curated guest list may mean that you entertain smaller parties, but have more of them.
If you absolutely must invite a large number of guests, then consider a cocktail party with finger foods only. This type of party is more “stand-up and mingle” in nature, and requires fewer seats.
If you truly want to host a dinner party, then be realistic about the number of seats you have for your guests. No one wants to eat a full dinner while standing up. (See tip number 7 about how to host a dinner party without a dining table.)
Tip 2: Get Creative with your Seating
Speaking of seats… There are ways to get creative here.
- Multi-purpose furniture such as ottomans, benches, and stools can be your best friend. They serve not only as makeshift tables, but can also serve as seating. Stools are easily moved around the room as needed.
- Stackable or foldable seating is genius. A few years ago we purchased a set of stackable counter stools that spend most days in a corner of our garage. When we have guests over, we bring them in, and Voila! We have plenty of extra seating around our kitchen island. For everyday living, this would be far too many seats around that island. But for a party, everyone is happy to have a perch.
- Floor cushions are another great alternative to traditional seating. Choose beautiful cushions in a variety of colors or textures. They can stack decoratively in a corner to be pulled out for use when guests arrive.
Tip 3: Plan the Menu Carefully
Small homes and apartments often mean small kitchens as well. Therefore, when it comes to entertaining, menu planning becomes especially important.
- Choose dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. By preparing the food early, you will have time to clear the counters and the sink. That will become valuable real estate during the party. Plus, there is the added benefit of having more time during the party to spend with your guests.
- Order in some (or all) of the food. Keep in mind that you don’t have to cook everything that your serve. In today’s world there are many delicious and convenient options for take out. I often prepare a few dishes, and then order in other items for my party. No one has to know that you didn’t make it yourself: I always transfer the food to my own dishes. It saves on prep space as well as time!
- Limit the number of dishes you are serving. Edit your menu carefully. Choose one or two heartier, more substantial options, and then one or two lighter options. When you serve a lot of different menu items, it takes up more space, and requires more work!
- Limit your drink selection. Full bars require a lot of space for spirits, mixers, and garnishes. Consider offering a signature cocktail, and then maybe beer/ wine and a non-alcohol option. A signature drink is a lot of fun, and you can customize it to your theme.
Tip 4: Choose Versatile Serving Pieces
- Select serving dishes that coordinate with each other. When shopping for new serving pieces, think about your overall style and color scheme. Over the years I have collected multiple serving pieces in white, mostly in a simple classic style. And for fun, I have begun to supplement with serving pieces in blue tones, as that is the dominant color scheme in my home these days. By having coordinating pieces, fewer pieces are needed overall which saves in storage space!
- Consider the size and stack-ability of your dishes and glassware. For example, I have a few porcelain plates, and they take up far less cabinet space than my stoneware plates. Glasses that stack will also consume less real estate in your cabinets, allowing you to store more glasses and serve more guests!
- Multipurpose glassware is a great option for smaller living spaces, and will take up less space on your bar set-up. Stemless wine glasses can be used for wine, water, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Would it be gauche to serve beer in a stemless wine glass? I know a quite a few people who would say yes!
- Share serving pieces among friends and family. Quite a few years ago I lived in a neighborhood where one neighbor had the giant coffee urn. We knew that for any gathering , we could count on her for the coffee! By sharing pieces among our friends and family, we have greater options without having to store everything.
Tip 5: Clear the Clutter
Before the big event, take a few minutes to clear away some of the everyday clutter.
- Clear the counters to make way for food and drink service. Store toasters, coffee makers, and other countertop items that you won’t need during the party somewhere else.
- Clear the tabletops so that your guests have a place to set down a drink. ( I also make sure coasters are in plain view)
- You may need to move smaller furniture items into another room to allow for space for your guests.
Tip 6: Go Beyond the Ordinary Buffet and Bar Setup
Look around your home for creative ways to serve your guests.
- Clear a tabletop or bureau for a bar
- Set up dessert on the coffee table
- Clear the kitchen counter of anything that isn’t needed, and set up a dinner buffet there
- Welcome guests with a signature cocktail set on a table by the door
Tip 7: No Dining Table? No Problem!
Many newer apartments and homes feature island or counter seating, with no space for a dining table. It is possible to have an amazing and fun dinner party when there is no formal dining area. Here are some ideas:
- The coffee table: Clear the decorative books out of the way, add a pretty centerpiece, and serve dinner “coffee-table style.” You can even add a few floor cushions for an informal vibe.
- TV trays: The old-fashioned tv tray should probably make a comeback. These versatile pieces live most of their lives folded and out of the way in a closet. When needed, they provide a convenient tabletop in a jiffy.
- Lap trays: Years ago we lived in a tiny bungalow and never hesitated to throw a dinner party. I found a bunch of inexpensive trays and set them with placemats and silverware. They were the perfect little perch for dinner!
- Move the everyday furniture: If you truly want a sit down dining experience and you don’t have a formal dining table, one option is to move your furniture out of the way and rent a dining table and chairs. We did this when we lived in New York. I wanted to entertain a large group, and the weather was too cold to host outdoors. So, I moved the living room furniture to the edges of the room and brought in a round table and chairs.
Now it’s time to Plan that Party!
Remember, the key to successful entertaining in a small space is to focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making the most of every square foot, and ensuring your guests have a great time. With these seven tips in your arsenal, you’ll be well-prepared to host wonderful gatherings that leave a lasting impression, no matter how limited your space may be. So, embrace the coziness of your small home and start planning your next unforgettable party!
I would love to hear your tips for entertaining in a small home! Please send me a message and share your favorite tips.
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