How to Entertain Guests in a Small Apartment
Hosting guests in a small apartment can feel like a challenge, but with the right strategies, entertaining in a small space can be just as enjoyable as hosting in a larger home. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a casual get-together, or a small party, the key is to make the most of your available space. Here’s how to entertain guests in a small apartment with ease and style.
Prepping Your Space
If you know you’re the type of person who loves to host house parties and overnight guests, or your space will generally be the “hangout spot” for your friends, there are helpful ways you can furnish and prep to make entertaining in a small space as easy as possible.
Invest in multipurpose furniture.
Because you simply don’t have space for many pieces of furniture, it’s always a great idea to furnish with pieces that can serve double duty. A couch that turns into a bed, storage cubes that make comfy seats, a rolling kitchen island that doubles as a perfect dining table – these types of pieces are ideal when you’re working with limited space. As you’re selecting furniture for your apartment, hunt for dual-purpose pieces that will give you the most practical bang for your buck.
Storage is your friend!
A small space will feel even smaller if you’ve got things scattered about. Plus, you may not have a ton of room for storage cabinets and shelving units. To ensure you’ve got plenty of space to store your party gear, like serving dishes and decor, look for furniture with built-in storage as well as space-saving storage pieces like under-the-bed tubs and hanging door shelves.
Declutter, declutter, declutter.
It’s hard to create the perfect party ambiance with clutter strewn everywhere and things squeezed into every spare corner and drawer. In this situation, you likely have minimal space to store things like tablecloths, serving trays, and seasonal party decor. Additionally, a space crammed with stuff leaves less room for guests! You don’t need to become a full-fledged minimalist, but it’s helpful to clear out the clutter as much as you can.
Planning Your Event
You’ve got a date on the calendar, and invitations have been sent. Now, how exactly do you transform your cozy living space into a venue?
Don’t be afraid to rearrange your furniture.
As you look at your available space, don’t feel restricted by your day-to-day furniture layout. Can you tuck your coffee table into the bedroom or shove your couch against the wall to create more mingling room? Can you pull your dining room table into the center of the area to open up another side for seating? If you’re hosting overnight guests, can you pop up a temporary room divider for increased privacy?
Plan with a clear vision for your party in mind.
In other words, think carefully about the atmosphere you want to create. If you envision a sit-down dinner party, make sure you’ve got plenty of plates, seats, and surface area. If you’d prefer people drop in to grab a bite and chit-chat, you may prioritize open space and a table of finger foods. In short, work with a vision in mind so that you can set up and stock the space accordingly.
Set the mood with lighting.
The right lighting can drastically transform a space. Dimmable lights are perfect for common areas, and you can simply turn down the brightness to create an intimate space conducive to slowing down and connecting with guests. Stringing up fairy lights or even lighting candles (responsibly!) can instantly create that romantic glow perfect for a party.
Borrow and improvise when necessary.
In a small home, you may not have the space or desire to keep everything you need to throw a party on hand. Get resourceful and ask your neighbors, relatives, and friends for items you need, whether that’s a punch bowl or a disco ball. You may need to improvise a bit as well—fill your bathtub with ice to keep drinks cold, use your desk as a buffet table, and think of other ways to use what you already have to meet your needs.
Decorate strategically.
Decor is a special part of any party, but it can also infringe on the little space you have to work with. Instead of taking up precious table space with fresh flowers or crowding the living room with a balloon arch, think of ways you can use space that you otherwise wouldn’t. Hang flowers, or garland on your walls. Suspend balloons from the ceiling. Add color and warmth with lighting and table linens.
Upgrade Your Party Space with Help From Rent-A-Center
By incorporating these tips and creative solutions, you can host memorable gatherings in even the smallest of spaces. And if you’re looking to upgrade and maximize your space, Rent-A-Center can help! From dining sets and furniture options with built-in storage, we’ve got you covered. Shop online or visit us in-store today!