Tips for Entertaining in a Small Space
No butler's pantry? No problem. You don't need a palatial estate and a slew of staff to make your guests feel welcome. On the contrary; modest homes have much to offer in the way of quaint spaces in which to entertain. In fact, you can host the ultimate bash in an intimate setting.
All it takes is a little imagination to reinvent what you already have around the house. For instance, a shapely sculpture that normally adorns your nightstand can make a striking centerpiece. Or, you might prop a clipboard from your desk on an easel to highlight the details of the evening such as the the menu or the agenda.
TWICE AS NICE. Flank a console table in the entryway with a pair of folding chairs to hold a bucket of beverages on ice and the requisite glassware. Footstools can hold baskets filled with nametags or nibbles. Transform your sofa into a banquette by pairing it with a dining table. Use couch pillows as cushions to help elevate your guests.
Invest in matching end tables or benches that can be joined together to create a sizable surface. Move other furniture around as needed, and push key pieces against the walls for better traffic flow and the illusion of more space. Pilfer pieces from your patio, such as a picnic table that creates a casual vibe when positioned in the middle of the living room.
SMART SOLUTIONS. Divide your rooms into different zones for the varied stages of the evening – one for appetizers, another for drinks, and yet another for desserts. Streamline what you serve so your selection doesn't require much room. It's easier to replenish one tasty dip than to have five varieties taking up the whole table. Store extra supplies, such as water bottles, below a table for easy access.
Practically any solid surface can accommodate a buffet-style scenario, be it a kitchen island, a dining table, or a dresser. Try out different configurations to see what works best; the only way to know for sure is to test it on your guests. Anything stackable like party cups and disposable plates will need less surface space.
A PARTY PLAN. Seek out flexible pieces that are ideal for entertaining, such as nesting tables for assorted snacks, a roll-top desk for a bar, or a storage ottoman for a last-minute party supplies. Create a candy station on a card table; fill mason jars with colorful treats and include a stack of goody bags so guests can take home their favorite sweets as party favors.
Make every inch count. If you're hosting a casual gathering, fill your kitchen sink with ice and it will work like a cooler for beverages. Toward the end of the event, set up tiered tray of desserts in an entryway so everyone can cookie or brownie on their way out the door. Add a sturdy shelf or ledge along a wall that can be used for display purposes when you're not entertaining and become a place for napkins and utensils come party time.
DINNER IS SERVED. While a sit-down dinner is a generous gesture, it ca be difficult to host a formal affair when space is tight. Serve lighter fare that's easy on the host as it is for the guests to handle. Finger foods – such as cheese and crackers, skewered fruits, and olives and nuts - are your best bet.
Keeping it simple in a small space is a smart move that you won't regret. Consider throwing a brunch get-together with bagels, muffins, and yogurt with a variety of toppings for guests to select. Another time you might offer coffee and dessert or tea complete with bite-size sandwiches.
OUTDOOR DECOR. If weather conditions are ideal, extend your square footage by utilizing outdoor space. Even a narrow balcony with enough room for a bistro table and chairs and a cooler of cold beverages can come in handy when you lack space.
There are benefits to playing host in cozy quarters. There's less fuss when it comes to decorating and cleaning before and after each event. Plus, it doesn't take much to make an impression with a floral arrangement or a bowl of fruit. In entertaining, as in life, the little things mean a lot. Besides, less effort leaves you more time to spend with your guests and that's the purpose of a party no matter where you live. Written by Jeanine Matlow YHL