Just because your living space is small doesn’t mean entertaining is out of the question. Hosting a gathering in an apartment or small space is a three-part recipe: One part planning, one part hustle and one part creativity.
STEP 1: Planning
Having a vision for the event is key to getting started. You need to determine in advance what the overall feel or level of complexity is for your event. Think through the who, what and when.
Are you hosting a full dinner or just appetizers and cocktails? What time of day is the event, morning, noon or night? Is the gathering intimate with just a few people or is it a larger gathering?
After you know the big picture, you’ve got to figure out what makes sense in terms of the flow of the party. Will you set up food in the kitchen, yet have people lounge in the living space? Is this a dressy event where you want a little more of a glam feel or is it casual dress with a relaxed and cozy vibe? Maybe you want it all in one space, so no one is separated. Meal and drink plans, floor plans and guestlists are all items to work through in your planning phase. Take the time to make a solid plan so you can really enjoy yourself on party day.
STEP 2: Hustle
Now’s the time to move furniture around or store unnecessary items in another room, on a balcony or patio, or at a neighbor’s apartment. Don’t forget to do a good cleaning. A clean, uncluttered space will make guests feel at home and comfortable. No one likes to see Fido’s dust balls in the corners of the room or use a dirty bathroom. Visit the store and purchase food and drinks ahead of time so you aren’t shopping and prepping hours before guests arrive.
STEP 3: Creativity
Choosing the design and decor details is the fun part. This is where you reimagine ways to use your space and your belongings. Make the coffee table a centerpiece with a pretty curated charcuterie board. Use throw pillows as chairs to encourage floor seating. Rather than using surfaces to decorate, hang decor from the ceiling. Battery operated LED sphere lights add instant sparkle to a room.
Pull the bar cart out of the corner and serve up drink essentials there. Keep it simple with one signature cocktail and wine or beer. Add small vases of fresh cut flowers around the space and votive candles. Small inexpensive touches will make a small space feel intimate and warm. For serving ware, beautiful disposable options are plentiful, but if you’re the sustainability minded type, source a dozen mismatched or vintage plates from the thrift store.
