Living in a small space can be both challenging and liberating; the need to create perfectly designed rooms and parties vanishes and the ability to embrace those items that make you feel joy is readily available. At first, it can be intimidating to plan a party or family gathering in a smaller space but with creative meal planning, repurposed furniture, and furniture designed specifically to complement smaller spaces entertaining can be a joyful adventure.
Creative Dining
A bit of creativity makes it possible to host a dinner party with only what is already in your home and kitchen. Instead of a full blown dinner party you may want to host a potluck and invite guests to bring their favorite dish to share, hold a cheese and wine event to minimize prep, or celebrate with dessert and coffee.
Trays are an excellent way to utilize every inch of flat space during a party, especially if available tables are insufficient for the number of guests. For dinner parties, use trays to serve individual components such as appetizers, individual shots of chilled soup, miniature main dishes, and bite-sized desserts. They can be placed on ottomans, shelves, balcony tables, or counters and moved as needed. Trays can be rotated in and out of the kitchen at different times in order to clear previous offerings from the main party area and introduce new options to guests.
Multi-Purpose Furniture
In a small space it is important to make sure everything is beautiful, functional, and multi-purposed. When making purchases consider all three things so that each purchase contributes to the home's beauty and adaptability.
For example, a narrow console table that functions as a landing spot when you first come has a lot of party potential. First, be sure to utilize the empty space under the table by keeping whimsical stools that can be used as impromptu seating when guests arrive. The console can be transformed into a miniature buffet table by moving it to the kitchen or serving area. This can free up valuable counter space for food prep.
Nesting tables, like our Aico Furniture Discoveries Bunching Tables, pictured, are another great option for small spaces that will be used frequently for entertainment. They provide a compact surface for everyday enjoyment while hiding additional tables underneath that can be brought out during a gathering as a place to serve food or place drinks.
Another example is a moveable kitchen island. Choose one that normally functions as a baking center but can be moved into the living space and restocked to serve as a mini bar. All items needed to mix cocktails can be stored, serve wine, or make specialty espresso drinks can be easily stored and moved around as the party progresses. This will keep people out of the kitchen and allow the host or hostess to mingle while making drinks.
Pictured: Coaster Furniture Kitchen Cart
A coffee table may seem like a huge investment in floor space real estate. It actuality, it comes in handy for entertaining and when you purchase one from a furniture store that has competitive prices, such as our Howell and Middletown, New Jersey stores, you can walk away feeling especially good about your purchase.
Choose a coffee table that is big enough to serve as an impromptu dining table for those gathered on the sofa or surrounding chairs. Coffee tables with extra storage for hiding table linens, serving pieces, or other items makes the piece even more versatile. If it has casters to facilitate easily moving it from one location to another, even better!
Remember, everything doesn't have to be picture perfect. Small spaces offer an intimacy not found at larger gatherings. People will be encouraged to mingle and become acquainted through proximity rather than carefully designed seating placements. By carefully designing a home that welcomes new adventures through adaptability and creativity, entertaining will soon become a source of joy and adventure.
If you need further help designing your space, our staff of designers are readily available. Contact us.
