‘Tis the season to gather with loved ones. As we head into the
holiday season, you may find yourself with the opportunity to host
family and friends in your home. While your social personality may be
willing to welcome guests, your tiny living space might have you feeling
a bit nervous about taking on the task. But have no fear—you can easily
scratch that itch to entertain with these simple tips.
Prep With Limits In Mind
Planning
ahead will be the key to creating a successful and comfortable
experience for you and your guests. Start by assessing your space and
considering any limitations. Think about the number of guests that can
comfortably fit in your space along with any additional items they may
bring along, such as extra food, beverages, coats, or purses. In the
weeks leading up to your tentative party date, send out invites and ask
for RSVPs. This will help you manage food, drink, and space
accommodations as you prepare for your party.
Move Furniture
Where
do you intend your attendees to mingle? Do you plan for them to hangout
in the living room or dining room? Take inventory on your designated
space and identify chairs or smaller tables that can be moved. Rearrange
moveable furniture against the wall or temporarily relocate them to an
unused room. Moving these items will allow you to open up the room a
little, making it feel more spacious.
Create Zones
If
you have the opportunity to use multiple rooms within your home, you
can create zones to help guests flow and move more freely. If you can
avoid bunching in smaller rooms, it’s best to do so. For example, set up
a cocktail zone in or near the kitchen. Arrange food in the dining
room. Use the living room as a place for people to snack on the food
you’ve prepared. If you have a patio or deck, designate it as additional
space for chatting or enjoying drinks.
Get Creative with Seating
Don’t
think of seating as only traditional chairs with four legs and a back. A
seat can be anything. A footstool, ottoman, or bench could be used as
additional seating options. An even more intimate option would be to set
out pillows, poufs, or blankets if your guests don’t mind less formal
seating arrangements.
Hosting family and friends
should be fun. With proper planning and a little creativity, you can
plan a stress-free gathering that will produce lasting memories. If
you’re interested in a home with more space to entertain, connect with
nearly 9,000agents on REIN.com.
Ready to buy but not sure what you can afford? Check out the mortgage
calculator to help estimate possible monthly payments. Download the REIN.com app
and put the power of fresh and accurate listing data in the palm of
your hand. The app is available free in the Apple App Store and Google
Play Store. For local listings you can trust, start with REIN.com.
Local Home Listings You Can Trust.
