With the holidays fast approaching, we’re also entering peak party-hosting season. If you’re one of the many Portlanders living in an apartment or small home, you might find yourself feeling limited by your space. With some creativity and forethought, you too can master the art of throwing big parties in small spaces.
TIP #1: Make the Menu Work for You
Living in a smaller home means you likely have limited kitchen space. To keep your big night on-track, be sure to have your menu planned well in advance. In doing so, try to create dishes that don’t need to be served immediately. Plan on preparing your sides ahead of time instead. This will allow you enough time to clean up the dishes before your guests arrive, which will reduce clutter in your space and expedite the after-party sweep.
TIP #2: Don’t be Afraid to Rearrange
If you’re feeling restricted by your home’s layout, get creative. For instance, if your living room is more spacious than your dining area, temporarily rearrange your set up in the living space to better accommodate your guests. You can also remove larger pieces of furniture, storing them in out of the way for the evening. It’s only temporary, afterall!
TIP #3: Set up a Self-Serve Station
Another space-optimizing strategy is to have a buffet-style layout. This approach will streamline set up and frees up additional space on your table.
TIP #4: Get Eclectic!
If you’re throwing your first-ever dinner party, you might not own the appropriate amount of furniture to accommodate a large group. This is far from a deal-breaker. Coordinate with a guest or neighbor about borrowing some chairs or folding tables for the evening. You can lean into this eclectic theme, tying everything together with whimsical decorations and a tablecloth.
TIP #5: Focus on the Cozy
There are so many great reasons to live in small spaces, including the homey feeling they provide. Use this to your advantage when planning your party! Some ways to accomplish this including opting for a combination of candles, lamps and string lights instead of overhead lights. Additionally, a fresh bouquet of flowers will fill your space with an enticing aroma.
Are there barriers in your home that prevent you from living up to your hosting aspirations? To get advice, or to learn more about the art of throwing big parties in small spaces, drop us a line!
About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.