4 Tips for Easy Entertaining in Small Spaces

The smallest apartment I ever lived in was a little 425 square feet nest above a flower market. That tiny little home was lovely and my most amazing feat was serving a sit down for 22 people in it! Yes, 22 people in a shoebox. It was a memorable night that’s for sure!

This small space entertaining experience taught me a few key life lessons about how to entertain (in general), but especially in small spaces so I thought I would share them with you here.

1) Multi-functional Furniture

The best pieces of furniture are those that can perform double or even triple duty. Small space saving furniture items like nesting tables are a great way to add extra cocktail trays or snack platters around your space without cluttering things up on the day-to-day.
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We’ve already talked about how awesome accent chairs can be, and small space entertaining is no different. While you might not have a full dining room table and chairs, a few accent chairs pulled from around your space will help you offer up extra seating.

⇒ Want to learn more about accent chairs, read this: How to Add Style and Function to Any room With Accent Chairs

If your small space does have room for a small table, having one with the ability to add extra leaves and extend it is super helpful. Going from everyday seating for four to having 10 just by pulling out handy extensions makes entertaining easy and gives you the best of both worlds; small and functional.

The best part about all the above options for making small space entertaining easy is that each of them is also an investment for your future largest spaces. A great accent chair, set of nesting tables, or dining table with extensions will help you entertain in spaces both big and small. Now that’s multifunctional!

2) Quality Over Quantity

With only so much space, going bananas with the number of dishes, platters, pots, pans, and everything else required can only add to the clutter. Focus on having a really great cheese platter rather than bowls and bowls of chips and flimsy plastic veggie containers.

Cheese platter

3) Advance Preparation

Advance preparation is key to success. Make as much food as you can in advance, lay out the tables and chairs, set everything up so the day of you are calm as a cucumber and can entertain without stress.

4) Focus on What’s Important

Spending time with family and friends is really why you are hosting is the first place. If a soufflé falls flat, or your roast is overcooked matters very little. What matters is opening your home (no matter how small) to those you love and making memories together.

Do you entertain in small spaces? What are some of your best tips for making it magical?

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert