How To Host A Really Big Party In A Really Small Space (Slideshow)
Living in a small space doesn't have to limit your opportunities for entertaining — all you have to do is be a little creative. In order to jam 40 people into your tiny city apartment, of course you need to move your furniture out of the way and clear off your kitchen counters (or single counter, if your home is anything like mine). But there are small details that maybe you hadn't thought of.
Keep the Guest List Exclusive — But Not Too Exclusive
Of course, you want to invite as many people as possible, but know the limitations of your space. You want your guests to have, at the very least, some elbow room. Though you typically want to allow about 10 square feet of space per person so they can be comfortable, feel free to stretch that a bit to 8 square feet. Thus, in a 350-square foot apartment, you will have space for roughly 44 people.
Use All Available Space
Maximize the minimal space that you have, even your bedroom. Push your unnecessary furniture to the corners, clear your kitchen counters of random cooking accessories, and make your entire space warm and inviting. To utilize your bedroom, make your bed, throw up some fun strings of lights, and keep the door open. And, of course, be sure to clean every square inch of your apartment. You'll need every last one of those inches.
Make Your Home Airy
If you know one thing about small spaces, it's that they get hot. Fast. Avoid suffocating your party guests by opening up windows, running fans, or even turning on the air conditioning (assuming it isn't winter). With 40 people packed into a studio apartment, you'll appreciate the fresh air.
Minimize Decor
When you're working with a small amount of space, you can't worry too much about creating the perfect tablescape or having an incredibly detailed party theme. Reserve your table space for food, and keep your party décor to things that can be hung on the walls or from the ceiling, such as banners, lanterns, and string lights.
Set the Mood With Music and Lighting
Because you'll be minimizing the amount of décor on your tables and throughout your space, you want to make sure that you have lighting and music that is party-friendly. For your lighting, we can't recommend small paper lanterns or string lights enough. It's an easy way to add color and brightness to a small space. And make your music poppy and fun, but light in tone and volume. You don't want people to start screaming — your neighbors are likely just one thin wall away.
Disposable Plates and Silverware
Many small apartments don't have a dishwasher. So save yourself hours of scrubbing plates and forks by using paper plates, paper napkins, plastic cups, and plastic silverware. Your guests won't mind using the disposable tableware, and this will allow for quick and easy cleanup after your party is over.
Simplify Your Menu
If you're working in a small kitchen with limited counter space, one oven, and no dishwasher, you can't expect to serve a full four-course meal. You'll stress yourself out trying to find space for everything and working in a tiny kitchen is no small feat. So, keep your menu simple with vegetables, chips and dips, bite-sized appetizers, and handheld desserts.
Drinks in the Fridge
Typically, you'd want to keep your drinks in a cooler, on ice, or in a separate bar area. However, you need to utilize ever available inch of your home, including the refrigerator. Clear the fridge of your leftovers and throw your meat in the freezer. Use the free shelves to house your beer, soda, wine, and even liquor. Trust us; you'll appreciate the saved space.
Keep Traffic Flowing
Part of utilizing every square inch of your home is making sure that guests aren't all clumped in the kitchen or living room. If you're having activities at your party (which is very on trend for 2017), have them in a space as far away as possible from where the food is. Put the stereo, for dancing and general entertainment, in another section.
For 8 Entertaining Trends to Embrace in 2017, click here.
Clean Up as the Party Goes On
If there's one thing anybody who lives in a small space it's this: things get cluttered and messy insanely fast. To be a good host, you want to be present and engaged in your party, but you also want to make sure your apartment stays looking as tidy as possible. So, make trash cans visible, but don't be afraid to pick up some of the slack by clearing plates, cups, bottles, and napkins after they've been used.