Just because you live in a small apartment doesn’t mean you can’t host a party. As long as you’re not expecting more than 20 guests, you’ll be fine. If anything, a small space fosters good conversations and tight knits between guests.
Still, you’re going to need to do some redecorating to prepare your home for a party. Here are some prep tips.
Move your furniture
When hosting a party at home, the most important thing to have is space. You need to have enough room for your guests to gather and socialize. It wouldn’t be too social to have a group in the dining room and others in the living room, right? As much as possible, everyone should be in the same place, so they can get to know each other and converse.
This might be a challenge in a small space, but you can pull it off by changing your apartment’s layout. Reposition your furniture and push those closets along the walls. Or you can put them in another room for just one night, so you can accommodate your guests.
Clear up surfaces
What’s a party without food and drinks? Whether you’re buying food for everyone or you’re hosting a potluck, you need a place to put all those boxes, bottles, and plates.
Maximize the surface area of your table and cabinet by clearing them up. Store your gadgets, notepads, and books somewhere else in the meantime. Your priority is to provide as much space as you can for your guests. So take out anything that might hinder that. But keep some decorative pieces, so your home doesn’t look empty and unwelcoming.
Decorate
Hosting a party is a good excuse to spruce up your living area. Set the mood for your party and decorate according to the theme. You can create a more welcoming and festive environment by hanging string lights and lighting candles.
If you’re not up to decorate, you can simply make sure to have a few pieces that can serve as conversation starters, especially if you have guests who don’t know each other that well. They can break the ice by talking about that nice artwork or modern handmade rugs on your walls.
Play music
Because you’re in a small space, you want all your guests to get acquainted with each other and to enjoy themselves. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of having an awkward gathering where no one is talking to each other and merely sitting uncomfortably on the couch. To set the vibe of your party, play some music. Start with slow, welcoming songs and seamlessly transition to more upbeat music as the night gets going. This will help get your guests in the party mood.
Prepare your trash bins
Part of hosting a party is being ready to clean up after your guests when they leave. But you can make this job easier by setting up trash bins and making them visible. That way, the guests know where to toss their paper cups and plates instead of leaving them on the tabletops.
See? Hosting a party in a small apartment is not impossible. It can foster closer relationships with your guests. Take these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to hosting a party everyone will remember.