Helpful Advice For Hosting In A Small Home

With HDB BTOs, and condominiums getting smaller, living in a small apartment can be a challenge, especially when it comes to hosting guests.

It can be hard to know where to put everyone and how to make the space feel welcoming. However, with a little creativity and some thoughtful planning, it’s possible to host in a small apartment and create an enjoyable and comfortable experience for your guests.

Here are some tips for hosting in a small apartment.

1. Plan Ahead

Plan your menu and any activities in advance to ensure smooth execution

Consider the number of guests you’ll be hosting and what kind of event you’re having.

Will it be a sit-down dinner or a casual cocktail party? Once you have an idea of what you’re planning, you can start to think about how to arrange the space.

2. Clear The Clutter

Before your guests arrive, tidy up and declutter the main areas where you’ll be hosting.

Clearing unnecessary items can create the illusion of more space.

3. Create Seating Areas

To make the most of your space, create seating areas in different parts of the room. This will encourage your guests to move around and mingle.

Use furniture pieces such as ottomans, and benches (piano benches are great too) to create cozy seating areas.

With its gorgeous fluted panel exterior, our Gaia Shoe Storage Bench is movable and multi-purpose, great to be placed at the entryway or in the living room for guests.

4. Serve Food & Drinks Strategically

When serving food and drinks, think about the flow of the room.

Set up a separate area for drinks and snacks, by using a bar cart, side table, or a tiered trolley. This will keep the drinks out of the way and make the room feel more organized.

When more people are gathered, chances are your guests might end up standing or perching around the arm of a sofa. An appetizer plate just works better with finger foods layered strategically around the room.

5. Optimise Cutlery Storage

Keep the cutlery area easily accessible to guests.

If you’re serving a buffet-style meal, consider placing utensils in containers on the dining table, making it convenient for everyone to grab what they need without crowding the kitchen.

After the event, streamline cleanup by having designated areas or trash bags for dirty utensils, making it efficient to discard or wash them later. This prevents clutter in the kitchen sink area during the gathering.

6. Use Vertical Space

In a small apartment, it’s important to use every inch of space you have.

Consider using shelves, hooks, trolleys, and other storage solutions to take advantage of your vertical space. This will free up floor space and make the room feel more open.

Tip: Create a bag drop zone using a coat rack and a large storage bin. Put it near the entryway where it will be out of the way from the main gathering area to free up space.

7. Decorate Strategically

When it comes to decorating, be strategic. Use light-colored furniture and decor to make the room feel more open and airy.

Consider using mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Use decorative pieces sparingly, so as not to overcrowd the room.

With some planning and creativity, it’s possible to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for your guests.

Don’t stress yourself out over it and remember to have fun while preparing to host your friends and family over!

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