Playing hostess is one of my favorite things to do. I love to entertain, even in my small apartment. Below are 7 tips that I use to plan the perfect party.
1. TIDY UP!
First, we need to clean! It sounds obvious, but it really is the first step. And I'm not just talking about giving your place a good scrub or a sweep with the broom. I'm talking about decluttering and organizing. When entertaining in a small space, you must maximize every square inch (aka hiding the mess as I like to refer to it) Remember Monica's secret, off-limits closet on Friends? It's perfectly acceptable to shove everything into the nearest closet to make room for your guest.
2. PULL UP A SEAT
When space is limited, everything can used as seating: dining chairs, office chairs, ottomans, benches, or a stack of vintage Vogue magazines. Don't worry if it doesn't match. Mixing + matching is chic. Furniture that folds is ideal for limited space. Pull it out from under your bed, use it, fold it up, and put away when done. You can find many different folding table or chair options on the market. Check here for my folding chair DIY makeover. A quick + easy way to turn boring into fab!
If the budget allows, contact your local event rental company to see about renting a few tables + chairs for an evening. I've been known to order up an extra-long table for intimate dinner parties.
3. SAY NO TO PAPER PLATES
Don't get me wrong, there are some adorable paper goods on the market, but when entertaining at home, glassware is the chicest. Glass champagne couples and delicate plates bring an elevated flare to your small space. The perfect collection can get expensive, so I find most of my pieces at the thrift store. Coupe in the store? $14. A coupe at the thrift store? $1! My entire collection is from the thrift store: champagne glasses, plates, candlestick holders, ice buckets, serving platters, and more. Remember, a mixed-match collection is the highest level of style!
4. MAXIMIZE YOUR COUNTER SPACE
TIP: spread the food and drinks around the space so your guests don't congregate in one spot, hovering over the food. Keeping this tip in mind, maximizing your surface space is essential. Layer the spread. Use objects (like books) to create height. Cake stands come in handy here. Layering, stacking, and using different containers to lay out your spread will help you get the most use out of your surface space.
5. THE DECORATION IS IN THE DETALS
You want to create a vibe for your guys. Decorate, but keep it simple. Candles. Florals. Balloons. Use the objects you're already in your space and embellish. My tip for florals is to get it simple and chic. Single stems and small bunches are elegant. You don't have to be a professional florist. Simple stems in an empty champagne bottle are a total vibe.
Another one of my go-to's is balloons on the ceiling. Get a helium tank at your local party supply store and a pack of balloons in your preferred color. An hour before the party, blow them up. Keep the tails of the balloons extra, extra long. It gives a fringe vibe and brings the party drama!
6. UTILIZE EVERY INCH OF YOUR SPACE
Get creative! Use the sink as an ice bucket or the bookcase as a bar. Think outside the box and come up with alternative ways to use the nook and cranny of your home creatively.
7. HAVE FUN!
And last but certainly not least, have fun! The most crucial detail is that you were able to plan a night for your friends to get together, enjoy each other's company, and make memories. In a world where everyone is so busy, gathering together is the most significant success. Don't stress about planning a perfect party! The fact that you're all together is perfect enough. But also, remember the entertainment. My last tip: plan a little entertainment. I LOVE a classic game like Bingo. Grab up some cheap but funny prizes from the thrift store (aka a Spice Girls CD) and watch your sweet friends turn into competitive monsters faster than you can say Bingo! lol