Make all the excuses you want: Your place is always messy, you don’t know who you would invite and you can’t imagine what you would serve. Deep down, the real reason you haven’t thrown a dinner party is probably because you feel your space isn’t ideal for it. But unless you live in a cupboard under the stairs, you can still find creative ways to host an intimate, exciting rendezvous in your cozy apartment. Here are a few ideas from Modernize that will draw the attention away from your space and help everyone focus on the delicious food and great company.
Start Small and Simple
It’s great that you’ve decided to overcome your misgivings and host a dinner party. Time to find an elaborate recipe and invite 15 people over! Or not. You may want to avoid being too ambitious, at least until you have a better grasp of the limits of your space. For your first dinner party, keep the guest list small and don’t get too fancy with the menu. For one thing, you don’t want the kitchen to be scattered with dishes and cutting boards, since you may need to actually serve the food there and leave the living room or dining area free for mingling.
Opt for Buffet Style
When you’ve worked long and hard on a meal, you want to be able to serve it, sit down at a table and get all the compliments you deserve. But in a limited space, it may be a little easier to just let everyone help themselves and meander off to hunker down in a good spot.
Strategically Place Cocktail Tables
If you do decide to extend the guest list to more than half a dozen people, make sure they have enough surfaces to set their drinks and food on so they can chat. Cocktail tables are perfect when there’s limited seating. They serve as hubs for conversation and bring flow to the room, preventing people from realizing that there aren’t many cushy seating spots. Additionally, don’t be afraid to rearrange furniture and bring in big cushions or poufs for extra seating.
Set Aside a Spot for Personal Belongings
In a small area, coats, bags and shoes start to really dominate the space. Instead of losing a precious chair or two to scattered personal belongings, set aside an area where guests can place these items. Offer to take them as soon as they come in.
Use Small Centerpieces
If you decide to have a sit-down, family-style dinner, setting up the table is one of the most enjoyable parts of hosting a dinner party. Whether you want to show off gorgeous new dishes or accentuate the food you’ve worked hard on, it’s easy to go overboard in a small space. Make sure your centerpieces are conversation-friendly. Votive candles are a great option for warming up the space without getting too wild.
Set the Mood with Dim Lighting
Speaking of candles, this is not the time for those overhead fluorescent lights. In a tight space, people will be holding close conversations. Give them some flattering lighting with warmly-lit lamps, string lights and candles. This will also give your party a sophisticated ambiance that will pair oh-so-well with your menu.
Don’t let a small space rob you of the joy of being a host or hostess. While you’re planning your party, check out these five unique place card ideas for fall.