Entertaining guests is a difficult task, regardless of the size of your home. But it takes that much more work when you don’t have much space available. Preparing your small apartment for a party can still be done, however – you’re just going to need a little help.
Whether you’re trying to throw the biggest party on your block, or just want to have some friends over to your new apartment for movie night, there are a number of different ways to make the most of your small space.
Wall-Mounted Flat Screen Television
It may seem obvious, but you would be amazed at how many people fail to fully utilize such a great piece of technology. Wall mounting your television can be a great way to save on space and maximize your living area. Additionally, most TVs today are able to double as a computer monitor, providing even more options for entertaining guests or just simply making the most of workspace in your room. Vizio and LG both make very affordable models that would look great in small areas. If at all possible, we recommend getting a newer unit that has 3D-enabled technology. Why? Well…
3D Blu-Ray Player
Just because you don’t have a room the size of a theater doesn’t mean you can’t get big picture quality – complete with the oohs and ahhs that go with it. 3D movies are a great way to immerse your guests in the cinematic experience without wasting a ton of room. Also, since studios seem to be releasing every blockbuster movie now in digital 3D, there will be no shortage of 3D enabled discs for purchase in the future. Sony is obviously a key player here, but there are some more inexpensive options available if you’re watching your budget. Yes, you’re also going to need a new television as well as some specially designed 3D glasses, but it’s a small price to pay to amaze your friends and establish your place as the best theater in town.
Portable Air Conditioner
There’s no point in even bothering to entertain people if they aren’t going to be comfortable. That’s where a portable air conditioner comes in. Small rooms and apartments can get hot pretty quickly in the summer months, especially with all these electronics humming away. Unfortunately, most older and smaller places do not have central air, and a window unit is just not a feasible given your available space. Luckily, an LG or Sharp portable air conditioner is smaller and doesn’t require as much space as other units. Venting is also simple and does not require as much space as a window unit. Above all, portable air conditioners can be easily moved from room to room and don’t require any permanent installation – so you can take it with you when you finally move into that bigger place you’ve been eyeing!
George Foreman Grill
Perhaps the most unexciting of the gadgets in this list, the George Foreman Grill just might be the most useful. The most creative cooking device since the microwave oven, the Foreman Grill has become a small kitchen staple due to small size and intense cooking power. From your basic grilled cheese to carefully seared crab cakes, and even dessert apparently, this little electric grill packs quite the punch and has truly revolutionized the indoor-cooked meal. The Foreman Grill has become such the dorm room mainstay in fact that Pepperdine University hosted a cooking challenge based on creative use of the grill: “The Next Grilleration: George Foreman’s College Grill-Off.”
Digital Beverage Dispenser
We’d all love to hire a bartender to handle our next party, but they’re fairly expensive and will probably take up room better saved for partygoers. The next best thing for the evening is a Digital Beverage Dispenser. Seemingly designed with the social butterfly in mind, your electronic bartender is more than happy to serve up a variety of fine beverages at the push of a button. Your new electronic friend will also sit comfortably on almost any countertop, and will centralize your beverage operations. It’ll even pull new and creative recipes right from the Internet just in case you get a little bored always ordering the usual.
Mike Tennant is a freelance writer and columnist who covers technology and lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mike currently works with Air and Water Inc as a content developer.