Stress-Free Tips for Entertaining Guests in a Small Home

Simple tips for hosting the ultimate small space soirée.

If you're living in a small home, there's a good chance you've questioned whether or not you have enough space to host a gathering. Whether it's celebrating a birthday or having a dinner party, less space means less room for people to move around and no one wants guests to feel claustrophobic or to not have enough seats for everyone.

But your cosy abode shouldn't mean you can't have your friends or family around for a good time, especially if you love to entertain. Below, we're sharing some tips for how to make the most of every square inch while ensuring your guests feel comfortable and inspired.

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1. Get rid of clutter

First things first: get rid of any unnecessary clutter in your space. If you've been living in your home for a while, chances are there are some things you've become accustomed to that serve no value. Take a hard look and get rid of/donate things you don't use. If you struggle to part with things, move anything that isn't necessary to your bedroom or another room guests won't be going into.

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2. Use stackable stools

Not having somewhere to sit can be annoying when you're at an event. If you're someone who loves to host but you're worried about your lack of space, it's worth picking up some stackable stools to whip out when guests are over. Since they can be stacked on top of each other, they take up less floor space when not in use and are perfect for ensuring everyone has a seat when entertaining.

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3. Take advantage of outdoor space

If you have access to a courtyard, balcony, or small garden, consider extending your entertaining space outdoors. Set up seating, string lights, and add some plants to create an inviting outdoor oasis. If it's winter, ensure you have throws and/or outdoor heaters. If you have no outdoor space, open windows to make your home feel more airy.

4. Go snacks over a full meal

If you don't have room for a dining set up, serve finger foods and small bites. These will be easy to eat and require minimal space, allowing guests to move around freely without needing a formal dining setup to eat. A fabulous cheeseboard is a great idea.

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5. Rearrange furniture

Consider rearranging your furniture to create a more inviting and open layout. By moving furniture against walls and into the corners, you can optimize the central area of the space and maximize where people can gather.

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6. Use counter space

Taking advantage of counter space for food and drinks is ideal, especially if you don't have a table or if your small table just won't cut it. It's also worth using your sink as an ice bucket to free up fridge space and make things accessible.

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7. Have a good playlist

If you feel self-conscious about the size of your home (which we adamantly don't think anyone should), focus on details people can't help but enjoy like good music. It's hard to have a bad time when you're with friends and there's a great playlist of songs playing.
– it's hard to have a bad time when you're with friends and there's a great playlist of songs playing. Spend 10 minutes of your time curating a playlist of crowd-pleasers. How can anyone have an unenjoyable time when 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire is playing?