10 Tips for Throwing an Amazing Party in a Small Space

Don't shy away from inviting guests over just because you have a studio apartment, small backyard or dining room that isn't as large as you'd like. Follow these simple steps so you can still pull together a perfect party where guests will embrace the charm of your cozy space.

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June 23, 2015

By: Katie Meyers

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Think in a Multipurpose Mindset

Get creative and use available space in a unique way. A kitchen sink filled with ice acts as a cooler when housing beverages, bottles of wine and carafes. A coffee table becomes a "dining area" when covered with a solid white tablecloth. And guests will appreciate a casual party vibe when they see pillows on the floor encouraging them to kick back and relax.

From: Katie Meyers

Label It

To avoid having a pile of glasses (and to keep post-party cleanup to a minimum), encourage guests to label their drinks. This also ensures everyone uses just one glass throughout the entire party. Try using wine charms, or personalize glasses by writing guests' names on drink stirrers. Get our (free!) printable template for your shindig >>

From: Katie Meyers

Keep Decor Simple

An abundance of clutter makes a room feel small and cramped. Less is more, so try using simple centerpieces such as one singular flower in lieu of large centerpieces and clean, solid lines compared to loads of pattern.

From: Katie Meyers

Shift Your Furniture

Don't be afraid to move your kitchen table into the family room, or use a side bench in lieu of dining room chairs in order to squeeze extra bodies around the table. Cozying up with close friends during a meal can make the experience much more memorable and fun!

From: Katie Meyers

Combine Foods

Serve similar food groups in one bowl or tray rather than breaking them apart.

From: Katie Meyers

Use Pretty Pedestals

Savory and salty items can be paired together on one serving tray while berries and muffins (both qualifying as "sweets") are presented perfectly when displayed on a solid white cake stand.

From: Katie Meyers

Create Signature Sips

In lieu of a bar stocked with beer, wine and liquor, try serving just one or two signature cocktails that take up much less room than a fleet of bottles. Get the simple recipe for this black and blue mint mojito >>

From: Katie Meyers

Split Up Appetizers

If you're short on space in the dining room, try putting a few apps on the coffee table — in addition to the buffet and side tables — to discourage guests from congregating in one spot. Encouraging everyone to mix and mingle will spark new friendships.

From: Katie Meyers

Use the Walls + Ceiling

Adorn walls and ceiling instead of table surfaces to avoid taking up valuable flat space. Stringing lights, streamers and floating bud vases attached to the ceiling still provides a festive feel while leaving enough room on tables for food and beverages.

From: Katie Meyers

Use Decor as Props

Bold-colored decor — like pom-poms — double as a perfect backdrop for pictures.

From: Katie Meyers

Go to New Heights

To maximize space, use tiered trays and risers to display food. Serving pieces of various heights bring attention to that specific area of the apartment instead of focusing on the parts that may look extra cramped.

From: Katie Meyers

Lighten Up

Turn on the lights or open the curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. And, try hanging mirrors on the wall to expand the feel of the room.

10 Tips for Throwing an Amazing Party in a Small Space

Related To:

Think in a Multipurpose Mindset

Label It

Keep Decor Simple

Shift Your Furniture

Combine Foods

Use Pretty Pedestals

Create Signature Sips

Split Up Appetizers

Use the Walls + Ceiling

Use Decor as Props

Go to New Heights

Lighten Up

Shop This Look

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