10 Tips for Entertaining Guests in a Small Apartment Space

1. Put Ice in the Sink

Line your sink and fill it with ice to use that as a beverage cooler instead of bringing in a separate container that will only take up more space.

2. Prepare the Space for Guests

Rearrange your furniture in advance, and use the purpose of the party to guide how you rearrange it. For example, you might want to create open space in the middle of your living room to guide guests to that area. If your bedroom is off limits, you could store what you need in there to create more space elsewhere.

3. Create Some Labels

Create labels for cabinets and cupboards that say things like “Get your dishes/glasses here” instead of taking up space displaying them in the open.

4. Plan Your Party Dishware

Use disposable plates and glassware for easier clean up. Alternatively, use a labeled tub to indicate where guests should put their used plates and utensils.

5. Use Your Vertical Space

Choose vertical options for serving and organization like a tiered cake stand to take advantage of space. Vertical space is usually more plentiful than horizontal.

6. Set up Multiple Drink Tables

Arrange your food and drink tables throughout your apartment to help traffic flow and encourage guests to mingle.

7. Store Extra Trash Bags

Put a few trash bags beneath the open bag in your kitchen trash. Once the bag is full you can easily tie it off, position the new bag, and take a quick walk to dispose of the filled bag.

8. Add Wall Decor

Decorate with string lights on your walls, since they add fun, color, and atmosphere without using up precious surface and floor space.

9. Prepare for Layers and Accessories

Plan ahead for where you want guests’ coats, purses, and the like to go. One possibility is your bedroom.

10. Create Your Own Dining Table

Use your coffee table as a dinner table if you don’t have an actual dinner table. Arrange floor pillows around the coffee table for seating, and have your food and drinks set up buffet-style on the kitchen counter.

Entertaining in an apartment can be loads of fun when you get creative. Think about new ways in which to use vertical space, and consider all the inventive ways you can re-purpose items such as cabinets and shelves. And, as always, be considerate of your neighbors when you entertain in your apartment.