All Things O'Natural

Entertaining guests, while a great way to show off your space and enjoy time with friends or family, can be a difficult task when you’re limited on space. Maybe you have more guests than you expected, or you don’t have a dedicated guest room. We reached out to experts for their best tips on how to entertain your guests in an apartment regardless of how spacious your home is.

Whether you’re inviting your parents to visit your apartment in Boston, MA, welcoming an out of town friend to your rental house in Tucson, AZ, or just want to be ready for unexpected overnight guests in your home in Laramie, WY, these expert tips will help you take your hosting skills to the next level.

1. Maximize your space

The best way to begin when entertaining guests is to consider the space you have to work with. Think about where you want your guests to be, whether it’s a centralized area or multiple rooms, and work on maximizing that space. Don’t forget to check your apartment cleaning checklist, too. 

Decluttering and cleaning 

“A little decluttering can go a long way,” shares Libbie, author of A Life Unfolding, a home design blog. Organizing your apartment can change the vibe from cluttered to cozy in no time. “Doing this before your guests arrive and keeping things simple wherever you can will help to create a sense of space.”

“Be sure to focus on high traffic areas when clearing clutter,” adds Sharon of Bright N Fresh, a Los Angeles home cleaning company. “Be sure to refresh often-overlooked spots like baseboards and windows, and be sure to prioritize essentials like fresh linens and towels for overnight guests.” 

Maximizing physical space  

If you don’t have a lot of dedicated space for a gathering, it’s time to get creative. “Hosting is all about smart preparation and thoughtful details. Focus on creating multi-purpose areas, like using your coffee table as a serving station,” shares Mary Beth, expert homemaker and writer of the How-To Home blog. “Prioritize comfort and keep decor minimal to avoid a cramped feel.” 

“Opting for modular furniture is key,” says lifestyle blogger Graceful Glam by Danielle. “These creative furniture pieces provide space saving designs year-round, but also provide the ability to host guests as needed. Console tables that expand to fit several people with small stackable chairs that can be stored away make entertaining guests in a small space simple.” 

2. Visualize where you’ll entertain your guests in the apartment

If you are entertaining multiple guests, especially when throwing a party in a small apartment space, you’ll want to anticipate the flow of movement. Here are a few ways you can make it easier for guests to get around in a smaller space: 

“I try to anticipate potential bottlenecks where guests might get crowded or slowed down. Placing a coat rack near the door can help to ease traffic in the entryway, and setting glasses next to the drinks streamlines the flow at the bar.” – Allisa Jacobs Home Styling 

“Use the wedding rule when entertaining guests in a small space. Think of all those weddings you’ve been to where the venue is too small for multiple spots between ceremony and reception. Don’t be afraid to move guests between starters and mains so you have time to flip the main hosting space.” – Sara, founder and principal designer of BANDD/DESIGN

[contextly_auto_sidebar]

3. Take atmosphere and ambiance into consideration

Once you have your space clean and organized, you can start to think about the ambiance. Creating a comfortable atmosphere is essential when entertaining guests, and there are many great ways to accomplish this in a small space. 

“Small spaces are perfect for cozy, intimate gatherings,” explains Anne, founder of Therapy Clean plant-powered cleaners. “For the ambiance, think about your guests’ experience as they move through your space: entryway, kitchen, living room, bathroom. Keep these areas clean and clutter free, add pops of color to your decor, and open windows for fresh air and comfort.” 

If you’re hosting dinner, Mary, owner of Mary Patton Design, recommends moving your furniture and renting from a party supply company. “Renting a table, chairs, and table cloth can create such a fun experience when entertaining guests at a dinner party. And remember, everything looks better in candlelight, so turn off the overhead lights in favor of more elegant options.” 

4. Meal plan and prep for effortless entertainment

Whether you are entertaining guests for a planned dinner or deciding what to serve your travelling friend who is crashing at your place for the night, having a plan for food is a must. Here are a few great food prep ideas for any situation: 

Keep it simple 

“Entertaining guests in a small space is all about simplicity and efficiency, especially if you are cooking for unexpected guests,” says Anya, recipe blogger of Prepare and Nourish. “Go with simple yet comforting sheet pan dinners or hearty soups that minimize cooking and save counter space, but also have that cozy, homecooked feel. Small touches, like a thoughtfully set table or homemade dinner rolls, go a long way to show your guests they are valued and celebrated.” 

Prepare in advance

“In a small space, fridge space is premium, but prepping ahead for guests helps everyone feel at ease. One of my biggest tips is to use your freezer for meal prep,” adds Amanda, meal prep expert and writer of Planned Prepped & Productive by Call Me Betty. “Using the freezer allows you to get ahead without clogging up the whole fridge. Baked goods, desserts, and most soups or stews freeze really well! The more you prepare in advance, the more you can enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.” 

Design your menu around your space 

If you used multi-purpose furniture or adjusted your seating arrangements to accommodate more guests, Hannah, owner of boutique interior design firm Hannah Charlotte Interiors, has the perfect tip: “Let the space dictate the menu. Ensure food and drinks can be properly enjoyed from whatever arrangement best suits your space. Anything that needs a steak knife, for instance, will be difficult to enjoy while perched on an ottoman.” 

5. Anticipate needs 

Anticipating the needs of your specific guests is a great way to make sure they feel welcomed and comfortable in your home. Dominique, lifestyle blogger of All Things O’ Natural, has a great list of things to think about when entertaining guests – especially if they’re staying the night: 

• Include essentials that you would love in a guest space, such as comfy throws, candles, and a cute small trash can to use by a quaint nightstand. 

• A bench is a great touch for guests to be able to place a suitcase or have a place to sit. 

• Artwork or moodier colors on the walls is a great way to foster relaxation. 

• Be sure towels and wash cloths are available for guests – and add a sprig of lavender or rosemary for a personal touch. 

• Include a snack basket for things like quick bites, water, linen spray, organic soap bars, matches for candles, and simple toiletries like toothbrushes or lip balm. 

Entertaining guests in an apartment can be a breeze

No matter how big or small your apartment is, these expert tips will help you transform your space into a comfortable, welcoming, and elegant place for entertaining guests. Whether it’s a studio apartment in Seattle, WA, or a townhome in Charlotte, NC, your guests will be delighted by your expert hosting skills.

Article written by Kaitlyn Neitman December 12, 2024