We just had our third annual pumpkin carving party and it was a blast. Lots of friends and good times and our small space was able to accommodate a large group of people. Granted, we weren't sitting down having a 5-course dinner but we made our space work for the event. We've got a few tips for entertaining a large group--no matter the occasion, after the jump.
Inspiration: Entertaining Large Groups In a Small Space
And Why It's a Good Idea
If you plan on entertaining for a large group of people, think of ways to creatively allow that vision to happen.
- A long coffee table with pillows or foot stools as seating would work great in the living room.
- If you must have it in the kitchen, you might try to rearrange your furniture. Kvanhorn seems to make it work effortlessly. With a few tables pushed together, boards balanced on tables, and stools borrowed from work, a large group looks comfy and full of good cheer at his kitchen brunch (16 people in 200 square feet-amazing!).
- You can always have a buffet style dinner where the kitchen table is the casserole zone and guests plop down in the adjacent room on a large pillow, foot stool or couch.
- Also--if it's good weather--take the event outside. Large folding tables, front porch steps or a grassy backyard is a great way to maximize your small space
We fondly remember our first Thanksgiving in Los Angeles in our studio apartment. We folded our futon out flat and placed a large mirror on top that acted as the table's surface. We sat about ten friends comfortably on the floor around the futon-mirror table and it was one of the most memorable times we've had during the holidays.
We love entertaining in a small space because it promotes coziness and closeness with your those you cherish. Maxwell says it best in 10 Tips For Small Spaces, "Have lots of dinner parties. People socialize better in small spaces and social homes are better kept up." We couldn't agree more.Related Entertaining Posts
- Small Space Solution: Kitchen Counter Bars
- ATLA Survey: How Often Do You Have Guests?
- Party Planning Using A Diagram
[Image from kvanhorn]
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Clean as you go...
view ilovebc's profile
I've done the "plopping" thing with a large group. It turned out to be the funnest, most intimate "dinner party". It was actually a Winter Solstice gathering, and I was living in a fairly small apartment. My table was set up in the kitchen with food and drinks, and everyone found a seat on the sofa, in a chair, or on a cushion on the floor in the living room. I have very fond memories of a wonderful winter soup (that had stewed all day), homemade bread, lots of wine and candlelight, and more stories and laughter than any one evening should be allowed. It was truly magical...
Sorry, got wrapped up in the memory. Just saying: small or large, the right people in the space and some good food and spirits, and you've got a recipe for success.
Oh, and yes, clean as you go! Nobody wants the next day of washing dishes for three hours to be the memory that sticks.
view lilithslair's profile
Definitely solicit cleaning help as you go and before everyone leaves!
view Jason Yang's profile
this post it excellent. we have a small house with a very small dining room and kitchen and always make it work. it may be tight and there may be people in the living room as well, but it's always fun. i think the food and friends are the most important part to a successful dinner party. (decor and alcohol don't hurt either ;-)
view brand-eye's profile
I had a giant Passover dinner last year in my studio apartment---two folding tables that literally took up the entire floor, pushed together. My bed was in an alcove so it was easy to make a dining room out of the place. 10 people and a feast---my entertainment center became my sideboard for serving. Totally brilliant but a TON of work. I would do it again if I had saved the tables (I had no where to store them).
view zaky's profile
Oh, and I moved to a bigger apartment :D But I'd still do it again.
view zaky's profile