How to Maximize a Small Space for Family Gatherings

Ah, family! It seems like they come out of the woodwork around the holidays. It can be tricky to host a holiday meal in a smaller abode. Fortunately, there are several clever ways to maximize even a tiny space for your upcoming family gatherings.

Remove Unnecessary Furniture

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, you may want to move any unnecessary furniture out of the main living spaces, at least for the meal. You can always squeeze bookshelves or desks into bedrooms for the night. That way, you’ll have more room to move around.

Ditch the Big, Round Table

Do you have one round table that serves as your dining area? You might want to put it away for your larger family meals. Instead, rent a few long, slender, rectangular tables. You’ll be able to seat more relatives and friends in the same space.

Invite Family Members in Shifts

Do you have a super-small apartment? You could always ask family members to come at staggered times. This allows you to entertain everyone without feeling like you’re being inundated by bodies. For example, you could host a special Thanksgiving breakfast, then a lunch and finally a dinner. While it’s not ideal, it will allow you to play host to lots of loved ones.

Make Kids Sit in the Kitchen

This is an “oldie but goodie” in terms of tricks to maximize space. If you have lots of children at your event, put them in the kitchen at a smaller table. This will free up space for the big kids in the main room.

Don’t Have a Big Meal

Rather than asking relatives to come for a big, sit-down event, have them stop by for drinks and appetizers. That way, they can sit and chat. Remove the table from the dining area and replace it will some chairs. This will encourage mingling.

There’s no reason to let a small space keep you from entertaining the people closest to you. With some planning and ingenuity, you can make all of them feel at home no matter what size the room!

 

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