Living in a small home doesn’t mean you have to compromise on hosting festive gatherings this holiday season. All you need are space-saving hosting hacks that’ll help you maximise your space and make room for all of your closest friends.
1. Declutter by hiding cables & removing non-essential furniture
Step one of hosting a house party: declutter your space. Take out the trash, tuck the cables away, push bulky furniture up against the wall, and remove non-essential knick knacks to maximise every inch of your flat. Minimalist furniture pieces can also make your floor area appear larger, and your entire home brighter.
2. Set up buffet-style stations with tiered trays for small bites
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
Whether you’re going to hit up the caterer, shell out 5,000 hours of kitchen labour yourself, or host a potluck, you’ll want to set up a buffet spread with tiered trays. Place the serving platters directly on your kitchen countertop and sprinkle in a few tiered trays for small bites, appetisers, and desserts. They look chic and will help you make the most out of your vertical space.
3. Use a rolling bar cart for drinks
Image credit: Island Living
Add a rolling bar cart to your party so you can have a designated drink station without cluttering your buffet spread. You can deck the trolley out with top shelf liquor, cute glasses, sweet garnishes, and a mini ice bucket. Then, wheel it around and play bartender for your guests.
P.S.: Get the rattan Island Living Bungalow Bar Cart and play up the coastal chic aesthetics with some seashells and coffee table books.
4. Create extra seating with floor cushions
Image credit: Amazon Singapore
If you’re working with limited chairs and sofa, invest in floor cushions and set up seating vignettes around the room. That way, guests can alternate between free standing, formal table seating, and casual floor lounging. Go with wicker round cushions for an added rustic touch or opt for plush floor pillows with a comfy velvety exterior.
5. Turn any surface into serving station with heating pads
Image credit: Shopee
This electric food heating mat can keep your food warm and provide a functional way to turn any surface into a serving station. All you have to do is plug it in, place it on an empty countertop or console, and choose from 3 temperature settings to keep your food warm for the duration of your party. The mat is foldable, compatible with a host of tableware, and can be used both indoors and out━in case you’re taking the party outside, al fresco style.
6. Turn kitchen sink into an ice bucket
Make your own ice bucket by converting the kitchen sink into a big container that can house ice cubes, wine bottles, and soda. Better yet, turn the entire sink area into a mini bar using garnishes and mixers so your guests can DIY something sweet, fruity, or boozy for themselves.
7. Rent foldable table & chairs to expand seating option
If your seating options stop at 2 dining chairs and a loveseat you own, think about furniture rental. A good place to start is Carousell, with its infinite selection of furniture for rent. Prices aren’t crazy too, with rates starting from $3/chair and $12/table for 1-day usage, plus delivery, setup, and tear down. If affordability and convenience are what you’re after, consider them found.
Price: From $3/chair
8. Invest in multi-functional furniture
For those with tight spaces, multi-functional furniture is a must-have. Because let’s be real, your tiny home has no room for 3 different types of tables, plus a console and an ottoman that only have a singular function.
Extendable dining table
Image credit: @transformertable
An extendable dining table, for starters, is a godsend for cramped corners. This Transformer Dining Set, for example, can seat up to 12 people, which is perfect for hosting. When the party is over, simply remove the panels and minimise the table into a cute console. The dining set also comes with an extendable 12-seater bench that can be reduced to the sweet size of a stool.
Price: From $3,899
Buy The Transformer Dining Set
Nesting coffee table
Image credit: Castlery
Ok, so maybe a new sectional L-shaped couch that can fit the whole fam isn’t in your budget right now. If that’s the case, opt for a Hugg nesting coffee table instead. It’ll add extra seating and some serious Japandi vibes to your living room. The pull-out seats can be tucked underneath the sides of the table when you don’t need them too.
Price: $799
Buy Castlery Hugg Nesting Coffee Table
Stool side table
@donborsch Multifunctional furniture is the best! #multifunctionalfurniture #design #homedecor
Not only is the lightwood stackable side table from Loft Home so Scandi-chic, it also doubles up as 4 round stools. Take the table apart to create extra seats for your guests, or put them back together to form a table for your coffee, books, and belongings. No matter how you use it, it’s the perfect hosting accessory and functional piece for your little abode.
Price: From $289
Buy Harvest Stackable Stool Side Table
Space-saving hosting hacks this festive season
So, your home is small and space is scarce. But that shouldn’t stop you from winning the hostess with the mostest title this festive season. With a few simple space-saving hacks, plus some glorious multi-functional furniture, you’ll be able to cramp all of your favourite friends into your apartment, even if it may be the size of a shoebox, and have a ball of time.
For more space-saving tips:
- Japandi home makeovers that’ll make you feel like you’re in Kyoto
- Practical utility room renovation ideas
- Carpentry ideas every home needs
Cover image adapted from: Shopee, @transformertable
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