Photo, Sian Richards.
1. Make your furniture work double-duty. Take a look around your space, with a little innovation ottomans and poufs can become tables for appetizers, while cushions make for great seating around a coffee table. Also, extendable tables are a great space-saving option. Folded up they allow for mingling during drinks and appetizers, and extended, they fit everyone for dinner.
2. Get creative with surfaces. We know, unoccupied surface space is hard to come by in small spaces. Where are you going to place those appetizers, drinks and cocktail napkins? It's all about being a little creative. Place a tray, loaded with all your party essentials, on top of a credenza to create a mock bar cart. Learn how to stock your bar with seven essential bottles here.
3. Designate a room for clutter. Too much stuff crammed in one room will make your small space feel jam-packed once people start to arrive. Free up as much space as possible by moving anything that takes up real estate — magazines, books and kids' toys — to another room for the duration of the party. Yes, keep the door to that room shut the whole party.
4. Turn down your home's temperature. Once guests start to arrive, your home is going to get warm — fast. Lower your heat at least an hour before your party begins. You may even want to crack open a window.
5. Go easy on the decor. Free up table space by keeping things minimal. Instead of a grand centrepiece, dress up the napkins at each placesetting. Tip: Don't be worried about everything matching. Now's the time to embrace the mix-and-match tableware look.
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