Guest Picks: Small Space Entertaining With Flair
Gather everything you need to throw beautiful shindigs in a small space with these 20 carefully chosen finds. — Laura from Lolalina
Lightweight furnishings make shifting easy. Outdoor materials like rattan and sea grass are ideal for small spaces — their airy look increases the sense of space, and they are easy to move around as needed. I especially adore these super-affordable rattan bistro chairs from Ikea.
Mix and match your glassware. Let go of preconceived notions of what the "right" glass is, and use a charming mishmash for everything from water to wine. Bonus: If no two glasses are alike, your guests will always remember which is theirs!
Choose an extendable dining table for flexibility. This gorgeous farmhouse-style table from Target looks expensive and expands to seat larger groups.
Do double-duty with an upright love seat. While it can hang in your living area most of the time, a comfy yet straight-backed love seat like this one is ideal for pulling up to the dining table as needed.
Studio-dwellers take note: If your bed is on view 24/7 you better make sure it's presentable! I love this headboard slipcover from Ballard Designs. Not only is it totally chic, but you can change up the whole look of your bed for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Give your entrance a little flair. You can still give guests a grand welcome, even if you do live in a city apartment. Just place a stately planter like this one from Target outside your door. No natural light? Fill it with a faux topiary instead of fresh greens.
Glam up your powder room. Sure, you could put this handsome lion knocker on your front door, but I think it would be even more charming as a towel holder in the bath.
Choose a rich hue in a small space. Benjamin Moore's Midnight Dream would be dramatic on an entry wall or in the powder room.
Personalize your space with art — or in this case, a map! Pick a framed map of your city for a boost of local pride, or highlight favorite places you have traveled. This one is of New Orleans.
Stow away folding basics. These classic folding café chairs from Ikea are a total bargain and take up very little space. I would stash a few in a closet, or even under the bed, and pull them out at parties.
Beautiful serving pieces do double-duty. A classic blue and white china tray like this one from High Street Market can hold mail by the door most days, and be called into service for cocktail hour at your next shindig.
Provide adorable reading material. When the conversation lags at a party, or if someone finds themselves sitting alone, I find it helps to have a few great new coffee table books within reach. This one is currently on my wish list.
Choose display-worthy kitchenware. These vintage breadboards can hold bread, cheese or appetizers and serve as trivets for hot items. Plus, they'll look great propped up on the counter.
Repeat after me: Use the good stuff! Vintage silver can be a bargain if you don't mind collecting mismatched pieces. And guess what? The best way to prevent silver from tarnishing is to use it often.
Fancy linen tea towels double as napkins. Keep your kitchen looking classy with these pure linen tea towels; then fold them up and use as oversize napkins at your next dinner party.
Repurpose party goods between fetes. Think you don't have room to store a fancy party accoutrement like a silver ice bucket? A vintage find like this champagne bucket from Jayson Home would make a gorgeous container for cut flowers, or even cooking utensils, when it's not chilling that bottle of Veuve Clicquot.
Rely on petite arrangements. In a small space, overblown arrangements will only get in the way. A lovely petite bouquet like the one shown here is all you need. Recreate the look with a silver mint julep cup and a variety of short-cut blooms.
Choose specialty items carefully. In a tiny kitchen, it doesn't make sense to store lots of single-purpose tools, so try to come up with your own list of essentials. I can't imagine a great meal without a fabulous cheese, so a good set of cheese knives definitely makes my list.
Choose storage pieces with cachet. I would stack this antique French trunk from Jayson Home on top of a few less-pricey vintage suitcases and use it as a unique side table — with bonus storage.Next: Houzz Tour: A Family of 4 Unwinds in 540 Square Feet
Use beautiful dishes every day. This set of bamboo dinnerware from Zara Home is elegant, but not precious. By choosing just one set of gorgeous dishes and using them constantly, you save space and get to enjoy the "good stuff" on a daily basis.
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