Ten Tips for Small Space Holiday Entertaining
What do you do when you have a small space but want to host a big holiday party? Read on for tips and tricks to stretch your space without sacrificing style.
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We love our tiny Tudor, but it poses quite a few challenges when it comes to entertaining. We've had to get creative with our furniture choices, decor, and layout in order to make it all work come holiday time. Here are ten ways we've found to transform our home for a holiday party.
[Mirror is Ballard Designs]
[Mirror is Ballard Designs]
Open it up! Purchase a small table for everyday use that can expand for larger gatherings. A table for four is most comfortable and practical for our small space, but when we're entertaining we can open it up to seat six comfortably.
[David Stark topiary from West Elm, Lotus bowls from Pier1, Chargers from BHLDN, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse]
[David Stark topiary from West Elm, Lotus bowls from Pier1, Chargers from BHLDN, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse]
Plenty of light and reflective surfaces help a small space feel more expansive. Decorate with mirrors and metallics and turn on the lights! No need to dim them to create an intimate feeling when your space is already naturally intimate enough as is.
[David Stark topiary from West Elm, Lotus bowls from Pier1, Chargers from BHLDN, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse, tree topiaries from CB2, feather wreath from West Elm]
[David Stark topiary from West Elm, Lotus bowls from Pier1, Chargers from BHLDN, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse, tree topiaries from CB2, feather wreath from West Elm]
Keep your centerpieces tall for drama, but thin so that they don't take up too much valuable real estate on the table. I love this David Stark topiary from West Elm, but a few branches in a vase would work just as well.
We also kept the decor fairly simple - too much clutter only makes a small space feel smaller.
[David Stark topiary from West Elm, Lotus bowls from Pier1, Chargers from BHLDN, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse]
We also kept the decor fairly simple - too much clutter only makes a small space feel smaller.
[David Stark topiary from West Elm, Lotus bowls from Pier1, Chargers from BHLDN, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse]
Still need more space? Any old folding table can look beautiful with the addition of a tablecloth. This vintage lace beauty lets guests know that they're not an afterthought.
[Lotus bowls from Pier1, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse, pillows from Pottery Barn, faux sheepskin from IKEA]
[Lotus bowls from Pier1, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse, pillows from Pottery Barn, faux sheepskin from IKEA]
Don't be afraid to use your sofa for additional seating - guests will appreciate the comfy and cozy atmosphere it creates. Just make sure your table is low enough to accommodate the sofa height.
[Lotus bowls from Pier1, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse, pillows from Pottery Barn]
[Lotus bowls from Pier1, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse, pillows from Pottery Barn]
Ottomans or a bench from elsewhere in your home can help to keep the room feeling open, while providing even more seating for guests. Or folding chairs with slipcovers would be just as great.
[Lotus bowls from Pier1, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse, pillows from Pottery Barn, faux sheepskin from IKEA]
[Lotus bowls from Pier1, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse, pillows from Pottery Barn, faux sheepskin from IKEA]
Be flexible. We simplified our settings for this table to accommodate its narrow profile. Then we went vertical with the centerpiece to add drama. Everything doesn't have to be uniform to be beautiful.
[Lotus bowls from Pier1, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse pillows from Pottery Barn, faux sheepskin from IKEA]
[Lotus bowls from Pier1, poinsettias from Etsy seller margosmuse pillows from Pottery Barn, faux sheepskin from IKEA]
A separate table for the kids can be tucked away in any nook or cranny near the main table, plus the little ones will love having their own special spot.
[table and chairs from IKEA]
[table and chairs from IKEA]
Make the kids' table feel extra special by adding fun colors and personalized details. The lacey centerpiece was painted onto craft paper using a large paper doily as a stencil - it dresses up the table without having to worry about your nice linens getting ruined.
[table and chairs from IKEA]
[table and chairs from IKEA]
Let the little ones know that you reserved a space just for them by creating name cards. These modern Christmas trees are crafted from cardboard cones that formerly held yarn. Dip them in neon paint and add some fun paper details for a fun and personal touch.
[table from IKEA]
[table from IKEA]
Cover the kids' table in paper for a fun table cloth that isn't too precious. Add crayons and let them personalize their space even more.
[table and chairs from IKEA]
[table and chairs from IKEA]
Serve your food buffet style to free up tabletop space. No buffet available? Use a TV stand, folding table, or even a desk. Re-purposed furniture is a must in a small space.