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This time of year can be challenging for those of us whose homes are on the smaller side but who still want to host a holiday party for friends and family. The good news is that hosting a joyful holiday gathering isn’t just for people who live in grand mansions. In fact, hosting a Christmas party at home – even if it’s a studio apartment – is a great chance to get creative and challenge the “norms” of holiday festivities.
Keep reading for our best holiday party planning and hosting advice for smaller spots. We promise that you’ll have all the info necessary to create an event that is remembered for years to come.
How to Host a Holiday Party in a Small House
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The number one question fun-loving folks in “petite palaces” have at this time of year is: How to host a holiday party in a small house or apartment? The next set of questions tend to include: Where will I fit all these people? Do I have enough seating? Where will people eat? Where do I put the food? Will there be enough space for everyone to move around?
These points to ponder add a different level of stress to the occasion. Not only do you have to plan what people will eat, drink, and do during your holiday party, you have to plan how and where they will accomplish all of those activities. The best Christmas party ideas in the world won’t save your get-together if people feel cramped, overheated, and overwhelmed.
The good news is that it can be done . . . and it can be done beautifully. Below, we’ve answered all your questions and more with holiday hosting tips that will bring your small-space party from “eh.” to “ah!” in minimal time and with minimal effort. Let the celebrations begin!
Festivity in Compact Quarters: Illuminate with Ambiance
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No matter the size of the space, lighting can make or break a holiday party. The good news is that smaller spots can be easier and cheaper to illuminate than larger ones. We suggest stocking up both on taper candles and flameless, battery-operated ones to add a warm and flattering glow. Fairy lights can also be used to beautiful effect when strung around the rooms or contained in wine bottles. Keep scrolling for more lighting ideas.
- Vertical Décor: Deck the Walls
A simple, space-saving, and cost-effective way to add festive ambiance is to take advantage of wall space. We love this hanging fairy light backdrop or these disco ball LED party strings, either of which can be easily (and temporarily) added to your vertical spaces. You can also hang lights in windows or over mirrors to double the impact with reflection.
- Petite but Grand Christmas Tree
Every list of holiday party ideas will have advice on how to make your tree stand out, but this evergreen-shaped wall lighting from Pottery Barn might take the cake for small space festivities. Another idea is to skip the large tree altogether for a European-style flocked bush, lit boughs gathered in a large urn, or even a garland strung on the wall in the shape of a tree.
Seating Solutions: Less is More
Hosting a Christmas party at home typically means figuring out seating for multiple people. This can be a conundrum in large spaces – and a downright calamity in small spaces. Real Simple suggests inviting guests to use anything and everything in your home as seats, including ottomans, vanity stools, and benches. If you need more, don’t be shy about asking your friends or neighbors for some loaners. Pro tip: Make sure you’ve invited them to the party before you ask for a favor.
Flexible Seating Arrangements
Another piece of advice we like to follow for a well-appointed holiday gathering is to be mentally and physically flexible about seating arrangements. Forget the old rules and traditions! Even Martha Stewart advises that pillows and cushions can work and that you should expect your partygoers to take advantage of just about any piece of solid furniture you have. Raid your guest room and clear off those end tables: seating has taken a turn for the casual.
Space-Savvy Dining: Dine Smart
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If your list of holiday party ideas includes a full, seated meal, you may want to reconsider. Heavy appetizers served buffet-style are the ideal choice for a party in a small space. Use compostable plates and napkins to avoid a sinkful of dishes at the end of the night.
Another tip is to carefully consider what you serve – and how many people you need to serve it to. Finger foods not only take up less space, they’re easier to manage for guests eating (and drinking) while standing. Standard-issue raw vegetables with dips are always a winner, as is an array of meats, breads, and cheeses. We love these charcuterie cones from Cheese Meat Board in Denver, which are easy to eat and beautiful to behold. Shop around in your city for something similar.
Compact Entertainment: Entertainment, Minus the Bulk
A smaller-sized holiday party doesn’t need large-scale entertainment. A well-curated song list on Spotify piped over wireless speakers can make a big impact in very little space. You can also silently project a holiday classic like It’s a Wonderful Life on the wall to add light and movement. Once the party gets going, cut the music and bring out a portable Karaoke machine!
Provide an instant camera to allow guests to capture candid moments and selfies. Include a photo tree or blank book with tape so that the photos can be enjoyed during the party and well beyond.
Utilize Outdoor Space
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Outdoor space can provide a literal breath of fresh air – and an overflow option – for your small-space holiday party. If you’ve recently updated your porch, invite guests to enjoy the new additions. If not, invest in some low-cost seating, lighting, and seasonal décor options to fancy up the area.
Your porch or patio can also be a great spot to store excess drinks – either in coolers in warmer climates or simply out on tables in colder areas. If you live in the northern part of the country, you might want to consider buying or renting some outdoor heaters for the night to encourage guests to linger.
Don’t fret if your holiday gathering dreams are larger than your living area. With a little bit of flexibility and creativity (and a realistic guest list), you can host the party of the season. Cheers!
