I was born to host parties. It sounds utterly ridiculous, but it really is true. I was the middle school student with a fondue pot on her Christmas wish list, and may have been referred to simply as ‘Crate and Barrel’ a few too many times. Now that I’m on my own living in a cute little apartment in Denver, I’ve had to learn how to make the most of a small space when it comes to hosting.
So, with the holidays right around the corner and plenty of Christmas and New Years parties on the way, I thought I’d share a couple of tried and true tips that will help your party go off without a hitch.
1. ACTUALLY Throw a Party!
For the longest time I didn’t want to throw a party because I didn’t think my space was big enough to host. I was used to hosting in plenty of space, but once I decided roommates weren’t an option I had to stick with something smaller. Don’t let that deter you! You can make a small space feel luxurious with a little bit of thought.
2. Make a Plan.
Hosting in a small space requires a bit of finesse. So before you go Costco shopping for a giant spread that will take over every spare flat surface available, make a list of what you want to serve, what trays each item will go on, and where each display will be placed. No more precarious perching of the cheese plate!
Speaking of cheese…
3. Choose Easy to Transport Finger Foods to Allow Circulation.
A cheese plate (or fruit, nuts, etc.) is a great way to offer something to nibble on without creating a stagnant space around the main serving station. Easy to carry food will allow guests to flit from one space to the next without having to be stuck to a single space to chow down.
4. Have Some Fun Munchies in the Seating Area.
While, its fun to have a standing-room-only party, I’m a big fan of being able to snuggle into a sofa. And when I’m comfortable, don’t make me stand up and navigate around people to get more food! I love having fun little sit down nibbles to munch on while seated. I used nuts with a nut cracker (not something you can walk around with) and some delicious, easy to pick up chocolatey goodnessknows Snack Squares (I put out a mix of all three of their flavors, Cranberry, Apple, and Peach) for a sweet treat that goes well with nuts!
5. Don’t Underestimate Beverage Selection!
A cocktail party needs just that, cocktails- or, if you’re me, LOTS of delicious wine. I stocked four different types of wine (Treo, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and sauvignon blanc) from Hess Select, which are both incredibly tasty and great-for-value. But made sure I had regular beverages, like hot chocolate complete with a candy bar, hard alcohol with mixers, and sparkling juices, to be sure to have something for everyone. You never know if someone might be newly pregnant, have dietary restrictions, or just doesn’t want more than one glass!
6. Have fun!
No matter how you set it up, friends and family will appreciate that you took the time and effort to host them! Quality time with loved ones is always cherished, weather its with cheese and crackers, or with a gourmet spread!
Do you have any tips for holiday hosting? Let me know in the comments below!
I have been compensated with product or payment to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.
