Are you thinking that living in a small area means that you aren’t able to host your entire group for a happy time or game nights? Don’t be! Even those who live in studios can become hostesses. It’s all about being creative in the arrangement of furniture. Designer Charli Hantman said, “When entertaining in a studio apartment, it’s all about defining different areas of the space and utilizing pieces that function in multiple ways.” Below she and other designers offer their best suggestions for entertaining in a small space. You’ll be able to distribute invitations in just 3, 2, 1…
Make the Coffee Table a Central Spot
It’s not the case that everyone living in a studio has tables for dining. However, most individuals have their table tops–let this table serve as an essential piece of furniture for your next event and invite guests to get together around it. “[Encourage] guests to feel comfortable on your sofa or in some chairs,” designer Sara Queen suggested. “Maybe set up the charcuterie or other appetizers on the coffee table to invite this energy.”
Enjoy your style Also! “There’s no reason you can’t use a cake stand for your charcuterie board,” Hantman stated. “Using different heights for your display is both esthetically pleasing and functional!”
Do you have a coffee table with two levels? Utilize the lower layer, too, and the Designer Kelly Walsh offered–it’s ideal for setting drinks (on coasters and coasters, of course).
Purchase Folding Furniture to Stash Away
Your home doesn’t have to be a party venue every single day, which isn’t feasible when you live in a smaller space. But you can have all the necessities inside a locked room. ” Folding bamboo chairs can stack in a hall closet and only come out when extra guests drop by for a dinner party,” designer Ariel Okin suggested.
Nix the Idea That Everyone Needs a Seat
Designer Emma Beryl, “Remember that not everyone needs a seat; this isn’t a board meeting!” It’s OK to be seated on the floor, too, provided the seating arrangement is comfortable. As per Okin, “A coffee table can be multipurpose as a dining table with cushions on the floor.”
Repurpose Office Furniture
Do you need a big table? You can build one using the furniture you already have before the gathering. “For this afternoon tea at our place in Harlem, I decided a skirted table would win the day,” designer Scot Meacham Wood revealed. “Honestly, it’s an old tabletop resting on the filing cabinet from my office!” The chic fabric and delicious snacks instantly elevate the look of the table.
You could alter it for a party if you’ve got an older-fashioned at-home workspace. You can set up a desk for a buffet table, according to designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski suggestion. “Tuck away your laptop and hide your desk lamp, and consider using this space to put out snacks and drinks!”
Feel free to make multiple food stations in the space. “Be sure to disperse the snack tables throughout the space so there’s never an overly-crowded corner,” Beryl said.
Don’t Forget to Use the Kitchen
If your studio has a kitchen with a separate corner, take advantage of it! “Be open minded to guests gathering in your kitchen, as much as elsewhere,” Queen stated. She suggests making use of the space to create a bar space. However, if your home’s layout makes it difficult, worry not–“I like to also clear off a bookcase or window ledge to create a mini barstool,” Beryl noted. And don’t be concerned about having numerous beverages. “Create a signature drink so you don’t fill the space with different bottles of alcohol,” Walsh advised. Cheers!
Transform Your Bed Into a Sofa
You might have to change your bed a little bit during your process. But it’ll be worthwhile! “Because your bed takes us a lot of space in a studio apartment, make sure it’s a space that people feel they can utilize,” Piotrowski stated. “Pushing your bed against the wall will create more floorspace and allow you to pile it with pillows and blankets, more like a sofa.”
Are you uncomfortable with having your friends lay over your comforter? Opt to keep your bed clean and uncluttered. “Resist the urge to pile coats on your bed where it’s visible to your guests throughout the night,” Beryl said. “Maintain the ambiance within the party by buying a foldable coat rack and placing it in the hallway.”
Stash Away Unnecessary Items
Out of view, out of sight! Walsh pointed out that putting clutter in a container (even in odd areas like inside the shower) can make a world of difference. “Think about places people won’t be using or hiding [clutter] under furniture that won’t be moving,” she said, pointing out that storing items under beds can be a good option.
