Tips for Those Who Love Guests but Live in a Small Apartment

Hosting a large group in a small apartment has always been a challenging task. In the past, it was solved quite easily: a large dining table was placed in the center of the room, unfolded, surrounded by chairs and supplemented with stools brought from the kitchen. Pressed tightly between walls and chairs, guests tried not to leave the table too often to avoid disturbing others. The hostess would sit by the entrance, in a passable area, so she could easily run to the kitchen every few minutes.

We officially announce: such gatherings are a thing of the past! At modern parties, guests move around the room with glasses, listen to music and talk to each other; there are several seating and resting areas, and snacks are served in a buffet format. Here are some ideas on how to arrange guests in this case.

At the Bar Counter

You can set it up anywhere: along the kitchen countertop, by the windowsill, or next to a piano. You'll need bar stools or footstools: you can buy them in advance for future parties or rent them. To relieve the kitchen (if it's the countertop), move the table to a corner and organize snacks on it. Place a bartender at the bar: he pours drinks and entertains guests with conversations. The role of a bartender is easy to play if you learn a few cocktail recipes, buy the ingredients in advance, prepare glasses, and freeze ice.

By the Windowsill

If you pile up enough cushions on it, the windowsill can become another sofa. The condition: the windows must be closed and you shouldn't lean on the glass. It's more comfortable to sit half-seated on the windowsill: when your feet are on the floor, you can lean on soft cushions. Pass by the windowsills frequently with drinks and a tray so guests are more comfortable. And make sure beforehand that no wind blows from the windows.

Along the Perimeter

Any benches or banquettes (even storage modules) can become additional seating if placed along the walls and fitted with cushions. Place stools with trays at the corners, turning them into coffee tables.

Thus, everyone sits facing each other, all have easy access to drinks, snacks, and welcoming hosts who move around the center of the room, chatting with everyone at once.

With seating arrangements covered: everyone sits on sofas, benches, at the bar, some are positioned by the windowsill. How to serve snacks?

Side Tables and Coffee Tables

It's good when there are many of them: one for guests sitting on the sofa, another two for those seated on benches or banquettes.

Large Trays

They can easily replace coffee tables: place trays with snacks in the center of the windowsill, on TV stands, or on an unlit stove.

Poufs

The most pliable ones can become tables for trays with snacks or seating places—depending on the situation.

Wheeled Trolleys

This is the same coffee table but mobile. It can move around the room during the party. Perfect for placing drinks, glasses, plates, and cutlery and moving them around so no one has to reach out.

Lifestyle Hacks You'll Find Useful:

✓ Clear out the closet and coat rack in the hallway so guests' coats, shoes, and bags don't block the entrance.
✓ Hang a large mirror in the room where you plan to host guests—this will make the space appear larger.
✓ Remove doors from their hinges and store them under the bed—this makes your apartment feel much more spacious.
✓ Reduce radiator power and don't use the stove while guests are in the house. Don’t forget to ventilate! Otherwise, it will get hot quickly.
✓ Remove rugs so people don’t trip (and cleanup after the party doesn't drag on for years).
✓ Plan in advance what you’ll talk about with guests—this helps create a relaxed atmosphere without a central table.
✓ Prepare snacks in advance so the kitchen can be used as a chill-out zone, not a cooking area. For drinks, set up a bar or sideboard in the living room so you don’t have to go to the kitchen for every new bottle. For cooling, provide buckets of ice.