How to Throw a Great Party in a Small Space

Formal wedding place setting on long table background

Just because your dwelling might be diminutive, it doesn’t mean you can’t entertain in style. Here, designers and experts share some of their secret weapons for how to throw a party in a small space:

Think out of the box when cleaning. While cleaning before a party is an obvious step, in a small space, it’s important to get rid of as much as possible to make more room. Declutter by storing items under your bed and in closets, or ask a neighbor to temporarily hold onto a box or two of your belongings. Make sure your bathroom in particular is devoid of all personal items so that your sink and surrounding areas are cleared.

Plan the menu carefully. You don’t want to put all the onus on a small oven, so make the hors d’oeuvres and the first course cold selections that you can prep ahead of time while your main course cooks in the oven.

Clear your kitchen counters. Remove all decorative bowls and containers, as well as the appliances from your kitchen counter and store them out of sight for the duration of your party. This will allow your kitchen counters to become buffet space for appetizers and finger foods.

Rent a rack for coats and hats. Instead of piling coats on a bed or trying to cram them into a closet, rent a coat rack for the evening. Place it in a hallway just inside your front door if space allows. Otherwise, keep it in the hallway outside your apartment or on your front porch. This will alleviate guests gathering in the main party area to remove their coats.

Manage the flow. Part of the challenge of small-space entertaining is making sure guests disperse throughout your home. Make it easy for them by arranging key features in different areas, i.e., set up the bar on a side table or console in the living room, serve the main course on the dining room table, serve apps and desserts on the kitchen counters, and create a signature cocktail station in another area.

It’s all about the lighting. The size of a space ultimately has nothing to do with the ambiance, but the lighting plays a critical role. Avoid harsh overhead lights and opt for warm table lamps and wall sconces instead. You may even want to switch out your bulbs to a lower wattage for the party. Design each area with its own candle scheme, as well. For example, use tall tapers on the buffet table, pillar candles on the bar and votives scattered throughout the seating area.

Be ready to improvise. Ultimately, experts say, the key to a successful small-space gathering is to be flexible and creative: Take all the books off of a bookshelf and turn it into a bar; fill the sink with ice and let it serve as a drink cooler. The options are endless once you free your mind, and your guests will appreciate the innovation.

Source: Real Simple

About the Author
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Greg DiGiorgio is a highly reviewed Arlington MA Realtor who is a dedicated, passionate, and market-savvy professional who puts his clients’ satisfaction before all else. His attention to detail, superior people skills, broad knowledge of the real estate industry as a whole, and his pure determination to indulge his clients with first class service sets him apart. In addition to Greg being an Accredited Buyers Representative-ABR, he understands the power of creative, well-organized and highly effective marketing and offers customized marketing plans that maximize property exposure to the most qualified buyers. He has appeared several times on Fox 25 News where he was interviewed on current market trends and conditions. A real estate transaction is really about managing people, their desires and their finances. It is an intricate and consequential negotiation.


Greg understands that it is important to secure not only the most able buyer, but also to the one that is most likely to close the deal. When so much is at stake, Greg is the one you want to represent you. His fair yet aggressive negotiating style and protectiveness of his clients’ best interests and ultimately, their assets, has gained his respect with colleagues and clients alike.


Greg also knows that every transaction represents the most important purchase or sale a person can make, and he takes every precaution to ensure that communication is impeccable with all parties involved from beginning to end. Whether it’s patiently guiding first time buyers through this exciting process or following through with clients’ needs long after the transaction is over, Greg’s warm, caring yet efficient business style will turn you into a client for life.


Driven


Greg grew up in the Greater Boston area and has a deep appreciation for the North East way of life. He attended The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, with a concentration in Marketing Research. Greg’s professional background is rooted in the technology sales & marketing. As a result, he learned to adapt to many different people and situations quickly and competitively. The insight that he has gained from many years of involvement in bringing all components of a transaction together smoothly has granted him a unique perspective and approach to the real estate industry. His enthusiasm and tenacity has allowed him to emerge as one of Greater Boston’s finest Realtors, and one of the highest reviewed amongst Arlington MA Realtors!


My Goal


My goal is to provide the best experience possible to my clients while helping them achieve their real estate goals. My streamline systems and use of technology ensure a smooth ride along the way. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a seller, or investor, I strive to gain lifelong clients and friends by providing them with a fun, relaxing, but yet educational experience throughout the entire process.


Objectives for my Buyer Clients


Counsel session to determine wants & needsSchedule times to view properties

Run comparable analysis report for subject property

Help negotiate terms of the offer

Provided options for home inspectors

Help negotiate & finalize terms of Purchase & Sale Agreement

Assist in finalizing finances with Mortgage Broker

Handle any other paperwork and/or tasks including meeting mortgage commitment deadlines to making sure the transaction closes on time.

I keep an open door policy with all my clients even after the sale should they have any questions, or need help with any of their real estate needs. The closing of a real estate transaction is not the end, but just the beginning of a relationship.


Objectives for my Seller Clients


Listen carefully to make sure your goals and objectives are clearly understood

Explain the home selling process thoroughly

Discuss agency relationship

Price your home accurately

Stage your home for sale

Plan & implement a proven & innovative marketing plan

Work diligently to sell your home quickly and efficiently

Follow up with open house leads & showing brokers to obtain feedback

Work hard to ensure that each step of the transaction is running smoothly

To ensure that all smoke & carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working correctly, and to obtain certificate from town/city

To obtain final payoff for city/town water bill

“Most Importantly to communicate with you consistently and efficiently throughout the entire home selling process”

Certifications and Recognitions


Winner of Leading Edge Real Estate’s Outstanding Creative Marketing Award. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)

Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM)

Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Broker

Member of Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB)

Member of National Association of REALTORS (NAR)

Zoning & Building Codes Certificate

Residential New Construction Certificate

Title V Certificate