How to host a big party in an average space
A small home or budget doesn’t have to mean a small celebration. Here are tips for having a big party in an average space.
Interior Designer Kate McCusker, from Theodore and Company in Boston, weighs in on how to host a larger-than-life holiday, in a normal sized home.
Sleeping
Even if you have a single guestroom but multiple guests, make sure they’re not stuffed in. Avoid clunky suitcases taking up space. Find a closet or common area for luggage to be stored. In addition, offer alternate locations for guests to change outfits, make calls, or get a bit of privacy, such as a master bedroom or office.
And as Kate McCusker says, “air mattresses are amazing!’’ They can be setup anywhere and stored easily. A dining room can become an extra bedroom at night and transformed back into a shared space during the day. She also recommends that if a neighbor is out of town for the holiday, it’s possible they may house on your behalf.
Dining
“If you have small space, put two round tables next to each other like a figure eight and get the same table cloth [for both],’’ said McCusker. “They can be kissing one another or can be separate.’’ It can be “kinda fun in a dining room to have two separate tables,’’ she adds.
The same can be done with square tables, or if you have two rectangles, make them into an “L’’ to better fit a small room. If you only have one dining option and want to squeeze in as many people as you can, avoid the urge to recreate a Norman Rockwell painting and make dinner buffet-style. If you have a solid guest list and good food, people will barely notice the lack of formal seating.
Seating
Renting chairs is always an option, although party companies are in-demand during the holiday season. Plan in advance. If you’re concerned rented chairs won’t match your current decor, cheap chair covers can also be rented or purchased. Putting covers on all chairs, both owned and rented, will create consistency.
And as McCusker says, you can always bring in chairs from your porch or yard.
Dinnerware
Using plastic dishes and utensils for appetizers and dessert will help you avoid the problem of running out during dinner. It’s also something to consider renting for more formal events, McCusker said.
After Party
“It is always nice to have a bar in a separate area,’’ McCusker said. Even if it’s a nice tray that has all the ingredients for your signature drink, you can move it throughout the night and avoid bottlenecking.
McCusker also recommends moving chairs room-to-room as the night progresses. In addition, “if you have an ottoman anywhere in the house, or a garden seat, [guests] can sit on those.’’
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com