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Dinner parties are fun, but if you’re the host, they can be downright stressful, too. For people who live in apartments, this stress is more acute: simply, you worry that you won’t have enough room for all your guests. However, there are ways to minimize this stress and throw a party that leaves people wanting to come back for seconds.
As you take out the good flatware, consider the following:
Don’t invite more guests than you can fit: It’s hard to limit a guest list to any type of party – you don’t want to hurt feelings by excluding people. But don’t expand your list on the assumption that some guests won’t come – the minute you want people to decline, they won’t. Inviting too many people sets you up for an overly crowded environment. This can be uncomfortable for everyone: after all, you’re having a dinner party in your dining room, not inside a clown car.
Direct people to certain spaces: Dinner guests have a way of migrating to areas where you don’t want them – if you’re in the kitchen putting the final touches on the main dish, you probably don’t need the room filled with people. One way to avoid this is to direct the invitees to certain spaces without saying anything. According to Real Simple, small tables with appetizers or a selection of wines gives people a destination. Be sure this table has everything they need (such as plates, napkins, glasses, and a wine opener).
Rearrange the furniture: If your apartment isn’t suited for hosting a large crowd, consider rearranging your furniture for the night. Move anything you’re not using – tables, toys, exercise equipment – into a bedroom and shut the door. Guests always appreciate more space and a better flow creates a more enjoyable party.
Don’t forget mood lighting: It’s easy to overlook mood lighting, but it’s an important aspect of a successful gathering. Mood lighting is subtle and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. It hides any imperfections of the room you may want kept secret. The best way to set this lighting is with candles, tealights, string lights, or lamps with white light.
Pump up the music: Background music is another thing that is easy to forget, but it’s important. First of all, most people enjoy a good song. Second of all, background noise helps avoid the awkward silences that occasionally plague parties where guests aren’t well acquainted (something important in small spaces). It’s best to avoid the radio and use your own commercial-free playlist, instead.
Hosting a dinner party takes work, but most people find it’s rewarding, too. Perhaps the most important advice is to have realistic hopes: don’t expect everything to be perfect – none of your guests are expecting that either.
If you’re in the market for a new apartment, contact us today. Move in, get settled, and then host your dinner party.