4 Ways to Maximize Space for a Holiday Party
It’s that time of year again - the holiday party season has officially begun! Between office parties and family dinners, chances are you’ve been invited to at least one party this winter.
Maybe you’re the one generous enough to host a holiday get-together for your family and friends. If you have experience with party planning, you’ll know that there are always unexpected guests! Whether it’s children, new friends, or extended family members who are visiting town, home parties always seem to be larger than expected.
So, what’s the best way to accommodate a large party in your home? Here are our top 4 party planning ideas for making your home welcoming for guests while maximizing space.
1. Accident-Proof Your Party Areas
This tip is crucial if you also plan on having little ones attend your party. Any valuables like vases, delicate centrepieces, or even framed photos should be stored in an off-limits area (like the master bedroom).
Similarly, decor items that are at foot-level (like end tables or decorative door stops) should be moved for the evening. This will reduce the risk of stumbles in an already crowded area.
2. Open Up
Living rooms are often the centre of a holiday party - and rightfully so! If your living room is the hub for cocktail hour, it’s best to arrange chairs in a circle around the perimeter of the room. This not only keeps crowding to a minimum, but also facilitates conversation among guests.
If you’re hosting a larger group, consider moving the coffee table elsewhere. This will offer more standing room, giving your guests plenty of room to mix and mingle.
Lastly, if you plan on offering buffet style hors d’oeuvres, keep this table somewhat sectioned off from the main party area. Although it may seem convenient to keep the food close to the party, this can often lead to unnecessary crowding in one room. The idea here is to open as much space as possible for guests to gather - without crowding or confusion.
Try placing the hors d’oeuvres table in an adjoining room, like so:
3. Put Long Tables on an Angle
If your party includes a sit-down dinner, it can be tricky to accommodate a larger group. Your best bet is a long rectangular table with guests on either side set diagonally in one room. This will allow your guests more space per place setting.
Creating a separate kids table is also a great way to save space for your large dinner table. The kids can either stay near the parents table (so adults can keep an eye on them!), or be located in a separate room. There are endless options to create a fun kids table that will keep the kids happy Try a paper tablecloth for doodling, or a fun interactive centrepiece.
4. Label Important Areas
If you’re hosting a large group, or are hosting guests who have never been in your home, labeling important areas can greatly improve the flow of traffic. Having a clearly labeled coat room, for example, saves guests from opening each door until they find a closet. Similarly, you may wish to label your restroom for this reason. If there are some areas of your house you’d like to keep off-limits (the office, upstairs, etc.) then you might consider some sort of barrier or signage to prevent wandering guests.
Your signage doesn’t need to detract from the decor, though! Using a garland to block off an open door frame or staircase will let guests know that the area is off-limits. Alternatively, small chalkboard signs are an easy DIY way to label your rooms. Adding a small wreath or a tinsel garland around each sign can add a nice, festive touch.
Hosting a party is a big task, but seeing friends and loved ones is such a rewarding payoff. Preparation is key - the more you prepare ahead of time, the more time you’ll have to enjoy with your guests. But the most important thing to remember when planning your holiday party is to have fun!
How do you prepare your home for the holidays? Share your photos with us on our Facebook page!
