How to host a big holiday party in a less-than-spacious home

Key Insights

• When it comes to hosting, preparation is key to a stress-free event.
• Use what you have to accommodate guests around your table and borrow what you need.
• Carefully consider where to put your money to get the most bang for your buck.
• Remember to keep everything in perspective and outsource when needed.

The holidays are some of the best times to get together with family and friends. And, if you have a lot of either, hosting can quickly become overwhelming and costly. Here are some tips for hosting a large group in a smaller space, and how to do it without breaking the bank.

Prep your space

Make the most of the space you have by rearranging furniture and decor to make space in the places you need it.

• Empty out an entry closet or coat rack for guests’ outer layers (don’t forget to lay out a rug or tray for wet boots!).
• Declutter the areas that will see high traffic or added items. Now’s a great time to go through your canned goods, toss expired items and make sure you have everything you need for dinner!
• Skip the grocery store before your event and eat what you have on hand to empty your pantries, fridges and freezers. This will allow room for your holiday feast prep list and leftovers.
• Deep clean where your guests will be so you’ll only need to touch up areas in the days and moments before the doorbell rings.
• Make sure your bathrooms are stocked with toilet paper, fresh soap and towels to make your guests comfortable.
• Plan where you’re going to lay out food if you’re doing a buffet or appetizers. If you’re short on counter space, consider stacked serving dishes and go vertical!

Be strategic about where you spend

• Seating: Seating doesn’t have to be chairs! Consider moving armchairs, ottomans, and seating from other rooms to pull up around your table. You can also ask neighbors if you can borrow their chairs or invest in nice-looking folding chairs that are much more aesthetically pleasing than the vinyl ones used at picnics.
• Tables: If you’re short on table space, try disguising folding tables with a nice tablecloth.
• rong>Dishes: Not many people have enough place settings for a large group of people. If you find yourself short on serving ware, consider borrowing some items from others (wash them and return as soon as possible, of course). For plates, glasses and utensils, you might be able to combine settings, or, if you’re utilizing multiple tables, use different settings at each table. You can also purchase sturdy, disposable products that have a high-end look to save you cleanup and stress.
• Decor: While decorating for the season is nice, there’s no reason to invest in themed decor throughout your home. Instead, focus on the primary areas where you’ll be gathering and eating.
• Table settings: Simplify your centerpieces so the table has plenty of room for food and place settings, and keep centerpieces low so everyone can see and talk to each other during the meal. You can also nix the centerpieces altogether and make each table setting shine with an elegant layout, folded napkins or place cards. Your guests will be wowed and feel special by the personalized attention.

Think about the aftermath

As much fun as it is to host, it’s important to consider what you’ll do after the party’s over.

• If you’re preparing a lot of food, ask guests to bring Tupperware to take home some leftovers.
• Put out plenty of trash cans and have a plan on what to do if you go over your trash limit.
• Make sure specialty cleaning items are on hand for spills and stains.
• Have a plan of attack ready for cleaning—think about what dishes need to soak overnight, what trash needs to go out immediately and what items need to be returned ASAP.
• Set a timer for any candles and fires you may have lit to ensure they’re safely extinguished.
• Have a Plan B ready in case of unexpected overnight guests. A spare toothbrush and clean sheets or blankets are all you need.

Remember what’s important

Hosting is a huge job, so it’s important to keep the event in perspective to keep from getting overwhelmed. Remember: even if the table space is crowded, the most important thing is that you’re spending time together.

Plus, just because you’re hosting doesn’t mean you have to do it on your own!

Your family and friends are probably extremely appreciative that you’re willing to open your home to them and may want to help take some of the pressure off. Accept any offers of cleaning and bringing items. It’s also okay to ask for help and assign roles like bringing a certain dish or app (especially when your kitchen space is limited), picking up a flower arrangement you ordered or buying festive napkins.

You also have the option to outsource your party. Restaurants and community centers often have private rooms available for rent that can provide the space, tables and chairs needed to accommodate your group. Event centers are a great option for extra seating and place settings—some will even do the dishes for you! You can also hire out a caterer to do your prep and cooking, and a cleaning service to get your home ready (or put it back together).

Looking for something bigger?

With some preparations and planning, you can find the space in your home to throw a shindig for all your family and friends. But if you’re still feeling the squeeze and want to look for a home that better accommodates your growing circle, consider reaching out to Edina Realty to see what’s available in your area.