Rearrange Furniture for Optimal Flow

Good flow is everything at a party, and particularly important when hosting in a small space. (Every host dreads the party pile-up in one corner.) The goal here is to create an open space with a natural and clear path to and from important areas of the home, e.g. the kitchen, bathroom, and living area.

“You want guests to feel comfortable, ensuring they have space to not only freely move about but also not feel stuck in any one spot or with any one group of guests. This also encourages more mingling and socializing,” explains Hovik Harutyunyan, an event designer in Beverly Hills. 

Harutyunyan recommends experimenting with the layout by moving large pieces or eliminating them altogether if it won’t be used for the occasion. “It’s very often the case that layouts ideal for everyday living may not be great for entertaining, especially in small spaces,” he says. “Avoid placing furniture in a way that creates walls, barriers, or bottlenecks.”

Build ‘Party Zones’

When configuring the layout, also consider building different party zones into your space to encourage movement. This way, guests can naturally move around, without feeling like they’re stepping over each other.

“Creating different zones, especially in a small [space], helps keep the energy flowing throughout the entire event,” says Olivia Pollock, an etiquette and hosting expert for Evite. “I recommend a drink station in one area, a cozy conversation nook in another, and a dedicated station for all snacks and bites.”

Control the Guest List

While you can absolutely host parties in small spaces, do remain realistic about how many people can comfortably fit in the space. “While a large party sounds very fun, you have to consider guest comfort and expectations for the type of event you are hosting,” Harutyunyan advises.

“You want to ensure everyone feels comfortable and walks away with a pleasant experience. It may take a few events but you will eventually start to gain a sense of what the ideal number in your space is for a cocktail-style event versus a sit-down format.”

Get Creative With Your Seating

The biggest hurdle when hosting parties in a small space is making sure there’s enough seating for everyone. This is especially true for dinner parties where everyone will be sitting at the same time.

Benches maximize seating space, as do chairs with slim profiles, ottomans, stools, or even floor cushions, suggests Virginia Frischkorn, event planner and founder of PartyTrick. Folding chairs or extendable dining tables can also help accommodate guests without overwhelming the space.

Make the Most of Vertical Space

“When square footage is limited, the best way to maximize space is to think up—not out,” says Frischkorn, who recommends utilizing vertical storage solutions to keep things organized and streamlined.

“Invest in tiered serving trays for appetizers and desserts to free up counter space, use a bookshelf as a makeshift bar or serving area, or hang floating shelves to add ambiance without taking up precious floor space,” she suggests.

Leverage Outdoor Space

If you’re lucky to have yard space or a balcony and the weather is right, allow for the party to flow into these outdoor spaces. Create vignettes for sitting and hanging out, Harutyunyan suggests, which may look like a patio table with chairs or a fire pit with surrounding seating. Even having some yard games outside can encourage people to flow from inside to outside, creating more “breathing room” for all your guests. 

Lean Into Layered Lighting

Outside of any disaster, one of the biggest buzzkills at a party is poor lighting. This is true regardless of your home size, but especially important when hosting events in small spaces: Small areas can easily feel dark and enclosed, while harsh lighting can kill the vibe. The solution is layered lighting via ambient, task, and accent light.

According to Pollack, “The right lighting instantly transforms your space, making the smallest spaces feel chic, cozy, and inviting—even if your venue only has one window.” 

Follow the ‘One Plate Rule’

One benefit of hosting in a small space is that it ultimately cuts back on trash and clutter. “The ‘one-plate rule’ is all about serving foods that don’t require guests to have to use multiple utensils and can easily be enjoyed at a table, standing up, or sitting on a couch,” Pollack explains.

“Think chic, single-serving bites: crostini with whipped ricotta, gourmet sliders, or some catered sushi rolls,” she suggests. “Charcuterie cones are [another] an aesthetically pleasing, mess-free way to make everyone’s favorite appetizer easier to handle.”