Having friends or family over can be a fun but challenging event if you have a studio or one-bedroom apartment. But with the right approach, entertaining in a small space doesn’t have to be stressful. 

With a little extra effort and some creative sleeping arrangements for guests, you can make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Read on for some of our favorite ways to entertain in a small apartment. 

How to Host a Party in a Small Space

Truthfully, entertaining in a small space requires much of the same preparation as entertaining in a big space, but with more attention to detail. Here’s how you can make a little space go a long way.

Clean and Declutter

You’ll want to start the entertaining process with a clean slate. Don’t stop with your usual cleaning list, though. More than likely, some decluttering will be necessary too. Temporarily stash away unnecessary décor to free up valuable space. 

Removing visual clutter really makes a space feel brighter and more open. If you anticipate you’ll need even more space, this might be a good time to rearrange furniture by moving it against a wall or pushing it all to one side of the living room.

Utilize Every Inch of Counter Space

When setting out a meal, or even just drinks and hors d’oeuvres, use every available surface to your advantage. Keep table décor to a minimum, which will help maximize usable space. If serving dinner, choose a buffet style where plates are stacked and guests can serve themselves.

Use Lighting and Decor to Your Advantage

Lean into the coziness of a small space to create an inviting atmosphere. Crafting the right ambiance is key to hosting a successful gathering and lighting plays a key role in setting the tone of your party. 

Use a variety of light sources such as fairy lights, candles and lanterns to instantly transform your small space. These lighting options aren’t only charming but are also versatile and efficient, allowing you to enhance the mood without cluttering the area.

For decor, consider hanging a mirror in the living room. Mirrors reflect light and add a sense of depth, creating an illusion of a larger room. Additionally, opt for decorations that can be hung or mounted on the walls to free up valuable floor space.

Designate a Place for Coats and Bags

Offer to take your guests’ coats, jackets and purses at the front door. If your hallway closet is a bit cramped, consider using part of your den or bedroom as storage. This keeps coats from being tossed on furniture and taking up valuable seating space. 

Spread Out Your Spread

If you’re entertaining with food, drinks and television, don’t put them all in the same spot. Place food in one room, drinks in another and let TV watchers have their own space. This will force guests to move and mingle instead of congregating in one small area.

Creative Sleeping Arrangements For Guests

Entertaining guests is one thing, but figuring out where everyone will sleep is another monster to tackle. Here are a few tricks to host overnight guests in an apartment with limited space:

Make the Most Out of Your Guest Bed

If you have multiple guests but only one guest bed up for grabs, ask if two would be okay sharing. You could also give the bed to a couple (if there is one).

Build a Makeshift Bed

Many guests are happy to crash on your couch. If you have a bigger couch like a sectional, you might even be able to fit two people on it. If that’s still not enough space, air mattresses are a great alternative. Invest in one with extra cushions and make sure it’s completely inflated for maximum comfort. 

Position the air mattress up against the sofa or wall to create a makeshift headboard. Whether guests are sleeping on a couch or on an air mattress, be sure to include clean sheets, a few cozy blankets and pillows to help your them sleep soundly.

Add Some Thoughtful Touches

While your houseguests may not be staying in a luxury hotel, a few thoughtful touches can make the experience more comfortable. Position the air mattress or couch near a light source like a lamp or light switch so your they can easily reach over and turn them on or off. 

Use blackout curtains on your windows (even temporary ones) and offer overnight guests a white noise machine,  fan, eye mask and ear plugs to help them sleep easier in an unfamiliar setting. For additional privacy, consider investing in a folding screen or temporary room divider that can be put away during the day.

Make It Fun for Kids

If there are kids involved, you have even more flexibility to get creative with the sleeping arrangements. Possibilities include sleeping bags, blanket pallets, tents, bean bag chairs or even an indoor hammock.

Host Guests in a Beautiful Apartment of Any Size

Small, medium and large apartments — we’ve got them all. With over 25,000 apartments across the Maryland and Virginia area, Southern Management is bound to have exactly what you need. 

We offer beautiful spaces of all sizes in our coveted apartment communities. Our team is committed to finding you an apartment that checks off every item on your list. Contact us today to find your next apartment home!