Are you planning to entertain this summer but feeling a little restricted by your space? Whether you have a compact apartment, modest living room or snug studio, small-scale hosting can be just as fun and stylish as a large, open-plan bash.
You don’t need the square footage to be the host with the most – here are five clever tips and thoughtful touches to create a welcoming vibe and celebrate this wonderful season:
The drinks trolley
Meet your new best friend: the drinks trolley! Incorporating a drinks trolley into your party décor is a game changer – it allows guests to serve themselves cocktails and snacks for a relaxed feel, without the added stress of running around after them.
In a compact home, the slim birch trolley comes into its own – it’s a portable hub where you can store drinks, glasses and nibbles, easily wheeling it around the home to save precious counter space. Or, with its minimal aesthetic and no wasted space, the brilliant Vino table is a solid oak saviour, complete with a sleek sliding top that reveals generous storage. Perfect for cocktail hour, it even has a handy moveable shelf inside for bottles and glasses. Let’s just say, party season has started!
Hard-working seating
Small spaces call for smart, multifunctional seating solutions. Think stools with hidden storage like the Kinoku, a pouffe with a tabletop, or lightweight folding chairs such as the Ciclo, which can be tucked away in a cupboard when not needed. These versatile options mean you can easily adjust your seating to fit the number of guests invited.
Comfort is key when hosting, so don’t forget a few cushions or soft throws to make the space feel inviting and cosy long into the evening.
Beautiful boards
When kitchen and dining space is limited, grazing boards are a must. A gorgeous platter filled with cheese, meats, crackers, fruit and crudités enables guests to snack and socialise without being too formal – ideal for an easy-breezy summer social. Display them on these fab Caraway oak trays and dot them around on tables; then all you need to do is relax into the evening. The metal dots tray is also brilliant for handing out canapés or using as a platter.
If you want to make hosting even easier, invite guests to bring their own themed board – such as a dessert platter, vegan spread or country-inspired selection. Let this become an interesting conversation starter while keeping stress to a minimum.
Inject colour with glass and tableware
Elegant and colourful glassware is a great way to add pops of vibrancy to your compact space – these super fun Ravenna tumblers will bring a new dimension to your celebrations and are perfect for any type of drink. Meanwhile, investing in unique ceramics like the Dapple collection will elevate your indoor dinner parties.
Layered lighting
As evening draws in, layered lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Use a selection of styles, such as a table lamp on a sideboard for an ambient soft glow, a stunning pendant over your dining table for a statement touch, and pretty decorative lanterns like the Kashmir porcelain lamp for flickering magic.
Looking for more? The Cadiz rattan lamp or the Otaru fabric shade in soft white will add a natural aesthetic, while delicate scattered tealights provide a relaxed and intimate feel to your event.
So, by choosing flexible furniture, clever hosting pieces and eye-catching accessories, you can create a fun, tasteful and airy place to celebrate summer in style. For more inspo, why not pop into your nearest store, visit our app or browse online? Happy hosting!
