As we head into December, it’s time to up the ante on your festive preparations. If you’re hosting friends and family for dinner this year, but space is limited, navigating the situation can be challenging.
Oonagh Turner from Livingetc explains how to take the stress out of compact living entertaining: “Creating a joyous and festive atmosphere is the number one priority, but when you’re confined to a small space, the mood might feel more cramped and cluttered, stopping your home from reaching its full festive potential.” Despite that, “there are some really simple foolproof rules, from Christmas decorating to hosting, you can follow to make the whole day go seamlessly.”
So, if you’re unsure where to start on your Christmas prep, fear not, we’ve got you covered.
Update your hallway
The first port of call is the hallway. Remove your coats and shoes and store them away for the day. Otherwise, use something like the Parker shoe bench or Hat Tree to help keep things tidy and uncluttered.
Wow your guests with seasonal flowers and a glass of bubbly displayed on a console table – like the Mia or Pagoda. If there’s no entryway available, designate your bedroom for jackets and scarves to save your main hosting area from coat chaos.
Redesign your hosting space
Experiment with moving furniture well ahead of time and decide how you’ll use each space. There are many stages to hosting – welcoming guests with drinks and nibbles on grazing trays, dinner itself (whether buffet style or formal sit-down), and then moving to a cosy space with cushions and blankets for coffee, dessert and Christmas games.
Perhaps your living room is more suited to accommodate a larger dining table, or will you embrace the diagonal dining trend? Placing your table at an angle may feel unusual, but it can often create extra space for seating. Nevertheless, have a solid plan in advance for how you’ll use your home on the day.
Invest in multipurpose furniture
Get creative with your furniture – look at every piece and think about how you can subtly store or use it for something else.
The Otto stool is a brilliant example. Featuring a lift-off top that reveals hidden storage, this savvy piece slips easily under tables and benches. Not only is it great for additional seating, but it can also act as a table for canapés. Another hardworking piece is the slim Birch trolley – turn it into a drinks cart, ideal for wheeling from room to room, allowing guests to serve their own drinks in a fun way.
Need extra seating? The Alpine inflatable footstool is an affordable solution that can be stored away when no longer needed. Meanwhile, the Lofa sofa is perfect for informal seating and can be transformed into an ad-hoc bed for overnight guests.
Dining tables for pocket-sized pads
A dining table that extends, transforms into a console or neatly folds away is one of the best investments you can make if you have a small home and love to entertain. Choose a table with clever design details that will provide extra seating when needed – and once your main meal is over, simply pack it away and use it as a surface for dessert, cheese or an evening buffet station.
Prepare your bathroom
When hosting, your bathroom will play an important role, so let’s not overlook it. Extend the festivities by ensuring all essentials are stocked – such as toilet paper, handmade soap, fresh hand towels and a seasonal scent – which will make all the difference.
Plan your table decor
Last but by no means least, it’s time to think about how you’ll dress your table. A real bugbear at Christmas can be when a table is too cluttered – try not to overwhelm your guests with an over-the-top centrepiece.
Think simple yet stunning: small bud vases holding eucalyptus and winterberry stems. Create a warm and cosy glow with lighting; candles and tea lights are popular choices at this time of year. Finally, use luxe tableware, cutlery, placemats and coasters, and serving dishes to complete the look. Don’t forget the crackers for a bit of festive fun between courses!
Christmas has often been said to be the most stressful time of the year – but take the pressure off by planning ahead. If you’re searching for a few extra pieces to get your gathering off to a stylish start, visit us in-store or online for inspiration.
