As real estate agents, we frequently hear the lament, “We need a bigger house!” And that’s especially true around the holidays. While we’re happy to help you find homes for sale in Guilderland, Latham and Colonie NY with more square footage, we also thought it might be helpful to provide you with some tricks and tips for hosting the holidays in a small space.
Tips for Entertaining in a Small Space
- Clear Away Clutter
Consider putting your decorating pride aside in favor of more space, and storing all non-essential décor in closets, under the bed, or even at a friend’s or neighbor’s house. This includes any items on flat surfaces, such as coffee tables, end tables and consoles. Decorative pillows and throws can take up much needed seating, while unnecessary appliances should be stored away to allow for more counter space.
- Re-Arrange Your Furniture
Don’t be afraid to move furniture around to maximize floor space, and tuck unnecessary pieces into a bedroom. If a big meal is the focus of your gathering, and your living room is larger than your dining room, why not try swapping the furniture to make room for a longer table and chairs? If you’re serving a buffet-style meal, make sure flat surfaces are clear of clutter for plates and drinks and provide enough seating for everyone, even if it means using an ottoman or your bedroom vanity stool.
- Pare Down the Menu
Do as much prep as you can ahead of time, especially if your kitchen is small. Better yet, ask guests to bring a dish, even if it’s just the dessert. Another trick is to serve a salad or cold appetizer to stall guests while you are waiting for other items to cook in the oven. Keep the beverage options to a minimum, as well. If you’re doing the cooking, ask guests to bring their own drink of choice, or create a specialty cocktail (and a virgin alternative) that can be served from a punch bowl or pitcher, to avoid the need for a fully-stocked bar.
- Improvise
Entertaining in a small space requires some creativity, so think outside the box, literally. If you live in an apartment, consider placing a coat rack in the hallway to free up space inside. Homeowners have outdoor options, too. Especially in Guilderland, Latham and other parts of the Capital Region, it’s usually cold enough outside at the holidays to keep refrigerated items or beverages on a porch when you run out of space inside the fridge.
House Still Not Big Enough?
The fact is, sometimes bigger really is better. If you’re ready to make the move from apartment living to home ownership, or you’ve found that your current home just isn’t big enough, the real estate agents at CM Fox are here to help. We take the time to get to know our clients and their needs, and will work with you to find a home that’s the right size for the right price. Check out our homes for sale in Guilderland, Latham, Colonie and Albany NY, or call (518) 861-7030 to speak directly with a real estate agent near you.