How to Have a Big Holiday Meal in a Small House or Apartment
If you think you need a big house for a big holiday meal, you are wrong. The spirit of the holidays is to be with the people you love, and no square footage can create this magic. You can even spend Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or Christmas dinner in a small house or apartment. You just need to get creative. These custom gift box ideas will prepare you for a truly enjoyable event, no matter the size of your home.
This post was originally published in the Improvement Center .
1. Create space
You have little space in an apartment or small house, but you can make the most of what you have. Rearrange furniture so that there is more room on the floor. Pack it all in the corner of your bedroom if needed. Rent or borrow folding chairs that can be easily removed, repositioned and stowed away. Move small bedside tables out of your bedroom to provide a resting place for drinks and plates. Then set aside a separate room, such as a bedroom or office, where guests can leave their belongings so that your entertainment space isn’t cluttered with coats and bags as guests arrive.
2. Service alternatives in small homes
Not everyone has room to serve 20 people at the dinner table. What’s the difference! There are many alternatives to Norman Rockwell’s festive meal. Ditch the table entirely if necessary. Most people don’t mind sitting on the couch with a plate in their lap and chatting with a relative they rarely see. Schedule your buffet-style serving and take the worry out of your upholstery. There are great stain removers on the market, and the internet is full of tips on how to remove gravy from everything. A gang of kids coming? Pull out the extra tablecloth and let them have a picnic on the floor! While you’re at it, seriously consider disposable plates, napkins, and cutlery. The pile of dirty dishes in the small kitchen sink is mind-boggling. If food and company are memorable, few are likely to focus on plates and cutlery.
3. Food preparation should be simple.
Chopping, mixing and anything else you need to prepare food takes up a lot of space. As much as you can, choose recipes that you can prepare ahead of time so that there are fewer people in the kitchen and you have more time to delight guests. When it comes to drinks, forget all sorts of options. Create a small station with a signature drink where guests can serve themselves.
4. Get out of your small house
Find opportunities to go outside. In many parts of the country, the weather can be good enough to enjoy campfire, hiking or snowshoeing, and lawn games such as corn pit and horseshoes. After dinner, take a stroll around the area to watch the holiday lights. Do you live in an apartment building with no yard? Plan a scavenger hunt and involve your neighbors. Then invite them back for a piece of the pie and get to know them better. Connecting with your community can make life more fulfilling throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
5. Ask for help!
Regardless of the size of your home, if you are taking a vacation, you should definitely ask for help. Most guests want to contribute and it’s more fun to work as a team. Ask some guests to come early to help with food preparation and table setting. Ask other guests to bring a snack or dessert to take away some of your hassle of cooking. Find a teenager or grandparent to help entertain young children. In entertainment and in life, when everyone is involved, it brings us closer together.
With a little planning, you can have a great holiday celebration no matter the size of your space. The time you spend together creates memories, not table setting or other attributes. Now find your favorite recipes and ask Mom to bring Granny’s famous casserole. Happy holiday to everyone!
Holidays in a small house | Improvement center