I am hosting a medium sized party in a small space...?

Question

I really only have 2 medium sized rooms to host my families annual Christmas Party.
Do you have any suggestions?
Internet sites to visit?
Helpful hints?

My goal is comfort. But an easy flow for eating, mingl-ing, small children, and the least amount of stress...

Answer 1

Have an open house or progressive dinner! This will cut down on the wear and tear at your place and let everyone participate in the fun! Not going to happen? Here are some suggestions:

1. Set up a buffet that folks can serve themselves using your kitchen or kitchen counters.
2. Keep seating minimal
3. Have a bedroom available for the little kids to play in while the grownups eat and talk. You can have games set up, or a movie available for them to watch.
4. Create an annual family oriented task for members to engage in while at the party. An example would be to make gingerbread houses (one for each family) or paint nutcrackers, or a food drive for the homeless. Something that will get folks into the spirit of giving and having fun.
5. Serve punch instead of individual sodas etc.
6. Create a menu of large dishes that you don't have to keep filling. Or have a potluck wherein everyone brings their favorite holiday dish to share.
7. Have a dessert buffet instead of a meal
8. Soup?

Good luck!

Answer 2

I would suggest having a buffet. Trying to have a sit down dinner will cause soooo much stress in a limited space. Also, get rid of as much "stuff" as you can. Store it in your bedroom/spare room, etc. Knick-knacks, end tables, etc, all take up room that you don't have (and are easy for kids to knock over-not having the "stuff" around helps the kids parent's not stress too). Use folding chairs scattered everywhere, and I also set up TV trays in corners so that they can be moved to where someone is sitting. I even move the recliners from my living room to the laundry room because 3 people can sit in folding chairs in the same spot that only 1 person can sit in a recliner.

For your own sake, I would recommend buying disposable sippy cups for younger kids. You can get 4 for less than $2. I then buy apple juice (It doesn't stain like red juice/punch) and give the kids their own sippy cups!!

Above all, get as much done as you can before the party and then relax and know that everyone is going to have a good time! (Make sure you enjoy yourself too!!)

Have a great holiday!!

Answer 3

remove bulky furniture and store some place you could do this about a week ahead of time (Including sofa). Don't move TV because this may be an entertaining source for the kids. Go to a local rental place and rent some chairs.

Answer 4

Have like couchs or chairs with coffee tables or end tables instead of a long table. Set up a buffet at the beginning of one room and then a drink buffet too...... hope u hav a good time! <3

Answer 5

go to the food network or recipe zaar they are great!!!