How To Maximize Your Space For Holiday Parties

The following article: How To Maximize Your Space For Holiday Parties was published from the blog of Devoleigh Homes

It’s that time of year again - the holiday party season has officially begun!  Between office parties and family dinners, chances are you’ve already started talking, planning and maybe even RSVP’d to one or two parties already.

Maybe you’re the one generous enough to host a holiday get-together for your family and friends.  If you’ve thrown a party before, you know that there are always unexpected guests! Whether it’s children, new friends, or extended family members who are visiting town, house parties always seem to be larger than expected.  

So, what’s the best way to accommodate a party in your home?  Here are three party planning tip to make your home inviting while maximizing your space.

 

1. Accident-Proof Your Party Areas

This tip is crucial to prevent accidents and falls in your home, especially if there are kids attending your party. Any valuables like vases, delicate centrepieces, or even framed photos should be stored in an off-limits area (like the master bedroom).  

Similarly, decor items that are at foot-level (like end tables or decorative door stops) should be moved for the evening.  This will reduce the risk of stumbles in an already crowded area.

 

2. Open Up

Living rooms are often the focal piece of a holiday party, where guests socialize and make themselves comfortable. If your living room is the hub for cocktail hour, it’s best to arrange chairs in a circle around the perimeter of the room. This not only keeps crowding to a minimum, but also facilitates conversation among guests.

If you’re hosting a larger group, consider moving the coffee table elsewhere.  This will offer more standing room, giving your guests plenty of room to mix and mingle.

Lastly, if you plan on offering buffet style appetizers, keep the table somewhat sectioned off from the main party area.  Although it may seem convenient to keep the food close to the party, this can often lead to unnecessary crowding in one room. The idea here is to open as much space as possible for guests to gather - without crowding or confusion. You can try placing appetizers in an adjoining room to increase the amount of space available for your guests.

 

3. Label Important Areas

If you’re hosting a large group, or are hosting guests who have never been in your home, labeling important areas can improve the flow of traffic. Having a clearly labeled coat room, for example, saves guests from opening each door until they find a closet.  Similarly, you may wish to label your restroom for this reason.  If there are some areas of your house you’d like to keep off-limits (the office, upstairs, etc.) then you might consider some sort of barrier or signage to prevent wandering guests.

Hosting a party is a big task, but seeing friends and loved ones is such a rewarding payoff. Preparation is key - the more you prepare ahead of time, the more time you’ll have to enjoy with your guests. But the most important thing to remember when planning your holiday party is to have fun!

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from Devonleigh Homes http://ift.tt/2fVxBsU