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Entertaining

How to Host in a Very Small Space

How to Host in a Very Small Space
Written By
WHITNEY LEIGH MORRIS
Photographs By
Whitney Leigh Morris for Tiny Canal Cottage
@parachutehome
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Bigger isnā€™t always better when it comes to the home ā€“ and itā€™s not always an option if you resideĀ in a highly coveted locale. However, donā€™t let a tiny floor plan prevent you from entertaining. Just askĀ our friend and frequent collaborator Whitney Leigh Morris. She livesĀ inĀ The Tiny CanalĀ Cottage,Ā aĀ 1924 Craftsman-style home located along the historic canals in Venice Beach.Ā Whitney and her husband have housed overnight guests for visits ranging from a single night to up to three weeks and have welcomed up to 50 people in their placeĀ for cocktail parties. And did we mention they have a young son and two dogs? With this expertiseĀ on how to host in small spaces ā€“ and pictures of her home to prove it ā€“ Whitney affirmsĀ you donā€™t have to ā€œlive largeā€ to liveĀ beautifully.

Tips for Hosting Overnight Guests in a Small Space

Image of a chest that can also be used as a coffee table.

Multi-functional Furniture and Accessories

Store guestĀ beddingĀ in a chest that can double as a coffee table. Also, use folding bistro furniture to accommodate your guests both indoors and out; these quickly collapse so you canĀ stash the set when not in use.

Keep Comfort in Mind

When visitors sleep in rooms that serve more than one purpose (such as a living room or office that doubles as a guest room, like ours), be sure to offer them anĀ eye maskĀ and ear plugs. The little things help guestsĀ settle in and get a better night of sleep.

Image of inside a home.

Be Respectful of Everyoneā€™s Privacy

Itā€™s obviously challenging to find a completely private space for overnight guests in a tiny home. However, a room divider provides your guests with a little place of their own. If your space canā€™t accommodate a folding screen, try suspending a temporary curtain around the guest bed or couch. In the evenings the curtainĀ createsĀ privacy, while during the day itā€™s cinched with a pin to leave the room open and airy.

Dedicate a Space for Guestsā€™ Toiletries and Towels

Clear a shelf or cubby for your guestsā€™ toiletries. Not only does this help visitorsĀ feel settled and welcome in your home, but it also prevents clutter from piling up on valuable countertop and floor space. Use varying colors ofĀ towelsĀ so everyone knows which one is his or hers.

Tips for Hosting a Dinner or Cocktail Party in a Small Space

Coats on a coat rack

Coat and Bag Drop

One of the biggest issues at small space gatherings is that guests donā€™t quite know where to put their belongings. Itā€™s a good idea to provide a safe, dedicated space for coats and bags. We like to repurpose two shepherdā€™s hooks ā€“ connected by a branch ā€” as a simple clothing rack. By adding some hangers and S-hooks, guests can hang their extra layers and belongings, which helps keep the houseĀ clean and uncluttered byĀ freeing up surfaces and seating.

Organized, Reusable Goods

Reusable napkins, dishes, glasses and silverware are surprisinglyĀ comparable in price to plastic or paper party goods. By organizing all of these items in wire baskets and using them for events, you avoid wasteful piles of trash that clutter up the house. Glass serving bottles and a SodaStream help as well. You donā€™t need much space to go green.

Image of a rolling cart with dishes in it.

Collect Dirty Dishes

AĀ metal, rolling cart makes a convenientĀ basket for collecting used food and beverage items. This trick preventsĀ an unsightly, surface-stealing mess in the kitchen during an event, keeping all the dirty items together and fairly out of sight.