10 Savvy Tips for Hosting Holiday Parties in a One-Bedroom Apartment

Hosting a rocking holiday party in a small space like a one-bedroom apartment may seem impossible, but if we’ve learned anything from the year, it’s that less can definitely be more. With the right wallet-friendly touches, you won’t need palatial digs or a matching budget to impress your guests. In fact, by maximizing your square footage, no one will ever notice the size of your pad.

Try these ten budget-friendly ideas to make sure your next holiday gathering is a hit.

Set a manageable budget

While budgeting might not be the most exciting part of party planning, doing it up front will help you immensely, from establishing how many people to invite to crafting your potential menu (finger foods or three-course, seated meal, anyone?). As a bonus, it will also help you stay well within your comfort zone and prevent any final-bill shock at the end of your event.

It’s easy to get swept away with spending around the holidays, between gift exchanges and over-the-top party decor. Studies have reported that 61% of people feel the strain from holiday spending, and in some more extreme cases, people are taking out loans to cover those specific expenses.

Keep your guest list short

A smaller guest list keeps the conversation flowing, ensures everyone feels comfortable and included, and discourages the formation of cliques. What’s more, if you have a one-bedroom apartment, ten people will be able to move around and socialize much easier than, let’s say, thirty guests as it might feel too cramped for everyone.

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So how many guests is just enough? If you’re sharing a meal, the size of your party should really only be as many people as can comfortably fit around your dining room table. But if you’re planning a casual evening of drinks and finger foods, and people will be mostly standing, nestled on your sofa, or sprawled out on the floor, you could probably fit in twice as many guests.

Decorate up

When the width of your space is at a premium, use height to your advantage by hanging decorations on the wall or even the ceiling. Pour candy into vases, keep necessary utensils in a jar, and stack hors d’oeuvres on cake stands.
While it’s best to forego bulky centerpieces, you can add a touch of festivity to items you will use anyway, like themed napkins, paper plates, or tablecloths. And since your TV is just sitting there, try using the screen to create a festive background. You could play a rolling slideshow of fun photos, a holiday movie on mute that fits the theme of the night, or even turn it into a virtual fireplace.

Go bargain hunting

Save money on party supplies and decorations by checking out your nearest dollar store. You can also nab some deep discounts by shopping at retailers just after the holiday has ended in anticipation for next year or your strategically planned post-holiday get-together. While you’ll likely find all the accoutrements you need there, if you’re feeling particularly creative and you want something more eclectic, go thrift shopping. Remember to rock those mismatched cups and plates with pride — they are much more interesting, add a touch of charm, and can be great conversation starters, depending on what you find.

Add a sustainable and budget-friendly twist

During the holidays, money can already be a little tight. Plus, when you consider the fact that household waste in the U.S. increases by 25% during the holidays, you may want to give your guests the chance to save some money with an eco-friendly holiday twist.

Instead of brand-new, store-bought presents, ask your guests to go shopping at home and bring something they no longer need. This is one occasion where regifting can be actively encouraged. When it comes to decor, instead of stocking up on new decorations, consider repurposing old clothes or items found in nature like pinecones and spruce tree branches.

Declutter your space

Crowded spaces can increase the risk of accidents, spillage, and, as a consequence, unintended expenses. If you knock something expensive over or one of your guests permanently stains your sofa with red wine, you may find yourself with a long list of expensive repairs or purchases to make.

Prevent sticky situations by taking the time to declutter your space as much as possible before guests arrive. Keep your guests from congregating in one place by setting up multiple food and drinks stations, clear areas to set down a glass when needed, and use comfy pillows or folded blankets to create multiple seating areas.

Prepare your food and drinks ahead of time

Don’t leave getting ready to the last minute, especially if you only have a small kitchen. Keep your sanity by doing all your chopping, prepping, and freezing well in advance of your guests’ arrival. This will give you time to go back to the store and pick up any items you may have missed.

In case of kitchen experiments gone awry (it happens), consider getting a premade fruit and cheese board or a cooked rotisserie chicken from your favorite deli or a warehouse club like Costco. You can also request any desired decorations or garnishes to go with it.

Serve small bites rather than a sit-down dinner

Focus on snacks, small bites, or a killer charcuterie board that won’t require lots of different utensils or the pressure of timing your courses just right. Instead of asking your guests to bring a dish, suggest that they bring their favorite condiments for dipping their appetizers or toppings for a make-your-own hot chocolate or sundae bar.

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Plus, this allows you to have guests come as they please within a window of time. Having a set sitdown dinner means that all your guests will be in your space at the exact same time.

Turn your bedroom into another gathering place

Depending on your comfort level and who’s coming, you could easily set up your bedroom with a bed covering and some throw pillows in the center, suggests New York-based event planner Samantha Goldberg.

“All you need are some twinkly lights, colorful pillows, and candles around the room, and you’ve got yourself another chill space for your guests to lounge in,” she says.

Set the mood with lighting

Hanging miniature LED lights around the perimeter of the room can add warmth and give your space a clean and open feel, especially if you can tuck the wiring away. “Lighting can make anything look more expensive, while the right combination can also make your space look larger,” says Goldberg. “Buy light bulbs that change color for a more fun look; they might cost you under $10 for each one and they also come with remotes.”

Bonus tip: If your landlord lives in your building or you have a neighbor who may look unfavorably towards you for having some music and chatter coming from your unit after 10 p.m., it might be nice to give them a heads up about your plans. Both of these could prevent any unwarranted knocks on (or guests at) your door during the event.