While we’re all about making the most of our space, hosting in a compact area does come with its own set of challenges. But there’s no need to stress! With a few creative tricks up your sleeve, you can make any space work for an unforgettable gathering.
1. PREPARATION IS KEY
When your entertaining space is limited, always prepare your food in advance so that on the night, it’s just a matter of warming through and applying any finishing touches.
This way, you’ll have more time to enjoy being a host too. Cooking dishes you’re familiar with means you actually relax and can spend time with your friends on the evening.
2. ONE POT WONDER
A one-pot dish for dining in small spaces is a MUST and won’t leave you with a stack of pans to wash up.
By doing one or two main sharing dishes, it avoids any stressful plating up scenarios in the kitchen. Serve with seasonal salads and a good loaf of sourdough bread (or if you’re really organised, a home baked loaf) and you’re onto a winning menu.
3. SETTING THE SCENE
Using a vase in the middle of the table is a great way to display the cutlery; this keeps it simple yet stylish.
Having a water jug on the table is a must and by putting some stalks of mint in, it’s also a cost effective way to really help style your table.
Stack a pile of plates in the middle of your table with some napkins and let your guests choose their seat, get cosy and get stuck in.
4. PUT A NAME ON IT
Make sure your guests are prepped on the rule of the evening... one glass only per person. Get a little creative and attach a fun nametag to each vessel to make everyone feel extra special.
5. SIMPLE STYLING
Keep it simple – don’t overcrowd your table, make sure there’s plenty of space for the main affair, the food. If you’re feeling adventurous, hang décor from the ceiling.
Bringing the outside in is very “in” and there’s plenty of hanging planters that you can buy that won’t take up precious space.
6. CROWD CONTROL
Keep your ‘bar’ separate... strategically position a drinks station (or trolley if you have one spare!) away from the kitchen.
When the pressure is on to get dinner on the table, it’ll be super helpful to avoid having any bottlenecks in the kitchen.
