If you are living in a modest apartment, you may not think that hosting a dinner party for your friends or family is a feasible option for you. Dinner parties are for people with large dining rooms and extensive kitchens, right? On the contrary, an apartment can be the perfect space for gathering to share fine food and drink, and you can even do it within your budget. The best season for parties is gearing up, so follow our guide below on how to successfully welcome guests over for your apartment dinner party.
Plan Early
The most important factor for success with your first apartment dinner party is planning early. Starting several weeks ahead of time gives you lots of time to gather your materials, plan the menu, and give your guests plenty of notice.
Keep the Menu Simple
Food
“Finger foods” like mini quiches and dumplings are often popular at dinner parties. Whatever your menu, you should always provide at least one vegetarian option, although if you are familiar with your friends’ diets, you can provide for specific restrictions. You can also serve a one-pot meal, like a pasta dish or jambalaya.
Drink
Wine and beer are the easiest drink options, but if you want to serve cocktails at your apartment dinner party, it is best to choose one signature drink and make a pitcher or two to serve at the party.
Create Ambiance
Taking the time to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere for your apartment dinner party can go a long way towards making up for any shortage of space. You can include the following to create some ambiance:
- Play up-tempo music
- Place fresh flowers in the living room and bathroom
- Light unscented tea lights in safe locations
- Carefully select napkins, dinnerware, and flatware
Get Creative
Use a Cooler
To save room for food in your fridge, you can get a large, separate cooler to hold beers, sodas, or wine coolers.
Move Furniture
Don’t be afraid to rearrange your furniture to make more room for mingling and seating in your apartment.
Invest in a Portable Coat Rack
Winter dinner parties mean lots of heavy coats and scarves. If you want to avoid a pile of coats people need to dig through, you can offer your guests a coat rack.
Don’t Take On Too Much… But If You Do, Ask For Help
Your party is supposed to be fun for you, too, and you don’t want to spend weeks stressing over a fun event. If you do find yourself overwhelmed, ask a friend for help! Many people may be willing to help you decorate or prepare some dishes. Don’t let the planning stop you from enjoying the party!
Let Us Be Your Apartment Home!
Whether you need your very first apartment home or are relocating to the area, Apartments of Harborside Village would love to be your dream apartment home. Looking for beautiful waterfront apartments in Joppa, Maryland? Let us show you one of our spacious and affordable apartments at the Apartments of Harborside Village. To learn more about our apartment options, visit us online, give us a call at 410-679-1130, or email us. For a peek into what it’s like to live in our community, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.