Entertaining Guests

How can I entertain guests in a small apartment?

Just because you live in an apartment, it doesn't mean you can't do any entertaining. While it may require some creativity, it can be done well and with style. Entertaining guests in a small space can be made easier by including some of the following ideas:

• Rather than having a large party, have smaller groups over and entertain more often. Smaller spaces may be a little harder to do when it comes to hosting a party or dinner, but they are also inherently more intimate.
• Think ahead when getting furniture for a small apartment if you like to entertain. Invest in pieces that can be moved around easily so that you can vary the configuration if needed to accommodate guests. Renting tables and linens is another option if needed.
• Keep an eye out for attractive folding chairs that can be easily stashed away. They can give you additional seating with a minimum of storage issues.
• Adjust the idea to what you have available. Rather than trying to figure out how to get ten people seated at a formal dinner when you only have room for six, have a cocktail party and use little tables for snacks and treats.
• Remember the temperature. If it is winter and you are entertaining guests in a smaller space, lower the thermostat a few degrees; it can heat up quickly. By the same token, summer may require running the air conditioner until you are a little cold before guests arrive to ensure they stay cool after the place is packed.

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What are some ideas to help make things comfortable for overnight guests?

Entertaining overnight guests can be a challenge in a one-bedroom apartment or studio, especially if it is small. If you take a little time to plan out how to make the experience a good one it can pay off for both of you. Even if you have a large place, there are some great ways to make guests feel comfortable and welcome.

Set a little basket up in the bathroom area with some amenities for your guest and let her know it's there. Include some basics such as a washcloth, hand towel, cotton swabs and shaving cream. Also include some small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion. This way the guest has her own items for personal use.

If the guest will be sleeping on the couch, try to make it as comfortable as possible. Set out extra blankets and pillows and a bottle of water for her. Leave a dim light on or invest in a small plug-in night light so she can see if she needs to get up in the middle of the night. A fun book, magazine or deck of cards on the table nearby can be a nice touch as well. Make sure the shades and curtains are drawn so that the light doesn't wake her too early. A decorative screen can also give her a little privacy.

If you know the person's taste, have some snacks and drinks stocked up for her time with you. If not, you can always make a quick stop at the store to pick up a few things for her enjoyment. After all, little touches like that can make a difference.

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What are some ideas for hosting a great dinner party?

Hosting a nice dinner is one of life's joys, and there are some things that can take the atmosphere from good to great. Incorporate some of these ideas for entertaining dinner guests at your apartment:

• Learn how to do an artistic fold on a cloth napkin to dress up the table settings.
• Take the time to print out the menu in a fancy font. Cut into long rectangles, fun flowers or other shapes and place on the table for guests to peruse.
• Choose your music carefully and let it enhance the mood. Match it to the ethnicity of your meal or the feel you want to create. Make sure that you set the volume low so that it doesn't inhibit conversation.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with the table setting. Use crazy fabric for a tablecloth, sprinkle glitter in a line down the center of the table or use natural accents such as river rocks or fall leaves in a glass bowl. Your creativity will be a conversation starter.
• For especially fancy dinners, consider renting chair covers to dress up the room a bit.
• Give guests a memento of the evening to take home with them such as a recipe from the meal or a flower from the centerpiece.

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What are some easy ideas for entertaining guests at my apartment?

Entertaining guests is part of having your own space, whether you live in an apartment or a house. Each type of guest can require a different plan, depending on what they are coming for. Here are a few easy ideas for making things fun when you have people over.

• Having company means setting the stage for an atmosphere that everyone can enjoy together. Whether you choose to do a simple or dramatic gathering, fresh flowers are always a classic and fairly inexpensive touch.
• Candles are also a great choice, but opt for unscented so you don't upstage any food you are serving or trigger any one's allergies.
• Entertaining out-of-town guests can be fairly simple, especially if they haven't been to your city or town. Before they arrive, pick up some information on local entertainment and brochures for fun things to do in the area that they can check out while they are there. Some menus for favorite restaurants can be a nice touch as well. If you can arrange for a little time off work during their stay, you can always join them for some of the fun.
• House guests usually appreciate having a place to put their coat if they are staying for the evening. If they are staying overnight, see that they have a private area available to store their things while they are there.

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