I’ve written a lot about why I prefer living in a small home, but I haven’t addressed one of the biggest questions I get: how do you host a large group in a small space?
Empanadas are the perfect portable party food. We are lucky enough to live near an incredible empanada shop that sells extra huge, packed, delicious empanadas in a million flavors. Beach birthday party? Empanadas! No need to worry about sand in your breakfast. Football watch party at our house? Empanadas! They're even kind of football shaped. I even brought them to our church hospitality one week and was a little nervous about how the older parishioners would receive them and they all came back for seconds -- two even had me write down what they were called so they could get them again.
Forgot to add -- children's birthday parties! We served them at the aforementioned beach birthday and have now seen them at three more of our friends' kids parties since then because they are reasonably mess free and an easy size for kids to munch.
I’m having 40 for an Ed fundraiser tomorrow. Catering the apps. (Whew). 5 inch (tall) duralex for drinks—a trick from Sur la table cooking class 30 years ago in Berkeley. Thrifted glass and white plates. Coffee table, floor lamps shoved into room, sofa/chairs pushed back. Rugs up for safety. Big chairs will be set out but cafe chairs (or folding) will only get set up when we’re ready to listen (room to roam before). Drinks on my kitchen stainless steel topped table. Food on dining table collapsed. Portable solar lights at the dark part of the steps outside. Separately, at relationship building work dinner for 18 last month, I passed around a bowl for utensils before dessert. Throw in soapy water and they are soaked by 9 pm. We all thought ‘why does no one do that?’ Kind of chummy/teamy too.
I love this so much! We live in a little less than 1,100 sq. ft. and we don’t host often but I do love to host. Very good idea to store drinks and food on opposite sides of the space - why have I never thought of that!?
I like to have some quiet, instrumental music playing in the background too. I don’t want sensory clutter and sometimes louder music feels overwhelming in a small space as people talk! But something jazzy and calm is great.
I find it fascinating what we consider large and small and limited. Where I am from that would be the third of your home, and the size of your home would be considered luxurious and spacious, more than what people need :) I love your suggestions about keeping it simple and how to spread people out!
It's true - all so relative! The average size of a home in the US is about 2400 square feet and ours is half that size, but still large compared to other spaces I've lived in! xx
we have friends that host what they call PIZZA parties, they make pizza and set them out on their kitchen island, you grab a slice when you want one , use a plate or napkin and mingle around the kitchen/living/dinning room. They also rearrange the furniture. They always have a glass marker next to the glasses so that everyone writes their name on their glass, that way you can put it down and you always know whichone is yours( it's genius). Everyone loves their parties, in warm weather everyone spills out into the back garden, in winter the fire is going, but it is always full of happy people having good conversations.
Thank you for the Quince winter coat recommendation (especially since we wear winter coats for six months in Toronto lol)! I was planning to purchase the Aritzia one but the Quince is half the price! Also, Shira, I finally purchased my first Doen blouse (as I just loved them on you!) and I am so excited to wear it! xo
Aww so fun! The coat is such a good price and feels like really high quality. Hoping it will take me through the next many many winters and trips to cooler climates. Enjoy! xx
Loveeeee this! Last yr I hosted a winter solstice dinner at our small house and served mulled wine that kept warm on the fireplace, this has prompted me to do that more!
They sell them at my local market but you can easily order online - just search "compostable party supplies" - I like the brand Ecovita for plates and cutlery. Yay for going plastic-free! xx
Party prep is so fun and takes time. So, don't spend time deep cleaning before a party. Do what you need to for clean looking spaces where the party will be- including the bathroom. Other rooms just close the door! Save the serious cleaning time for after the party.
I often avoid hosting larger gatherings as we have a smaller house as well and I wonder where everyone will go. Thank you for this reminder that it doesn't have to look like gatherings others host and we can do it in a way that utilizes our space (or lack thereof).
I love your suggestions! You always inspire! When we downsized from a large suburban home to a tiny urban condo, we actually discovered that we enjoy entertaining more than when we had tons of space! Less square footage to clean makes it easier to host any time! And the intimacy you point out in your article is absolutely true.
Empanadas are the perfect portable party food. We are lucky enough to live near an incredible empanada shop that sells extra huge, packed, delicious empanadas in a million flavors. Beach birthday party? Empanadas! No need to worry about sand in your breakfast. Football watch party at our house? Empanadas! They're even kind of football shaped. I even brought them to our church hospitality one week and was a little nervous about how the older parishioners would receive them and they all came back for seconds -- two even had me write down what they were called so they could get them again.
Ooh sounds delicious and easy! xx
Forgot to add -- children's birthday parties! We served them at the aforementioned beach birthday and have now seen them at three more of our friends' kids parties since then because they are reasonably mess free and an easy size for kids to munch.
Your tips are always so usable. Thank you! I enjoy every offering of yours that ends up in my emailbox.
So happy to hear! xx
I’m having 40 for an Ed fundraiser tomorrow. Catering the apps. (Whew). 5 inch (tall) duralex for drinks—a trick from Sur la table cooking class 30 years ago in Berkeley. Thrifted glass and white plates. Coffee table, floor lamps shoved into room, sofa/chairs pushed back. Rugs up for safety. Big chairs will be set out but cafe chairs (or folding) will only get set up when we’re ready to listen (room to roam before). Drinks on my kitchen stainless steel topped table. Food on dining table collapsed. Portable solar lights at the dark part of the steps outside. Separately, at relationship building work dinner for 18 last month, I passed around a bowl for utensils before dessert. Throw in soapy water and they are soaked by 9 pm. We all thought ‘why does no one do that?’ Kind of chummy/teamy too.
Brilliant, have fun! xx
I love this so much! We live in a little less than 1,100 sq. ft. and we don’t host often but I do love to host. Very good idea to store drinks and food on opposite sides of the space - why have I never thought of that!?
I like to have some quiet, instrumental music playing in the background too. I don’t want sensory clutter and sometimes louder music feels overwhelming in a small space as people talk! But something jazzy and calm is great.
Yes - I always have music on when we host! xx
I find it fascinating what we consider large and small and limited. Where I am from that would be the third of your home, and the size of your home would be considered luxurious and spacious, more than what people need :) I love your suggestions about keeping it simple and how to spread people out!
It's true - all so relative! The average size of a home in the US is about 2400 square feet and ours is half that size, but still large compared to other spaces I've lived in! xx
we have friends that host what they call PIZZA parties, they make pizza and set them out on their kitchen island, you grab a slice when you want one , use a plate or napkin and mingle around the kitchen/living/dinning room. They also rearrange the furniture. They always have a glass marker next to the glasses so that everyone writes their name on their glass, that way you can put it down and you always know whichone is yours( it's genius). Everyone loves their parties, in warm weather everyone spills out into the back garden, in winter the fire is going, but it is always full of happy people having good conversations.
Those sound like great friends to have - thanks for sharing! xx
Thank you for the Quince winter coat recommendation (especially since we wear winter coats for six months in Toronto lol)! I was planning to purchase the Aritzia one but the Quince is half the price! Also, Shira, I finally purchased my first Doen blouse (as I just loved them on you!) and I am so excited to wear it! xo
Aww so fun! The coat is such a good price and feels like really high quality. Hoping it will take me through the next many many winters and trips to cooler climates. Enjoy! xx
Loveeeee this! Last yr I hosted a winter solstice dinner at our small house and served mulled wine that kept warm on the fireplace, this has prompted me to do that more!
Ooh sounds lovely! xx
do you have a recc for the compostable plates/napkins/cutlery? throwing a party in a few weeks and going no plastic!
They sell them at my local market but you can easily order online - just search "compostable party supplies" - I like the brand Ecovita for plates and cutlery. Yay for going plastic-free! xx
Wow-- this is inspiring! And I love all the food suggestions.
Yay! xx
Party prep is so fun and takes time. So, don't spend time deep cleaning before a party. Do what you need to for clean looking spaces where the party will be- including the bathroom. Other rooms just close the door! Save the serious cleaning time for after the party.
I often avoid hosting larger gatherings as we have a smaller house as well and I wonder where everyone will go. Thank you for this reminder that it doesn't have to look like gatherings others host and we can do it in a way that utilizes our space (or lack thereof).
I love your suggestions! You always inspire! When we downsized from a large suburban home to a tiny urban condo, we actually discovered that we enjoy entertaining more than when we had tons of space! Less square footage to clean makes it easier to host any time! And the intimacy you point out in your article is absolutely true.