How to Host for the Holidays in Your Apartment, Even If It's Too Small

Holiday hosting can be a challenge if you have limited square footage. However, as someone who enjoys intimate settings and one-on-one connections, I’d say it’s an advantage. With a little bit of planning and some key budget-friendly essentials, you can create a warm, welcoming small-space celebration that feels both festive and effortless.

Know Your Max Capacity

Before sending invites, take inventory of your space. Estimate how many people you can seat and feed comfortably, then make your guest list — not the other way around.

Let the Atmosphere Do the Heavy Lifting

Small details like warm lighting and layered textures make your space feel intentional, not cramped. Place these Mainstays Unscented Pillar Candles ($2.86 and up) on your coffee table or kitchen counter, and drape a dark caramel Better Homes & Gardens Cozy Knit Throw Blanket ($24.96) over your sofa for that hygge touch. Don’t forget to turn on a jazz or instrumental holiday playlist.

Designate Separate Areas

In tight quarters, function matters. Creating “zones" will help your guests navigate and mingle easily:

• Transform your kitchen counter into a self-serve drink station by lining up glasses, bottles, mixers, and garnish trays.
• Add a Mainstays 6-Foot Folding Table ($54.94) for extra guests and/or 4-Foot Folding Table ($38.94) depending on your space and budget. Smaller tables can function as side stations — perhaps one for desserts or coffee & tea, another for appetizers.
• Put out some small decorative signs or labels (“Drinks Here," “Snacks & Bites") and maybe a small tray with napkins and coasters. It reinforces the zones and subtly guides guests through the space.

Serve Dishes Buffet-Style

Skip formal plating and embrace a buffet setup. It saves space, reduces cleanup, and keeps the vibe casual:

• Stack Great Value Disposable Paper Plates ($3.16 for 50) at the start of your serving line — they’re sturdy enough for turkey and gravy but disposable for easy cleanup.
• Display sides and mains in glass baking dishes so guests can serve themselves without juggling heavy plates. Add a few Mainstays 12" Serving Tongs ($1.56) to make self-service seamless.
• Tiered serving stands can help you use vertical space efficiently. Try the Better Homes & Gardens 3-Tier Server ($24.97) for a polished presentation.

Create Extra Seating

Don’t stress about matching chairs — mix and match:

• Pull in stools, desk chairs, or accent chairs from other rooms.
• Supplement with a few Mainstays Folding Chairs ($17.94 each) to seat everyone comfortably. Throw a few Mainstays Faux Fur Seat Cushions ($5.80 each) on them for comfort and cohesion.
• A Better Homes & Gardens 30" Hinged Storage Ottoman ($62) can double as extra seating and hidden storage for blankets or party supplies.

Keep Messes Contained

Small spaces show messes fast. Have a broom and mop ready for quick spill cleanups, and somewhere tidy to put dishes (like this Mainstays Large Wire Dish Rack) so your place doesn’t look like a disaster site.

Even in the smallest apartment, the right touches make it feel like home for the holidays. Plus, you can store those folding tables under the bed for when the holidays roll around again.