Our resident green design blogger Lyndsey Lewis is back to share some great party prep ideas when entertaining in a small space. As the owner of the 900-square-foot Little House in Little Rock, Lyndsey knows a thing or two about making a small space work for her needs. You can read more about the Little House on the At Home website, or follow the building process of her green home on the At Home blog here. 
Happy 2013 At Home readers! I’m so excited about the new year, as it will be the first full calendar year in the Little House. In 2012, I hosted several gatherings at the house, including an Open House, a slumber party for my girlfriends from college, a Halloween party, a baby shower, and several smaller dinner parties. I’m already anticipating all the fun events I’d like to host this year!
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| ‘Grannie’ and ‘Crazy Cat Lady’ Halloween 2012 |
. With that being said, I thought it might be helpful if I shared my strategy for ‘creating’ space for large gatherings in small places. So far, my 600 square feet haven’t let me down… even with a guest list of 90 people. My secret: furniture that is great at multitasking. One easy (and cheap) way to make your furniture just as hardworking as mine, is to add rolling casters to tables or other large items. My kitchen is equipped with a small island for extra counter space and storage; my dining area, a round table with seating for 6 guests.
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| Kitchen (above) and dining area (below) in their natural states |
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| Dining table becomes a serving buffet and bench seat is open for better traffic flow |
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| Everyday foyer (above) and party-ready foyer (below) |
I’ve found that having people gather in a smaller spaces tends to make the event seem intimate and more casual. I end up sitting closer to other guests, talking to people as they slide past to grab another drink, and reliving that feeling of a spontaneous house party from my college days. In fact, the space has never felt small to me… just cozy. 
