I’m writing this as I prep for the sports game on Sunday. Yes, I actually enjoy entertaining for the Super Bowl while also having no interest in sports whatsoever. It’s a very light lift prepping for this party, as most things are frozen/ordered in/precooked. We entertain all the time, and doing so in small spaces certainly has its challenges. I thought I’d go through my favorite prep, tips and tricks for throwing a party in a small space.

Only entertain when you feel like it

This feels like a no-brainer, but it’s important to note. Having people to your house is so much fun. If you’re not in the mood to prep, don’t bother. All prep tasks can be equally fun or annoying if you’re not into the plan. Plus, if anything goes wrong, you’ll be even more annoyed. A happy host is the #1 key to a great party.

Keep everything out of the kitchen

Kitchens in small apartments get so crowded so fast with just cooking alone. Do not set up a bar or a buffet in the kitchen as well. Make sure your bar is set up as far from the kitchen as possible to allow for maximum use of space in your apartment. That means ice is prepped en masse next to the bar so people don’t have to ruffle through your freezer.

Folding tables are your best friend

I have every size and shape folding table known to man in overhead storage in my apartment. Every party has a different set up and flow. They’re so helpful for buffets or 2nd bars, depending on what kind of event you’re having. I have different fun tablecloths for each size folding table. Your guests will never know the difference!

Turn your overhead lights off

Yes, became crazy on Tiktok last year when I said it, but oh man did I mean it. Guests don’t need to see each other’s pores. Nothing lets people relax like moody lighting and candles. Overheads off. It’s not weird.

Have extra chargers pre-plugged in

I find this is a modern form of hospitality that guests really appreciate. Often people are rushing to get out of the house and forget to change their phone for the evening. It’s so nice to find a hidden charger on the side of the couch that you’re already sitting on. No one will bother you while you’re serving or prepping. Win win.

What you drink of out, the guests drink out of

I’m surprised how often this happens when I go to parties. The host (more often that not a man does this) has their “fancy glass” and then offers their guests plastic cups. If you don’t have enough glassware to accommodate your guests, pick up the same plastic they’re drinking from. These are 36 glasses for $40. If you find you’re low on mismatched glassware, order 36 rocks glasses and 36 wine glasses for $80. They’ll last forever, they look nice lined up on a bar and you won’t have to stress if a few break. Keep them in a closet and only use them for parties.

Only serve your greatest hits

I cook all the time and only serve what I love and know the best for parties. And whatever you do, don’t ask if the food is good. A confident host knows it is. Always allot extra time for plating and prepping. Piping deviled eggs, peeling shrimp and assembling a big charcuterie plate all take extra time and can dirty/smell up a kitchen. Remember to add ample assembly time so your kitchen isn’t littered with tons of plastic containers when guests arrive.

Crudite with greek goddess

Live by this Melissa Clark staple. I love serving a big crudite with roasted vegetables, meats, cheese and shrimp cocktail with a bowl of green (greek) goddess. It’s heavenly with blanched asparagus, roasted potatoes and thinly sliced watermelon radish. Much more interesting than normal meats and cheeses.

Baked fontina

I’ve made this hundreds of times. The key is having a smaller cast iron. She calls for 12” but I prefer making it in a 9 or 10” cast iron. Put the cast iron on a nice cutting board and serve it directly from oven to table. A note about Ina. She only has a very small amount of recipes on her website. Food Network has a much larger library if you don’t have her cookbooks.

Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

This is another tried and true Ina appetizer. You will need to serve it with small plates, because it can be quite messy.

Lots of hearty vegetable salads

I love entertaining in warmer months with a few hearty veggie based salads. You can cook it all in advance and the flavors just get better over time in the fridge. All of these are versions of the same thing, equally delicious. Make 2-3 on their own or serve with steak and chimichurri.

This brussels sprouts Caesar

#1 made salad in my history of entertaining

Shrimp with orzo

Antipasto salad

Couscous with Shrimp and Feta

Grilled corn salad

Never give up the aux cord

I know we are all wireless now, but you get the point. Every party playlist needs to be at least 8 hours long. 15 songs don’t cut it. And whatever you do, do not let someone else put on “the perfect song”. It kills the vibe and after they hear their one favorite Backstreet Boys song, it’ll be 20 minutes before you notice the sound of silence during your party.

Have fun and don’t stress!

xx,

MM