Home design tips to create a space that's perfect for entertaining on the fly

Dec 16 2017, 4:42 am

With the holiday season in full swing, being able to entertain on the fly is more important than ever. We believe in having well thought-out spaces that offer support in creating the perfect setting for your next dinner party or soiree. And with spaces getting smaller, every square foot of space is prime real estate so make sure to take advantage of every inch.

Here are a few of our favourite home design tricks to get you ready for entertaining – and some are even great for those last-minute parties.

1. Offer an extra seat

Large toss cushions are a great way to add texture and colour to your sofa. They also double as additional seats for surprise guests. Throw them on the floor and you have extra seating instantly.

Gold moroccan leather pouf / The Cross

Gold Moroccan leather pouf / The Cross

Regardless of room size, most of the time we don’t like to have the room looking crowded with too many chairs that aren’t being used on the regular. Lightweight folding chairs are also great because they can be tucked away in a closet and brought out when necessary.

You can pick up some of these simple folding chairs from Design House. They come in bright colours for those looking for a punch of colour.

Air folding chair / Design House

Air folding chair / Design House

2. Coffee table alternative

Most people like having the option of putting their feet up when watching TV. We Love using large ottomans in living rooms, like this one from Country Furniture – but that means there is probably not enough room for a coffee table.

Instead, what we do quite often is select a really large tray that can work as a spot to put drinks or food on. These Gold trays from Martha Sturdy through Provide are worth the splurge to add that wow factor for the holidays.

Younger Box Ottoman / Country Furniture 

Younger Box Ottoman / Country Furniture

3. Transforming Furniture

If you tend to eat on the sofa in front of the TV or prefer to sit at your kitchen bar most of the time and don’t see the point of having a dining table taking up space – we don’t disagree with you. We are loving the new multi-function coffee tables that we are seeing more than ever.

This coffee table from Resource Furniture turns into a dining table when needed. Plus, check out all of the other great pieces they offer to improve your home design while you are at it.

Mondial Coffee Table / Resource Furniture

Mondial Coffee Table / Resource Furniture

Mondial Coffee Table / Resource Furniture

Mondial Coffee Table / Resource Furniture

4. Need a drink?

Whether you’re entertaining on the fly, in need of a pick-me-up, or having ‘Happy Hour’ at home, end tables that double as a bar are a brilliant idea. We love a bar but not all spaces are large enough for a bar display and sometimes we do not want it on display so we love the idea one a two-in-one.

Corridor Bar 5620 / Industrial Revolution 

Corridor Bar 5620 / Industrial Revolution

5. Set the mood

Just like lighting, music can set the stage. Regardless of whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, a fun night with friends, or a wild party, music makes all the difference. Sonos is a system we have been using in our recent projects as the speakers look simple and clean, the sound quality is excellent. And the best part? The pricing is affordable and can all be managed right from your phone.

Sonos / Liquid Sound

Sonos / Liquid Sound

Happy entertaining!

[dh_read_also]

formcollectiveformcollective

+ Architecture & Design
+ Urbanized
ADVERTISEMENT