While it might be almost unheard of in the rest of the county, studio living in New York is practically a rite of passage in New York. And while your studio apartment might be great for lots of things, entertaining in a single-room space can be a challenge. But fear not, studio dwellers: You can still throw a great party, as long as you keep these tips in mind.

Choose Your Furniture Wisely

If you already know that you love to entertain all 15 of your friends at the same time, concentrate on buying furniture that can be repurposed into party furniture. For example:

• Beds: Choosing a king-sized bed for a 500-square-foot studio isn’t the best move for an entertainer like you. It would barely give you enough space to move around yourself, let alone provide enough space for a group of people to mix and mingle. If you don’t have an alcove that allows you to tuck your bed away, choose something like a sofa bed to sleep on. Pricey sofa beds like those from companies like Ligne Roset or more affordable ones from home design giants like Ikea are both beautiful and comfortable, allowing you to fold the bed away during the day and save tons of space for getting down when it’s party time.
• Storage: Opt for a coffee table and other items that can double as storage so you can tuck all your extra stuff away when you have people over. A giant trunk can be covered with an elegant tablecloth and be used as an elegant bar while hiding away books, laptops, and linens.

Prep Your Refreshments Beforehand

Your kitchen may be open to the rest of the apartment, or maybe it’s super tiny. In any case, chances are, the kitchen in your studio is not the ideal gathering place for party guests. To maximize your entertaining efforts, plan accordingly.

• Pre-assemble Apps: Prepare hors d’ouevres and small plates ahead of time so that you’re not stuck in your tiny kitchen.
• De-clutter Your Counters: Clear off your counter space in the kitchen so that you have extra room to set down platters.

Plan Your Party Layout

In a small space, layout is all-important. At some point before your event, close your eyes and visualize how you want your party to look. Then rearrange your furniture to match that layout.

• Fancy Dining: Planning a real dinner party? You probably don’t have a huge dining table of your own, so you may have to line up multiple tables. (Borrow some if you have to.) Mismatched tables? Cover all tables with an elegant tablecloth — no one will care that some parts of your dinner table don’t line up exactly. Create a stunning centerpiece with flowers, candles, and pretty tableware.
• Casual Gatherings: If you’re thinking of hosting more of a more cocktail-type shindig, create little gathering spots in the apartment. Arrange seating clusters (like ottomans and a chair or two) in different areas around the room to draw in your guests. This will encourage people to circulate through your space. There are unbelievably awesome furniture rental spaces in the city, like Patina Rentals and Modprop, that can rent you everything from chairs to napkins. You can rent everything you need to set up the exact kind of party that you want.

Remember, your studio is your home — and no matter how small your space, you can still have a great party.

Image Source: Flickr

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