You did it- you’ve taken the big leap. You looked at numerous condos for sale in Manila and finally settled on one that you’ll call home. What better way to celebrate this momentous occasion than by bringing guests over and having a party?
Fortunately, you can still be the ultimate host and hold memorable gatherings without being restricted by the size of your brand-new condo. Here are some tips that you can follow if you’re planning to entertain guests in your condo:
Make a List
Keep things in order by making a list. There are a lot of aspects that go into planning a party – you have to think of the food, the drinks, the guest list, the music, the decor, the lighting, and more. A good, comprehensive checklist will help you stay on top of the preparations.
Rearrange Your Living Room
No matter what kind of party you’re hosting, it will, more likely than not, happen in the living room. According to research from Informe Design, that is because the living room fosters comfort and relaxation and can be used as both a private and public space.
Given that, you should arrange your living room so that it is the heart of the party. Reposition your furniture to accommodate your guests and any activities you have planned. For example, if you plan on having games or dancing at your party, clear out space in the middle to make room. If you’re hosting an intimate dinner party, you can rearrange your living room so that it becomes an extension of your dining room. Move some tables and chairs around to maximize the space of your condo.
Have a Buffet Setup
Most condos have the kitchen connected to the living room. This is beneficial, as you can serve the food to your guests almost immediately after cooking. Serve the meal buffet style, with the food laid out on a table along with the plates, cutlery, napkins, and cups. Let your guests mingle while they eat and sit where they want. A buffet setup and free seating will make your space look bigger since everyone isn’t crowded in one spot. If you lay out pillows on the floor, your guests can even sit and eat on those cozy cushions.
Utilize the Amenities
Most condominiums boast amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, function rooms, and the like. Make use of these facilities! Rent out a function room if your guest list is too big for your condo to handle. Alternatively, let your party spill out into the pool – your guests will definitely enjoy swimming, especially if they brought their children along.
Keep Decor Simple
While it is true that you will need all the space that you can get, don’t let that hinder your flair for decorating. Instead of using large arrangements, you could opt for smaller key pieces that will pique your guests’ interests. You can always hang streamers, posters, or fairy lights on your walls so that your decorations don’t take up valuable table space.
Perfect Your Lighting
Lighting is everything. Too much light and you might blind your guests; too little and you risk them bumping into everything. The perfect amount of lighting will keep your guests happy, as well as set the mood for your party. If you’re holding your gathering during the daytime, make sure that you let the natural light in. During nighttime, you can light some candles to heighten the party’s atmosphere. Just be careful around the flames!
Label Your Drinks
If there are only one or two tables to put things on, your guests’ drinks are definitely going to be mixed up. Have a drink labeling system. Guests can either use specific straws or put name tags on their glasses. Not only does this lessen confusion, but it also ensures that your guests only use one glass throughout the party – which is good news for cleanup.
Manage Foot Traffic
Crowding in some areas is inevitable in any party, but particularly so when it is held in a condo. To avoid overcrowding in one area, you should spread out the food and drinks. You could put the meal on the main buffet table, your drinks on the counter tops, and your dessert on the coffee table. Don’t put everything in just one spot since this will cause a bottleneck.
Give Your Neighbors Advance Warning
As a good condo resident, you’re going to want to inform your neighbors about your plans for the evening. Better yet, you can try inviting them to your party! This will make them less likely to file a noise complaint.
Enjoy!
Last but not least, you should enjoy your own party. No matter how much space you have, a party is only as successful as the enjoyment of those present at the event. That includes you. Relax and enjoy the time you’re spending with your family and friends.
When it comes down to it, space and size don’t really matter too much. What matters is your mindset. Plan, prepare, and stay positive. Use your space efficiently, and let the party happily unfold.
