Thanksgiving is all about being grateful for what you have — but it’s easy to feel less than enthused about the holiday when you’re trying to host friends and family in a small space. Sure, it would be easier to whip up a turkey and sides in a sprawling chef’s kitchen, wowing your guests in an elegant, eclectic dining room, then heading to the living room (by the fire, of course) for a nightcap. But according to Havenly resident designer Brady Burke, small spaces can deliver on big charm. “They’re the perfect backdrop for an intimate dinner party or small Thanksgiving dinner,” Brady says. 

The trick? Utilizing your square footage in a smart, organized way, and designating specific areas for each part of the evening. Here’s how to host a happy Thanksgiving, even when square footage is tight.

Don't Go Overboard

When creating a menu, consider dishes and drinks that can be made ahead of time wherever possible, or dishes you’ve made before so you won’t feel stressed or forget to add an ingredient. If you’re not committed to preparing every single aspect of the meal yourself, ask guests to pitch in by bringing a cooked dish to share. “Remember that you’re hosting, so you won’t be able to focus 100 percent of your effort on the food,” Brady says.

Create a "Coat Check"

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving or another wintertime holiday event, people are going to come with coats and purses. Whether you live in a studio or a one-bedroom, Brady suggests offering your bed (make sure it’s made!) as a place for coats and bags. This keeps them out of the way and means they won’t end up strewn over chairs and seating meant for guests.

Set a Space for Cocktail Hour

Dinner parties are all about the mingling, but in a small space this can be tricky when you’re also trying to cook. Direct guests to a dedicated cocktail space (and keep them out of your way) by setting out glassware, drinks, and snacks on a bar cart, coffee table, or console table. “Basically, any place that isn’t the kitchen is a great spot,” Brady says.

Get Creative with Seating

“Since space is limited, don’t fret about everyone sitting around the table,” Brady says, noting that oftentimes a small dining table is actually best used as a serving area. Have fun with it: if guests are eating on the sofa, buy a few affordable, lightweight trays so they have a surface to eat on. Small folding chairs, stacks of pillows, stools and ottomans are all ways to increase your available seating.

Add a Dash of Ambience

OK, so your space is small. But the ambience doesn’t have to be. Light a few candles, dim the lights and turn on a jazzy playlist. Remember, though, that you want to keep decor to a minimum when surface areas are limited. “A few candles paired with small jars of fresh flowers will do the trick,” Brady says. 

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