The media might leave you thinking that living in LA means you’re either in a Beverly Hills mansion or a post-apocalyptic hovel, but the reality is that the city offers a diversity of housing options that suit its equally diverse community. This also means that some families are left with the challenge of hosting the holidays, even revelrous Christmas parties, in a small home. Fortunately, it only takes a bit of preparation and space-efficient strategizing to make even the smallest house a welcoming one.
The Hard Part: Decluttering
Preparing guest accommodations and decorating for the holidays can be fun. But before we get to that, you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and get ready to declutter – especially if you have a small home. The more you can tidy up, the better, but start by focusing your decluttering efforts on the highest traffic areas of your home, such as:
- Dining room
- Entryway
- Living room
A good rule of thumb for decluttering: if you don’t need it, store it away. This means thick blankets, throw pillows, and kitchen appliances that aren’t essential. Plastic under-the-bed containers, closet organizers, and even garage bins can make this a cinch.
Use Furniture for Space Efficiency
If you’ve invested in a small home, chances are pretty good that you have at least one piece of furniture that serves multiple purposes. Hosting for the holidays gives you perhaps your best opportunity to really lean into that multifunctionality. Ottomans with built-in storage compartments, nesting side tables, and sofa beds can be holiday hosting lifesavers. You can even employ temporary folding chairs or floor pillows to keep your main living area versatile, albeit casual, when guests are over.
A small house can still put forth a large, welcoming vibe by proactively anticipating overnight guests with the sleeping areas set up in advance instead of thrown together spontaneously. It doesn’t take much to elevate the experience. Throw in a bedside tray, reading lamp, and fresh linens to turn cramped into cozy in a flash.
Less is Often More in a Small Home
People tend to think big when it comes to holiday decor, but a small home gives you the perfect opportunity to explore a minimal approach. Christmas lights, thin table-top trees, and wreaths hung from doors add plenty of ambiance without sacrificing much space. You can even add some exterior touches to capitalize on LA’s fascination with blending the indoors with the outdoors. Who knows? It might even inspire guests to do a little mingling outdoors if you get festive enough.
Finding Space Anyway You Can
The layout of your furniture is a major factor to consider if you’re planning on hosting a sit-down holiday meal. It may even require a temporary reconfiguration. Keep larger pieces tight against the walls, facilitating clear walkways and flowing spaces that encourage conversation. Thanks to LA’s uncommonly warm Decembers, you will likely be able to utilize outdoor seating areas in your holiday soirees, especially if you incorporate outdoor heaters and cafe lights.
If Your Small House Has a Small Kitchen…
Even moderately-sized homes in LA can have compact kitchens, so it’s vital to keep counters cleared of appliances that aren’t absolutely necessary. You can also lend a sense of organization by grouping like items together. For example, keep refreshments like your bar, appetizers, and desserts together on a single cart or station to limit congestion. Any food that requires preparation should, of course, be cooked or baked before the festivities begin. You can also opt for a potluck-style situation if you don’t mind losing a bit of control to save yourself some stress.
Comfort Fits Well in Any Box
Whether you have a large or small home, it can also be helpful to think outside the decor to the various conveniences that bring resounding comfort to guests who are staying for more than a single evening. Virtually anyone will appreciate easy access to Wi-Fi, thoughtful travel-sized toiletries, fresh towels, and designated areas for luggage and coats. It’s all about facilitating a welcoming atmosphere, and nothing says that like the considerations that help guests feel at home.
Bringing Big Cheer to a Small House
The good news for those of you with a small home: the adjustments you’ll need to make to get things festive are also likely small. But the holidays have no size restrictions. Plan effectively, and you can maximize the functionality of your living space while creating the ideal setting for a memorable experience with those near and dear to you.
With a brand that says as much as JohnHart’s, Senior Copywriter Seth Styles never finds himself at a loss for words. Responsible for maintaining the voice of the company, he spends each day drafting marketing materials, blogs, bios, and agent resources that speak from the company’s collective mind and Hart… errr, heart.
Having spent over a decade in creative roles across a variety of industries, Seth brings with him vast experience in SEO practices, digital marketing, and all manner of professional writing with particular strength in blogging, content creation, and brand building. Gratitude, passion, and sincerity remain core tenets of his unwavering work ethic. The landscape of the industry changes daily, paralleling JohnHart’s efforts to {re}define real estate, but Seth works to maintain the company’s consistent message while offering both agents and clients a new echelon of service.
When not preserving the JohnHart essence in stirring copy, Seth puts his efforts into writing and illustrating an ongoing series entitled The Death of Romance. In addition, he adores spending quality time with his girlfriend and Romeo (his long-haired chihuahua mix), watching ‘70s and ‘80s horror movies, and reading (with a particular penchant for Victorian horror novels and authors Yukio Mishima and Bret Easton Ellis). He also occasionally records music as the vocalist and songwriter for his glam rock band, Peppermint Pumpkin.
