Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in an Apartment
November 20, 2018
Thinking about hosting Thanksgiving this year but just not sure how you’re going to fit all those people in your tiny apartment? Check out our roundup of wonderful tips and tricks for entertaining this Turkey Day!
Cook more dishes that don’t require an oven
The turkey is going to be your main concern on Thanksgiving day so you don’t want lots of other sides taking up your precious oven space. The turkey will require many hours to bake depending on the size, so you won’t want to be panicking when there isn’t time to cook the other dishes while you’re still waiting for the turkey to be done. Check out Buzzfeed’s round up of no-bake Thanksgiving dishes here. Make sure to cook things that may require an oven ahead of time, especially the pumpkin pie!
Make it a Potluck- Ask your guests to bring the sides
Better yet, recruit your guests to bring more of the sides. Instead of just telling your guests to “bring whatever” be strategic with what you want them to bring. If you’re willing to host Thanksgiving, I’m sure they’re more than willing to contribute!
Use crock pots to free up stove space
Crock Pots are wonderful for keeping food warm and will help you free up much needed stove space for things like the gravy! Crock Pots can be used to keep your mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole warm while you keep cooking away. Bonus points if your guests bring their items already in a crock pot!
Prep your fridge for the turkey
A turkey is a big bird and you’re going to need a lot of space to store it! Make sure you clean out your fridge a couple of days before Thanksgiving and remove any shelves that may be necessary to make room for the main course!
Use an ironing board for extra kitchen counter space
Ironing boards are heat resistant, so they are the perfect option if you’re lacking counter space in your kitchen. Use it as a place to set hot from the over pans and baking sheets. Throw a cute tablecloth over the top of it and no one will ever know!
Use a cooler for drinks or keep drinks on your patio
Free up fridge space by keeping drinks in a cooler with ice, or get them out of your kitchen all together by keeping them out on your patio if it’s cold enough outside!
Serve it buffet style
When space is a concern, serving the meal buffet style can really help you out. Save valuable table space by allowing your guests to serve themselves right from your stove and kitchen counter!
Strategically re-arrange furniture
You’ll want to re-arrange your furniture in your apartment to make maximum seating space and also create a set up that is inviting for social interaction.
Turn everything into a chair
Extra seating is everything when you have a lot of guests coming over. That pretty bench at the end of your bed? Bring it into the living room! Your couch? Slide the table right up to it and voila! You’ve got seating at the table for another 4 people.
Invest in a folding table
A folding table is a must have if you plan to entertain frequently in your apartment. They’re great since you can pack them away when you’re not using them, but instantly can create the feeling of a full dining set when in use. Make sure to invest in a nice table cloth to make it feel like home!
Hang décor instead of worrying about centerpieces
Table space is everything with large groups in small spaces. Skip on the large centerpieces and focus your decorating on your walls!
Lighting is Important
Ambiance is everything! You want to create a cozy, inviting space for you and your guests to enjoy on Thanksgiving. Instead of using the stale LED lights you have in your kitchen and living room, try hanging some soft string lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere!
Keep it simple
- Overall, Thanksgiving is about the people you’re spending it with and the memories you’re making together. When in doubt, keep it simple and don’t stress about the small stuff.
