How to Host Large Groups in Your Small home During the Holidays

Downsizing always seems like a great idea when you’re finally an empty-nester or hitting those retirement years – until the entire extended family wants to visit for the holidays. No longer can you rely on the spare bedrooms and extra offices with pull-out sofas. Real estate in your home is at a premium and you must make it work this holiday season.

So, how do you take a small space that’s perfect for one or two, and turn it into the comforts of the neighborhood bed and breakfast? We’ve got a few hot tips to keep you sane over the holidays.

Take it outside!

If you’re lucky enough with evenings that aren’t too cool for the kiddos to take their fun outdoors, set up a camper’s paradise in the backyard. With string lights, a fire pit, some big tents and sleeping bags – the grandkids will be thrilled to come visit grandma and grandpa every year. Make it an even more special slumber party by dragging the TV or video games out on the porch. The adults will surely have the indoors to themselves!

Repurpose an RV or boat

Are you storing that boat or RV you purchased for your retirement adventures? Assuming your neighborhood will approve of it, park them in your driveway and give those out-of-town guests their own space in the sleeping quarters of your travel toys!

Rent extra furniture

If you know you’ll have guests in and out during the months of November and December, it may make sense to rent an extra pull-out sofa or a few trundle beds. Local furniture companies that specialize in leased furniture can make the addition painless and easy with their delivery and pick up… and never again will you have to break the news to your kids that they have to sleep on an air mattress.

Repurpose your spaces

When it comes to eating time, that small dining table for you and your significant other may not cut it for a family of 10. Put white table cloths on coffee tables or desks and have individual spaces for the smaller kids or families. Use big, comfy pillows for chairs or pick up some easily stored folding chairs. And if the weather will be nice as it often is in Arizona, rent a big table to set up in the backyard for a picturesque holiday dinner.

Do dining smarter

When you don’t have a lot of extra space for food and platters, you must be smart with your dining set up. Add a small shelf on the table for an extra layer of space for dishes and platters. Label the drinking glasses so that your guests reuse them and you aren’t left with no glasses to go around. Serve foods that can easily fit on a small plate (think finger foods and dishes without sauces) to save room on tiny tables. Get creative by using a kitchen sink as an ice chest or a foyer for your buffet items.

Regardless of how small the space, it’s a temporary inconvenience as you enjoy your time with family over the holidays. Be grateful for the close quarters as it means you’ll have an excuse to hold your loved ones even tighter!