For the many city dwellers that don’t have the luxury of a terrace or outdoor yard, entertaining can be challenging. But don’t let a small space stifle your style!

Here are 10 tips to help you host the perfect summer party within a confined space.

Guest List
•Keep the guest list small – anywhere from 5 – 15 people depending on the size of your space.

Décor & Colors
•Keep it simple and elegant with durable white dinnerware or decorative paper plates.
•Accent your dining décor with colorful napkins, flowers and candles.
•If you have an array of colorful dinnerware, mix and match them! Select flowers and candles in one common color to tie it all together.

Food
•Serve food buffet style as opposed to a sit down dinner.
•Entertain with heavy appetizers and finger foods making it easier for your guests to eat and mingle while standing.
•Spread out the drinks in different corners so people will not congregate in one spot.

Furniture, seating and layout
•Add colorful and patterned floor pillows for extra seating.
•Push your dining table against the wall to serve as a buffet table, add a few coffee tables next to the dinning table to hold silver ware, plates or other food items.
•Empty a few shelves on your bookcase to make room for appetizer platters.

Sources:
Sources:
1. Colorful Napkins, Crate & Barrel
2. Seedling Dinnerware, West Elm
3. Gold Leaf paper dinner plate, PaperStyle.com
4. Martha Stewart, summer decorating ideas
5. Martha Stewart, Candle centerpieces
Buffet Style: Better Homes & Gardens
Floor Poufs, West Elm

For more design inspiration and tips, please visit: www.divineny.com/blog