How To Host A Holiday Party In A Small Space

So, you finally have enough space to throw your very own holiday party. Well.. .sort of. Even if you're short on space, having a place of your own (or with roommates) that allows you to play party host is super exciting. But of course, doing so is also a lot of work. Layer on the added challenge of working with a small space — especially when you don't want to cut down your invite list — and putting together a successful holiday party can seem like an epic feat.

But fear not, holiday party enthusiasts. With the right supplies and a little bit of know-how, it's completely possible to pull off a party that doesn't cut back on festivities — or attendees. Oh, and did we mention that you can do all of this without having to deal with a major cleanup situation after the party is over?

Of course, we couldn't do it all alone. That's why we've partnered with CB2 to provide all of the party tips, tricks, and inspo you need to throw a memorable holiday soiree that goes off without a hitch. Don't be surprised if your friends ask you to host another one next year (and the year after that, and the year after that...).

1. Whip Up Easy Centerpieces

If you're looking to add some quick and easy holiday cheer to your tablescape, all you need are a few ornaments — and something decorative to put them in. Opt for a simple glass bowl or stylish copper basket, since you'll be able to see more of the ornaments that way. Think past just your standard colorful balls too — mix ornaments with unique shapes to create a customized statement piece.

Featured: Beam Medium Copper Basket, $24.95, CB2; Gold Disco Ball Ornament, $1.95, CB2; Spike Ball Gold Ornament, $4.95, CB2

2. Arrange Your Snacks Strategically

Regardless of what's on the menu, putting out a snack spread prior to your guest's arrival is a pro party host move. It ensures that attendees won't go hungry if you get tied up with something in the kitchen, plus it gives everyone a space to congregate around. Of course, if you don't have the space to put out a bunch of gigantic snack bowls, things could get tricky. The solution? Space-saving serving options like these bowls from CB2. More surface area to work with means more room for more snacks. Talk about a win-win.

Featured: Clarity Bowls in White and Gold, $5.95-$7.95, CB2

3. Serve Food In A Fun Way

Don't feel like you're tied to having a sit-down dinner (especially if you don't own an actual dinner table) or need to fit everything you serve into a buffet tray. Make your meal more interactive by using a fondue set, which works whether you're catering to cheese or chocolate lovers (or both!). If you can't fit everything you're serving on one table, set up themed food stations in your common area, like a DIY nacho station or mac & cheese bar.

Featured: Black Cast Iron Fondue Set, $49.95, CB2

4. Concoct Pre-Made Cocktails

A drink table filled with mixers, an ice bucket, and various liquors might seem like an easy way to serve drinks in theory. But all of those extra bottles eat up valuable table space. Create a few cocktail recipes ahead of time, and use a glass pitcher for serving. Serve in quality, retro-style glasses for a classy touch. Pro tip: Whip up a batch of drinks that incorporates cranberries or other fresh fruits for an added festive look and feel.

Featured: Scale Smoke Double Old-Fashioned Glass, $4.95, CB2; Glass Beer Pitcher, $24.95, CB2

5. Minimize Cleanup

The easiest way to ensure that you won't be spending hours washing dirty dishes? Serve food in the same vessel you made it in. Making guac? Display it right in the mortar you used for crushing those avocados. Are pulled pork siders on the menu? Let your guests build their own, and set the meat out right in the crockpot. Plus, it'll keep anything you make nice and warm.

Featured: Harlow Marble Mortar And Pestle, $39.95, CB2

This post is sponsored by CB2.

Images: CB2; Jennifer Causey / Offset; Shutterstock