As the holiday season approaches, you may be gearing up to welcome family and friends into your home for gatherings and festivities. If you're worried about your limited space, especially if you live in a smaller house, fear not. With some creative thinking and a few adjustments, you can maximize your space and ensure your guests have a memorable time. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your cozy home during the holidays:

1. Rearrange Your Furniture- Consider rearranging your furniture to make room for a larger dining area. If your dining room table has a leaf, use it to extend the table's capacity. Don't hesitate to angle the table differently or even move it to another room to create the best seating arrangement. You can temporarily shift items like couches and end tables against walls or into different rooms to free up space for your dinner table.

2. Utilize Multiple Tables- If your dining table isn't large enough to accommodate all your guests, consider using multiple smaller tables. This not only increases your seating capacity, but also adds a unique and cozy atmosphere to your gathering.

3. Hide Away Unnecessary Furniture- While rearranging, you may find that some furniture pieces are just in the way during your event. Temporarily move these pieces into a garage or a spare bedroom to create extra space for your guests.

4. Seat Guests Closely- Get creative with your seating arrangements. If your dining table usually seats eight, consider squeezing in extra chairs by arranging them more closely together. You can even have children sit in the middle seats while adults take the outer ones. If any of your guests are left-handed, consider seating them on the "left corners" to prevent any elbow bumping.

5. Set Up Food Stations- Create food stations in areas other than your dining room to reduce traffic in your tight space. Placing buffets in front of doorways leading to off-limits areas can also help control guest access.

6. Scatter Drink Stations- Guests often congregate around drink stations, leading to congestion. To disperse the crowd, set up drink stations in multiple areas of your home, encouraging guests to explore different parts of your space.

If you frequently find yourself hosting gatherings and your current home no longer meets your needs, it may be time to consider upgrading to a larger space. I'd be delighted to discuss your financing options and help you find a home that better accommodates your lifestyle. Don't hesitate to reach out to schedule an appointment and explore your possibilities.