A Cosy Christmas, Guaranteed: How To Host In Small Spaces

Whether the whole family is visiting for Christmas this year or you’re just planning a party, it’s not always easy to know where to start when it comes to hosting in a small space. Luckily, however, there are plenty of handy hacks and space-saving tips you can employ…

A Guide To Hosting In A Small Home

It’s officially Christmas party season – but planning a festive bash can prove difficult if you’re concerned about space. According to the experts at Woods Furniture, however, hosting doesn’t have to be daunting; it’s all about making a few key adjustments. 

‘Transforming a small space for Christmas is about making smart choices and utilising multifunctional pieces,’ says Sam Deeble, the brand’s home interiors expert. ‘By focusing on practical storage solutions and thoughtful decor, you can easily host a joyful Christmas without sacrificing comfort or style.’ From space-saving hacks to clever Christmas tree choices, here are Sam’s top hosting tips.

Declutter Your Space

‘First up, and most importantly: declutter your space,’ instructs Sam. ‘Keeping your home tidy and organised is crucial for maintaining a festive mood and avoiding mess during Christmas.’

Once you’ve donated, gifted or sold what you don’t need, you can start to reorganise. To save valuable space, ‘opt for furniture with hidden storage, such as ottomans, side tables with drawers, or benches that open up, to keep your space organised while stashing away festive essentials. Consider using under-bed storage for decorations, gifts, or extra linens, and even to store spare furniture like extra chairs or smaller tables.’

Invest In Multi-Functional Furniture

‘Multi-functional furniture is crucial for small living areas where every square foot counts,’ says Sam. Making an investment in pieces like sofa beds and folding tables will minimise stress when it comes to hosting, helping you to ‘adapt your space to fit the needs of your family and guests, and ensure that your home remains both functional and comfortable throughout the year.’

Looking for a compact dining setup? An extendable dining table is, predictably, the answer, offering the flexibility to ‘accommodate extra guests without taking up too much room when not in use,’ says Sam. ‘Round or oval tables are ideal for small spaces, providing ample seating while promoting an inclusive atmosphere for conversation. Pair your table with matching chairs that can be stacked or stored when not needed to maintain a cohesive aesthetic and save space.’

Be Mindful With Your Decor

While your home needs to be practical, how do you balance functionality with that all-important festive ambience? ‘With limited space, it’s important to choose decor that feels festive without overwhelming the room,’ advises Sam. ‘Consider a wall-mounted or hanging Christmas tree to save floor space while still bringing festive cheer – and if a full-size tree isn’t an option, a minimalist or tabletop tree can create just as much charm.’

Make sure to get creative when displaying your decor, too. ‘Use vertical storage like wall-mounted shelves to hang stockings, garlands, or lights,’ says Sam, while ‘mirrors will help make the space feel larger. Simple, elegant touches like these can transform your space into a cosy, Christmassy haven.’

Consider Your Corners

‘Don’t overlook the potential of corners when it comes to smaller rooms,’ advises Sam. ‘Corner dining sets are perfect for maximising seating while saving valuable floor space: by tucking neatly into unused nooks, they free up the centre of the room for easy movement and other activities.’

Don’t Overlook The Benefits Of Small Spaces

The best part about smaller rooms? They’re guaranteed to feel cosy. ‘Add layers of throws, pillows, and blankets to your sofa beds, ottomans, and chairs to soften the space and invite warmth, using festive colours like deep reds, golds, and greens,’ suggests Sam.  ‘Lighting is also important: opt for warm, soft lights like fairy lights, candles, or battery-powered string lights to create a gentle glow that enhances the festive mood. Finish off with some Christmas candles or diffusers to elevate the festive atmosphere and make your home feel even more welcoming.’