Help For Those In Tiny Spaces (Apartments)

In a past post, we revealed some tips on how to save big on your Christmas dinner,
well today, it’s another post on savings, but this post is on how to save or make
more space in your cramped house, condo or apartment–without spending a cent.

The Tips:
a) More Room At The Table-
Oh no, too many folks trying to sit at the dining room table, what do you do?
Just create small, intimate dining spots using side tables. Place them near the
walls of the room to keep the middle open for guests to interact and put out
food in smaller bowls so you can spread it out among the tables, where guests
can get easy access to it.
Prefer to sit down? Drape a tablecloth over a card table and place it next to
your dining table to seamlessly expand your seating.

b) More Space To Serve-
Need a bigger space to serve all of this food?
Simply drape tablecloths over boxes of different heights.
This tiered look isn’t just eye-pleasing, it lets you pack on the food
without making your space look crammed. Another tip: If you’re able to
get your hands on wooden crates, turned on their sides, they also work
as double-decker buffets.

c) Not Enough Dinnerware-
If you want to serve your meal on beautiful plates, but only have 3 or 4,
ask guests to bring their own. Another tip: If this feels uncomfortable,
ask him or her to bring dishes that are from grandma’s collection or dishes
they had when they first got married. Bringing along plates and cups
that have some sentimental value can also be a great conversation starter.

d) No Room In The Oven-
If you’re cooking too many things and find yourself out of oven space,
just make a few dishes in advance. Dishes like Mac & Cheese or Candied
yams can be made the day before, refrigerated and then reheated on the big day.
If you’re making a large chicken, trays of lasagne or a ham, take it out (when done)
and let it sit on the stovetop or counter and then put the side dishes in for 10 to
20 mins. As the chicken cools a bit, these dishes are reheated and everything
will be hot (or warm) at the same time.

e) A Bigger Cutting Board-
Lack of counter space can be one of the biggest challenges when cooking
a lot of different dishes. The remedy: Clear counters of any unnecessary
appliances, even if your have to stash them under the bed or in closets.
Then temporarily create extra prep space just by placing a large cutting
board across the sink.

Important tip:
Reread or read our post on how to save big on the Christmas dinner,
Christmas Dinner For $100 or Less.

Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Health!

Sources:
* Aurora Satler, Former Caterer
* Teal Nicholson, Event Planner
* Seana Turner, Organizer
* LyfeTymes, Party Planning Website
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