Just because you live in a loft or condo does not mean you cannot entertain guests.
But some people believe that to be true, and cite limited space, lack of parking or fear of disturbing their neighbors as reasons why they don't entertain.
The bottom line is this: If you live in a condo or loft and want to entertain, there is no reason why you cannot.
You can throw a successful party by keeping a few things in mind.
Do be respectful of your neighbors, but don't live in fear of them.
While a dance party with loud, thumping music at 3 a.
m.
probably won't make you any friends, there's no reason why you can't have people over in the afternoon, or for a dinner party.
Just keep the noise at a comfortable volume and remind your guests that you have neighbors, so please don't yell or stomp around.
That's true whether they are in your unit, or in the hallway.
Chances are, you aren't going to offend your guests by letting them know.
Get your deck ready.
If you have a deck or patio, put some chairs, a table and a grill out there.
Even if people are nearly shoulder-to-shoulder, it will feel less claustrophobic than if you jam everyone inside.
So open the screen door or the sliding door and let people go in and out as they choose - so long as the temperature allows.
If it's too cold out, consider a portable heating unit for the deck.
You can get some that run on propane and are sufficiently stylish that they look like a piece of décor.
Move your furniture.
Open spaces tend to be better for entertaining than those with a bunch of furniture.
So keep out some chairs and other spots to sit, but if you can get rid of ottomans and coffee tables, for example, you'll create some extra space for people.
Just put that stuff in your bedroom, since you probably don't want a bunch of your guests in there anyway.
Plan for parking.
Unless your building has a bunch of extra parking spaces, you'll want to tell your guests where they can park their cars.
It's best to give them a couple of options - maybe there are some meters down the street, or a public parking lot in the immediate vicinity.
If parking is going to be an issue, urge people to carpool.
Serve buffet style.
Depending on the size of your unit, a table and chairs for people to sit at and eat may not be an option.
Even if it is, serving finger food-type items can be a good idea.
That way, people can grab a few bites of food from time to time, but they don't have to sit down to eat it.
It also makes it more likely you'll be able to enjoy your event, rather than just serve people the entire time.