If you’ve recently made a big move into a Cincinnati retirement community, the best days of your social life could be ahead of you. While many seniors fear missing out on gatherings or being isolated by smaller spaces, others who have transitioned into senior living in Cincinnati will tell you that the truth is something altogether different.
After you throw your first cocktail or dinner party, you might be surprised at how well you are transitioning!
Throw a Cocktail Party in Your New Retirement Apartment
Who says your social life has to suffer because of a small space? There are plenty of urbanites, like New Yorkers and Parisians, who are known for throwing lavish social gatherings in small spaces.
It's time to match your party-planning prowess with our space-maximizing tips!
1. Break the ice by inviting long-time friends and new.
If you have just moved into a new retirement apartment, invite long-time friends and new people in your community. Breaking the ice is easier and exciting when you bring the familiar and new together. You will no doubt infuse your new living situation with friendly energy and also get to hear about how your new friends in the community are maximizing their spaces!
2. Choose multi-functional furniture.
Invest In An Entertainment-Friendly Sideboard.
If you are still in the market for stylish, yet space-saving furniture, consider a timeless entertainment sideboard. Choose a long style with both open shelves and closed cabinets. The one you are after will feature a fold-down center table. This is where you get to feature your cocktail bar when guests come over. When you aren't entertaining, the sideboard is a lovely place to feature keepsakes and collections for decoration. This fold-down may also offer a place for guests to gather around or sit.
Choose A Multi-Purpose Table.
- Belly up. Referred to as bar-style tables or "belly-ups," these high tops are great space savers that conveniently fit just about anywhere, and they’re very easy to move around when the occasion calls for it as well.
- Pro Tip: choose stools with comfortable backs so you and your guests are well-supported!
- Fold out. Here, you have options: You can select a sleek, yet inexpensive table that is attached to one of your walls and conveniently folds out for guests, but lays flat at other times. Or you can also choose a stationary table with expansive fold-up options that can transition from a cafe-style table that easily nestles into a breakfast nook during the week into a larger buffet during a party. Depending on your desired height, you can attach a folding table higher to serve as a bar-level entertaining space, but use as a decor shelf when guests are away.
- Pro Tip: if you choose a stationary table that folds up for easy entertaining, situate the table on an angle, if possible, to make your entertaining area feel more open and encourage guests to mingle.
3. Invest in space-saving glasses and plates.
Have you ever had that awkward moment when you go to shake the hand of a new acquaintance only to find that your hands were encumbered by a wine glass in one hand while the other balances an hors d'oeuvres plate? You can stop this situation from arising again with a few clever plates and glasses.
Choose wine and martini glasses with stems so that your guests can fit them into hors d'oeuvres plates meant for holding glasses. These plates will have a little semi-circular "cut-out" area that stemmed glasses fit into while the liquid-filled section of the glass rests snugly on the edge of the plate. Now guests can snack, drink and lend a hand to shake too!
How does this save space? It eliminates the need for additional tables and encourages mingling!
Ready to throw your first gathering in a senior living community in Cincinnati or have a tip to share with others? Share your experiences here!
