The holiday season is officially upon us! It’s an exciting time of year that brings friends and family together. Whether this is your first time living on your own, or you recently moved from a house, hosting in an apartment may seem like a daunting task. If you’re considering having people over, consider these helpful tips on how to make your holidays as stress-free as possible:

Space-friendly furniture

If you’re living in a compact space, finding room for a dining table or simply enough seats for everyone can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of furniture pieces that save you room in your apartment, such as coffee tables with seating or folding wall tables that transform into a surface when you need it.

The best thing about these pieces are that they allow you to have a table and chairs when you need them but can be easily tucked away when they’re not being used. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, there’s nothing wrong with a classic folding table and chairs!

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Set the mood!

Seasonal or holiday décor often helps make an apartment feel homier and more welcoming. A simple touch such as a table topper or colorful dishware can help set the mood for the holiday ahead. One of my favorite places to find new décor is Home Goods. Every item in the store is discounted to make quality more affordable (like Marshalls or TJ Maxx.)

I also like to check out Michael’s Craft Store this time of year as they have several holiday sales going on. I have found garland and holiday décor for up to 70% off! If you live in a state where these stores are not available, keep an eye out for online sales; there are plenty going on before and after the holiday.

Photo courtesy of Camden Gallery

Make the most of your Camden community’s amenities

If you don’t have the room for your entire family or friend group in your apartment, consider renting your community’s private clubhouse to make sure you have everything you need to host a successful event. Not only will you have more space, but most clubhouses have added entertainment features such as a flat screen television or pool table.

It is smart to book this type of event well in advance as the holidays are usually reserved first. In the event that your community does not offer this amenity, check with your leasing staff to see if other Camden communities will rent out their space to other Camden residents.

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Eat, drink, and be merry!

Great food is the key to any great hosting event. We are fortunate to live in a time where thousands of online recipes are available with a click of your finger, so it makes it easy to look at reviews and find plenty of great snacks, meals, and even drinks to make. A few of my favorite websites to find new recipes are Yummly and Delish. You can even set filters to your menu if you have dietary restrictions for anyone coming over!

Now that you are equipped with the information you need to host a successful holiday party, go ahead and make those plans to have guests over! The most important thing, after all, is having loved ones to share these seasons with. For more holiday inspiration, check out tips on how to decorate with garland and this recipe for a delicious vanilla rum cake.