I’ve never been more excited to move into my smelly, overpriced, and shabby college apartment. The fridge hums louder than my beat-up Toyota and the bathroom windows are so low I can have conversations with pedestrians in the shower. But I consider this nothing compared to the charming place I’ll create.
I have visions of curtains hanging here and lights hanging there, all working together to make my home a suitable space for hosting all types of cozy, memory-making events.
What possibilities await my little one-bedroom apartment?
- Start off strong: a housewarming party
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Although the size of your apartment prevents you from holding a large party, you could host a more intimate get-together with all your closest friends. Imagine it now: a spread of food laid out on your dining room table, soft music playing in the background, fresh flowers in the kitchen, accompanied by the chatter of mingling conversationalists.
Opt for late morning hours (10 A.M.โ12 P.M.) for warm, natural lighting that’s easy on your electricity bill. Opt for evening to night hours (7 P.M.โ11 P.M.) for a mysterious, more jazz club-esque ambience.
Catch up with your guests; it’s been quite the summer. Revel in each other’s company and cherish the laughs, gasps, and lively energy in your new home. Be creative with the activities and decorations you plan!
- make with your hands: a home cafe
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Set up a makeshift coffee shop or cafe right in your kitchen! If you have a small kitchen with limited countertop space, use your furniture to your advantage. Rearrange tables, desks, and shelves for more room to place your appliances, cups, and pastries.
Alex Frank / Spoon As a matcha and colorful drink enthusiast, I plan to offer hand-whisked matcha with seasonal fruit ades and milks. I also recommend strawberry milk, fruit smoothies, and sparkling refreshers for easy drink making!
Need decoration inspiration? Try a handmade menu that hangs on your wall for all your customers to see. Plate pastries and goods that replicate your favorite cafes. I prefer to use plates and trays of all designs and materials for a unique and eye-catching tablescape.
It’s your home cafe so you can’t go wrong! Showcase your favorite desserts, drinks, or even meals to friends, that provide insight into who you are and what you like. Maybe this could inspire you to let go of the microwaved meals once in a while.
- for the reminiscers: monthly club gatherings
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When I was in fourth grade, I was put into a book club and despised it. Now, I find the act of reading and discussing much more appealing. If you are anything like me, why not start a book club?
If you gravitate towards seeking company often, a book club is the perfect way to meet regularly without having to plan something grand and time-consuming. Borrow some books from the school library and gather around your coffee table (or the floor) to talk about all the cool, weird, and captivating content in your novels. Don’t forget the mandatory snacks and off-topic yapping!
Don’t enjoy reading? How about eating? Host a monthly supper club!
As someone who lives to eat rather than eats to live, a supper club is perfect for satisfying my epicurean needs. Each month can have a different theme that caters to the preferences of your group. Some themes I’ve executed in the past are: garden tea party, Galentine’s, Victorian feast, ribbons & bows, and Italian summer.
If the idea of choosing, planning, and executing a new theme each much is daunting, opt for a supper club that focuses on trying new cuisines from various cultures. Choose a dish to bring to the table that represents your roots, or try making something new.
Though the tiny space may feel uninspiring, have fun moving into your new college apartment and remember, don’t be scared to make your place your own. Happy hosting!