How To Entertain in a Small Home | HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

[@terryruiz7417]

Excellent advice! People feeling comfortable makes for the best of visits!

[@jannier9766]

One of my dear elderly friends lives in the farmhouse she grew up in. They have thanksgiving there and she insists that they all eat at the same table. They line tables up making seemingly one long table that extends from her kitchen, through her dining room and into the living room! This year there will be 22 people, one an infant not quite here yet, around that table of love. She is one of my "Titus women" and so grateful God blessed me with her friendship. I love Luke just sitting in the chair while you were setting up. Happy Birthday precious Luke!

[@laurashoemaker8786]

So many truths in this video. Love it, Hilary! Any space can be welcoming, no matter the size. It’s about the people in the space and the Hostess who welcomes them into it. Friends and family just want to be with you.

[@jananderson8149]

I’m aware that this video is about three years old but I found you when I was looking for entertaining over the holidays. Our home is from 1878 so it is quite old and small by today’s standards especially in the area in which we live where “bigger is better”. I love our home! That is exactly why we bought it. However it doesn’t have any closets downstairs which presents one problem when you have company. So in essence it’s like you said we are using the whole house when company comes over. Thank you so much for this video and the ideas that you shared.

[@ifthecreekdontrise]

EVERYTHING that you said about welcoming people, making them feel at ease & at home was just so true. Beautifully conveyed, Hillary. It's such a blessing to be hospitable to others & it has effects that are more far-reaching than we will probably ever know.

[@maryc5421]

So true..... spending time with family and friends is precious..... everything else comes second!!!

[@gailann7813]

What a great way to start my Monday. You are so right Hillary as to nurturing the relationship between family and friends. Your home is so welcoming as well as you and Dan, who wouldn't enjoy an invite to your party. Your tips were great and I agree with you about the rest of your home being clean. Hope you and your family have a blessed week.

[@CantaresEscueladeCanto]

this kind of videos make me believe that i can invite people to our small apartment although we dont have a yard, or big place. Thank you!

[@lindseyheringer2641]

I love your mentality to enjoy having the company. Your home is so cozy but not too stuffed with things. I think we would totally be friends.

[@abbysmith2754]

Thank you for encouraging me to open up my home to friends and family! I grew up where we needed to clean for a week straight before company and I struggle with feeling like everything needs to be perfect. Your tips have made this more doable and joyful!

[@ThrilledThrifter]

Yes, I love this. We are hosting our Sunday school class and Pastor and his wife this week so I’m trying to make our small home feel open but cozy. We have no dining room just a eat in kitchen. Great ideas here ! Thank you 😊

[@erlyne0]

what a wonderful encouragement for all of us to be creative in our entertaining!

[@lindseybsmith]

You're the hostess with the mostess!!!

[@lisaremy4817]

Absolutely agree! We have a smaller home and have hosted many parties and get togethers over the years and it is always so enjoyable!

[@melissacoons8392]

These are great tips! I would add that if you have a small kid’s picnic table, it’s perfect seating to have a “kiddy” table. Also I second the food on the counter and have everyone get their food and then bring plates to the table. Or if you do want to put the food on the table but there’s not much room, to put tray tables on either end of the table for food that won’t fit so the table doesn’t get overcrowded. Overall as long as guests have somewhere to sit and there is food, it’s a great party! :).

[@tmc1373]

This video made me feel so happy. Its so wholesome and pure. I love it!! And what greater gift could you have than loving family and community of wonderful friends!

[@Teachk146]

You are so sweet. I wish I was as calm as you about having people over! You probably have the BEST get togethers.

[@YT4Me57]

Great tips! I've already begun decluttering and cleaning for the holidays although I won't be entertaining. Self care means doing things for oneself also! Feeling comfortable and cozy in a nicely decorated home at Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the best feelings. And if my best friend or godchildren stop by, I won't be in a panic 😁

[@minecraftplayslmg9608]

Great video. People feel special just by the fact they get invited!

[@reniehandler2595]

Luke's birthday party looked so fun and decorated perfectly!!! Thank you for all the tips! I always clean my house from top to bottom for the same reason you said.....If someone wants to go into a room, I don't want to be embarrassed if they do and it's a hot mess!!!! lol The pumpkin table cloth you borrowed was perfect too!!!!

[@susanvelez6534]

I do the same with coats and purses I have guest put them on my bed. Growing up that's what our family did as well. I also fill my kitchen sink with ice and put the drinks in there. My kitchen is the biggest part of my home so yes precious time and putting items to snack on in all corners is the best. I'm supposed to host thanksgiving this year mama is still in rehab and is improving, thank you for your prayers. I have set the table and have put a plastic painting tarp from the dollar tree over it. This way it will not get dusty and if for some reason it does not happen I can just put everything away. One day at a time my friend. Just doing 20 minute increments of cleaning, I'm mentally warn out darling. But hey the table is set LOL

[@HappilyOrganizedChaos]

Love these tips Hilary and I think the most important one was everything has a home. I struggle currently with this as I have piles of items that do not have homes, I need to find a home for those or just let them go. Thanks for the wonderful video, I enjoyed it as I always do 🙂

[@clairetitus6904]

Wonderful ideas as usual. Thanks so much. Lovely table.

[@anitaakin4865]

We also have a small home. I do all the holidays too! As the years rolled on and we added in laws and grandchildren we now eat in our garage. All the food is in the kitchen. We have an air conditioner for summer and a heater for winter. That way we can all eat together! Down side no clutter or storage in the garage and it must be kept clean!

[@theresourcefulmomma4037]

What a fun idea to use the sink for a cooler!🤗

[@xenared25]

I love this video so much, i have a home that is very similar to yours but havent opened it up as much as I wanted because I felt insecure about the space...i didnt think it was big enough, but recently due to a death in my family, my home became central park since i am the only one with a home LOL. I realized people didnt care about how small it was...we just wanted to be together. I love your ideas and will be using them when I open up my home for a gathering coming up soon. Thank you for these tips!

[@abbygator411]

I totally agree with cleaning the whole house. We use our whole house especially since we only have 2 bathrooms and you have to go thru the master bedroom to get to one of them.

[@donnarakitzis2719]

What a warm and wonderful host u are. Happy birthday to Luke 🎂

[@CreativeDIYwithMomDas]

Totally agree to each and every word you said. We have a small home too and very do the same thing and enjoy.🎊🎉

[@kristyncooper3619]

I know this is an older video but thank you so much for these tip and the advice. Absolutely valuable!

[@kristing7744]

Great video with great ideas! Thank you!!

[@TheRealLydiaSenn]

Great tips. Our table has the built-in leaves. It's so helpful.

[@SweetAndSimpleHome]

I used to think there was no way we could entertain in our small house. It’s tight, but we’re all together and it’s informal and fun. And it’s true- you use ALL of the house when entertaining in a small home! ☺️

[@lizpearson343]

Beautiful. Looks like you all had a wonderful time - despite the super chilly weather!

[@kimrwaters1]

One of my favorite videos you’ve made in the past few months. I’d love more like this!

[@carlidoepke5131]

Yes! I love our home so, so much. But the one downfall is that our living room/kitchen area is pretty small. I have been trying to figure out ways to have more than one or two couples (with their tons of kids!) over. This definitely helps. The gift of hospitality, I believe is often overlooked, because so many turn inwardly to their giant to-do lists and crazy schedules - and we're not always fostering the relationships that we need to be. Let's just "be" together!

[@OldWorldHome]

Amen!! So glad this helped and I couldn’t agree more with your last statement 💛

[@lynnehampton1777]

Love your ideas. Your table looks beautiful. Your home is so lovely. I love it. Thanks for your ideas.

[@kaylachaput1207]

Very true points! The relocating furniture is key. Our daughters birthday is next Friday and we move bulky toys, chairs etc into our bedroom for added space. Along with borrowing. So key! Chairs, coffee perk you name it.

[@athomeinsmithfieldwithsusan]

Great tips, thank you!

[@cindyanderson8509]

You really have the biggest heart! Being around you must be a blessing, I enjoy listening to your ways and the way you think. Makes me rethink the way I think sometimes because I always worry. That sometimes takes the fun out of it.

[@georgiapeachthrifter3386]

Great hosting tips. Thank you!

[@darettablack3794]

One hundred percent all the way ,time with family and friends is what is most precious ❤️.......we had one of the best Christmases that we celebrated out in my garage I fixed it up and decorated it and had my kitchen displayed with all the food and then we went out there to eat and we had the best time ever it was nice and cozy and warm, we brought heaters in and we had plenty of room for everyone, we had so much fun that year🎄. Hillary,thank you for sharing such a wonderful video......you truly are blessed with a special talent ♥️. God bless you and your sweet family......💞😊

[@jackelynwolff6000]

This is such a helpful video! Thanks for sharing!

[@lindaboo3220]

I've been subscribed to your channel but just now saw this one (months later) and what wonderful tips, tricks, ideas and inspiration! I used to feel that I could not host because I didn't have all matching dinnerware but after watching (and following) Ramon at Home he also inspired me that you can mix and match and make it your own. Friends and family will love and appreciate being invited and that will make for wonderful memories and traditions.

[@MsLoraBella]

Amazing as always!!! Thank you Hilary. You are such a breath of fresh air.

[@cindyurban150]

Hilary, You decorated so beautifully, yet very cozy, and inviting.Yes,spending time with family, and friends is way more important than worrying about material things.Imagine the future parties you can have when Dan's garage is finished, and heated ! Cindy

[@OldWorldHome]

By that time it’ll be full of cars 😉

[@charlenethomas7267]

That's so true,Hilary. You can replace material things.

[@marymartinez8047]

Thanks for sharing these party tips. I like the idea of spreading snacks and drinks and twinkle lights around so people will congregate in outer areas. I used to be a perfectionist and found it difficult to entertain but have learned people are more important than what might be lurking in a back corner of a closet!

[@yardsalesquad]

I love all of these tips and they are really so true! ❤️

[@iamzeffyandilove2scr]

Congratulations,may you be healthy and see him grow into a good strong man! Tfs

[@neuzachiong6077]

Your so right I love this video

[@authenticallyamber99]

Great ideas! 🦃🎄 💕

[@deniseconaway701]

We live in a miners cottage, they are very small but very cosy, so we don't have a lot of space so these tips are great Hilary, i agree people do tend to use all of our house so keeping it neat and clean i think it's important, without being too precious, loved the tip about loaning things like the slow cooker and other things you don't need any other time of the year, having a larger house would be lovely, but to be honest they also need a lot more cleaning 😊, so I'll stick with my small cosy home, loved the vlog Thankyou, sounds like you had a lovely time for Luke's birthday x

[@OldWorldHome]

Your home sounds perfectly lovely!

[@MyBlessedNest]

Great tips! Love the drinks in the sink!! ❤️❤️

[@kerryborst8764]

So many good ideas!

[@dt5623]

Great Tips! Thanks for sharing

[@elizabethandrus3848]

Lots of great tips Hillary! The tablecloth you borrowed looks lovely. Hope your son's day was special! Elizabeth

[@kellieb3521]

Thank you for sharing !

[@jendyson6729]

I've been meaning to tell you that I took your advice a few months back when you said that people just appreciate being invited and things don't have to be perfect. I kept putting off having my girlfriends for dinner because we have lived here for three years and its still a work in progress, far from perfect but I love my house anyways. I made all the food homemade, had lots of drinks and luckily it was a beautiful early fall evening so we were able to enjoy the outdoors. We had the best time and I am so glad I listened to your wisdom. People do just want to be included. Planing my next get together for December when we are all decorated for Christmas :) Great tips and video, happy birthday to the little guy !

[@OldWorldHome]

That makes me so happy to hear, yes do it again 🤗

[@kathycathy9555]

Great ideas.

[@caitlinrl630]

Such good ideas, Hilary! I like to be outside when it cools down. There was a story in BHG last winter (January, maybe?) about an epic outdoor dinner party this older couple threw every year. They had dining tables in the snow, a DIY skating rink, White Russians, white lasagna, ice sculptures... not something I’m in a position to recreate, of course, but it was so neat! I like to see people enjoying the seasons! “The ones who keep moving aren’t cold” they said 😂

[@OldWorldHome]

So true!

[@lauriehester4682]

I agree with all of this! We host Thanksgiving for my husband's side and Christmas Eve for my side of the family. We've had upwards of 35 people in my 1500 sq foot house. My mother in law taught me a trick of putting a board fitted over the sink as part of my "buffet". I rearrange furniture, move any breakables and just like you, realize everything can be washed or cleaned, but it doesn't replace precious time with family and friends! LOVE this video so much!!! You CAN host in a small space...with lots of love! :):)

[@OldWorldHome]

Thank you for this wonderful comment!

[@disneythrifterofoz6578]

I love your earrings they are so cute

[@angelarose9636]

I love this video!! We also have a smaller house and usually my mom does all of the entertaining. But we have worked really hard at maximizing the space we do have and would like to host a few more gatherings in the upcoming months. I love our home and am excited to use some of these tips for inspiration. ❤

[@donna8212]

Good morning Hilary! Great video! Happy 1st birthday to Luke! It looks like it went very well ☺️. Your home looked beautiful as always. Have a nice day! 😊🎉🥳🎂🎉

[@lornacrystal9784]

Excellent video and tips!!! I can't wait to see Luke's party vlog!😊

[@OldWorldHome]

You kinda just did ☺️ Poor guy had a fever that day and just needed extra cuddles so I wasn’t able to film much of the day 💛

[@lornacrystal9784]

@@OldWorldHome awww. Well it looked nice and cozy. I hope he is feeling better🤗

[@sharoncresenzi3016]

You have such a beautiful and cozy home.

[@balboathedog]

Fabulous tips!!! Thank you for all of the thought and expertise!

[@thriftytashi429]

Great tips! I have a 900sq ft home and love to invite guests ☺️

[@TRuth.T]

Thanks, for sharing. Love the ideas/tips. I'm a Jersey girl, too, now living in the Midwest ;)

[@claireclaire8370]

I like the tip about taking the time to clean all the rooms in your house because you never know when somebody may need to go into one. My upstairs is basically a loft with the master bedroom and bathroom and I always feel like I should just shut the door and leave it messy when I have company over. But it seems like every time I do that somebody needs to go up there to use the second bathroom or my husband wants to show them something. So yes I will start cleaning that now. LOL

[@OldWorldHome]

I’ve been there!! Better to be safe 🤗

[@pinknblonde86]

Love the food in other rooms idea! Definitely need to try that

[@annekemahabeer5130]

Was so happy to see a video from you coming through.

[@ericagoehring1089]

Love this! ❤ We also have a small home, but I love having company!

[@TheLadyRoseblush]

Great video!

[@rosasantiago7859]

Awesome tips! Hope your lil man is feeling better!

[@Pamela-ro8vh]

God bless you, Hillary.

[@mombythec]

Gahhh, your videos are the most inspiring things I see!!

[@carlenehall2979]

🤗 Well said Hilary!

[@joyfullylivinglife7114]

Love these tips. Thanks!

[@valleygirlxx3526]

It always seems that a small home in America is an average to larger home in the UK 😊😊 This is most especially so as most people don't have a basement and the average UK home doesn't come with a heap of wardrobes (closets).

[@mildredbc5425]

🧡tyfs

[@carolgraham6669]

Love the video❤

[@JerrTheHooman]

Thank you for this video. I just bought my first home. It's about 1200 sq ft and I wanted to invite friends over but I've been second guessing and feeling like my home is too small to have others over. Especially since I don't have a formal dining space and no where to put a table

[@OldWorldHome]

Invite them, and enjoy!

[@shelaghsipos7656]

I can believe Luke is 1. Time flies

[@meandmygirls8786]

Great tips 👍😊

[@vanessaherron5203]

Great tips, omg, I love the ice in the sink, never thought of that, I have a large double sink so this is genius👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@barbarapeterson8030]

EXCELLENT TIPS HILARY..Thanks so much; we have a small home too; we love it because we have the downstairs and big deck in front and one in back and LOTS OF LAND...Love the tip with the sink...Thanks so much...I WILL SHARE TO MY FB...

[@cstar6682]

Thank you for the thoughtful, timely content Hilary.

[@susanrobinson408]

Wonderful tips! We went from a 2500 sq ft home to a 1100 sq ft home and love it. Entertaining has not been a problem here either. We have an open living room/dining room combo and we do re-orient our table to make dining easier.

[@reginaeverhart8673]

💝

[@TheRetroFarmhouse]

Seeing how simple and beautiful your dining area is makes me want to downsize in that area! Love your videos and ideas!

[@Smitahorizonsp]

Nice tips. From where did you buy the tray in which put all the drinks?

[@OldWorldHome]

Thrift store 💛

[@JustMe-tk2rp]

I have lived in grand homes to tiny apartments from 3600 sq ft to 850 sq ft. We love to entertain and find ways to improvise. You have wonderful suggestions. I laughed out loud when you mentioned the importance of cleaning every room and area. It reminded me of a day years ago when I have the kids helping. I told my then 6th grader to straighten his drawers out. He looked puzzled and said, “I know I need to clean my room but are they going to be looking in my drawers”? 😂😂😂

[@shelaghsipos7656]

😀

[@christinedisneyqueen5746]

This was so great to watch! Love the idea of the bottles in the sink. We have to put everything on ice here in Florida. 🥶

[@Barbara-vx9fd]

A wonderful video with great tips! 👍

[@horrisajones8933]

Awesome tips 😍

[@bettylou3709]

I don't ever loan anything that I would miss or need again because they never come back to me or they are damaged.

[@rebeccaplunk6951]

Did I somehow miss a video about luke's birthday party?????

[@OldWorldHome]

Nope, you just saw it 😉