55 and older apartment living is all about community, especially at Overture Apartments. There’s always something going on, especially during the winter holidays. Thanksgiving marks the start of the holidays, with many people hosting Thanksgiving in their apartments.
Hosting Thanksgiving in a small space presents challenges, but you’re more than up to the task. Below are some tips for hosting Thanksgiving in 55+ apartments to help you get started.
Preparing the Scene
55+ apartments are smaller than the home you were used to, and at first glance, it may seem like you don't have enough room for a Thanksgiving bash. It’s moments like this where Overture’s open floor plans and beautifully designed kitchens really shine. You may not have the space you’re used to, but our well-designed apartments more than make up for it!
Maximize the space you have by rearranging the furniture to create more floor space, and serve food buffet-style in the kitchen. Folding chairs and tables can be quickly removed after dinner to make more room. Consider setting up smaller serving tables in different areas. Designate a spot for coats and jackets; the bedroom is a logical choice, as people can just leave their coats on the bed.
If you’re planning a Thanksgiving dinner that’s too big for your apartment, Overture Apartments offers communal spaces that are perfect for larger gatherings.
Setting the Atmosphere
You’ve got the furniture arranged, now it’s time to set the mood. Avoid large, space-consuming decorations in favor of smaller, simpler decor. A small centerpiece on the table, a wreath on the front door, and some seasonal pillows set the mood without overwhelming your space.
If you use smart bulbs, it’s easy to get the right lighting. Avoid harsh, glaring lights in favor of a soft, warm glow. Quiet, seasonal background music provides ambiance without drowning out conversation, and you can use a scent diffuser to enhance the mood — choose subtle citrus, cinnamon, or vanilla scents.
Simplify the meal
Thanks to Overture’s quality apartment kitchens, you can make enough dishes that the Thanksgiving table groans under the weight if you want to. Conversely, you could simplify the meal and spend more time visiting with guests. Potlucks are popular events in Overture 55+ communities, so ask guests to each bring a dish that lightens your workload. Your guests will be happy to help, you’ll have more time to enjoy the day, and you get to sample a variety of food.
If you prefer to wow guests with your own cooking, make as many dishes as possible the day before. Set up a self-serve drink station with drinks and glasses on a side table or bar cart to keep thirsty guests out of the kitchen.
Cleanup
Preparing dishes the day before reduces cleanup on Thanksgiving Day. On the day itself, clean as you go. And remember, if people ask to help clean up after the meal, it’s fine to say yes. They wouldn’t offer if they didn't want to help!
Make cleanup easier with a designated trash station so guests can dispose of their own trash. If you really want to keep cleanup to a minimum, use disposable paper plates and dinnerware. You get to keep the dishes to a minimum, and guests can throw out their own plates at the end of the meal.
We hope these tips help you with hosting Thanksgiving in a small space. 55+ apartment living doesn't mean the end of dinner parties and playing host — it just means planning the most efficient use of your living space and time.
Want to know more about Overture 55+ communities? Check out Overture Apartments across the USA!