Keyur Zaveri suggests some mindful furniture for your home to be prepared for a party at short notice
In accordance with the ‘new normal’, gone are elaborate house parties where you could be the host and still not know some of the people in your house. Hosting small gatherings at home is the new way to spend quality time with friends and family and the secret to having a great house party is to create a comfortable space for your guests where they can feel at home. It is important to adorn your house with the right furniture elements to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For instance, it might be wise to stay away from bulky and rigid pieces of furniture to create a party-friendly space. Having multipurpose and modular furniture instead will make it easier for you to rearrange your house whenever you have guests over, irrespective of whether it is for an intimate family dinner-party or a birthday celebration with friends.
Here are some versatile pieces of furniture that blend in effortlessly with your home decor, making your house the ideal choice for a memorable party.
A comfy lounge
Managing floor space is perhaps one of the most important aspects while hosting a party. To make the most of your space, you should choose furniture that is multi-functional and versatile in nature. Sofa sets that can be rearranged to fit the vibe of the party are must-haves. Compact floor seating solutions are perfect for accommodating multiple guests in a limited space, allowing them to arrange the seating as per their convenience. Multipurpose sofa-cum-beds present another interesting seating option for a party with close friends who may want to stay over. Dandy Low Seaters also complement your decor beautifully and provide additional seating space.
Swing in style
Bring back the magical charm of a wooden swing that’s not only a treat to the eyes but also a comfortable seating option. Wooden swings enhance the aesthetics of any space and also serve as a traditional element in a modern living space. Add colourful cushions and bolsters to the swing to give it an accentuated look. A Hammock chair is another wonderful piece of furniture that can be used to achieve the same effect in smaller settings.
Ergonomic centre tables
Centre tables add a lot of value to any house party. For a large group of people, it is important to create enough surface space for people to place plates, beverages, or any other items that they’re holding. For a quirky and fresh approach, set aside your traditional centre table and opt for mobile height-adjustable tables that can be easily moved around and used by either seated and standing guests, as required. These contemporary designs add extra flavour to your setup and are especially useful as mobile serving stations for food.
Bar setups
A well-decorated bar area can bring a certain charm to any home if you make the right choices in terms of furniture, lighting and decor. Comfortable chairs, petite tables and an enchanting view can do wonders and create the perfect setting for drinks and concomitant snacks. It is very easy to add a stylish bar area to your home, either by designating a separate room or simply adding a multifunctional bar unit to your living room or dining area. You can complement the setup with a set of stools and foldable tables, which are ideal for an outdoor party.
Balcony decor
Get creative with your balcony and decorate the space with outdoor furniture to make the most of it. You can go for a contemporary look with simple, sleek wooden furniture that is ideal for an outdoor setting. Alternatively, a petit sofa cum bed with cushions can add a retro feel to your balcony, which can be further accentuated with the right lighting. Make sure to decorate your balcony with some potted plants or hanging planters in colourful pots to give it a fresh and inviting vibe. With a little bit of effort, you can create the perfect outdoor paradise for your guests.
Revamping your home to make it party-friendly isn’t as difficult as it may seem. By making a few fundamentally correct decor choices and mindfully choosing your furniture, you can become the ultimate host of any social gathering.
(The author is the senior director of design at Furlenco, an Indian online furniture rental platform that was established in 2012.)