You may think a narrow area would result in a cramped party, but when it is set up right, a slender space can be excellent for social gatherings. By mirroring a few of the party features and lining up others, you are going to develop a free-flowing space which encourages mingling and in which your guests can easily get a food or appetizer bar and station. Even though you have a long, rectangular space, you still may have a dance floor, when you know the best place to arrange it.
Arrange two or three individual classes of space-saving seating along the length of the room. For instance, you may face a little sofa, chaise lounge or settee along a single wall toward armchairs against the wall; if space allows, group the seating toward a single wall, leaving a hallway-like passage to direct foot traffic across the conversation places. Include little tables on which your guests can set drinks throughout every category. Leave enough space between the seating arrangements for mingling or for guests wishing to stand.
Mirror a table at each end of the room — maybe not blocking an exit or entry — for appetizers or self-serve food channels complete with napkins, plates, cutlery and condiments, for ease of accessibility from the narrow seating places. If you’re going to be serving alcohol, then organize a bar near the food tables. For people who prefer coffee or tea, add mugs, a coffee carafe, a pot of tea and cream and sugar. Leave a bit of standing room because people tend to gather near the food.
Contrive a recycling, garbage and dirty-dishes place across from each food station. Set a tray to a table for dirty dishes. Place labeled bins beneath or near the table for recyclables, bottles and cans, and garbage.
Place a speaker at each end of the room to equalize the circulation of music. If you would like space for dancing, keep a middle section of the room free of artwork, and set the speakers along the walls skirting the dance place.
