A Story About Feeding Your Family In A Tiny House
Whether you have a large family who has gone tiny or you’re hosting a feast for the neighborhood, having lots of people in a small space can feel daunting especially when a meal is the main focus.
A Full House is A Happy Home
This was true in “normal” sized homes as well. When your kitchen counter is simplified to a sink with fitted inserts that double as beautiful cutting boards and a 1×3’ space that can flip up to extend your counter for prep space, you might think things could get hairy for a full family holiday meal.
You can still cook simple lunches, trays of fresh fruit and cheese, a breakfast spread, or dinner with all the trimmings. What changes is that you may implement other cooking sources such as using the grill for meat, pre-cooking some side dishes ahead of party time, or even choosing to cater the meal to reduce the amount of cooks in the kitchen.
Utilize the popular open floor plan of tiny homes by incorporating seating at a bar or counter area, as well as any couch or chair space you may have. Most people assume the place will be crowded, just as they would in any other party, so don’t be afraid to invite them over.
The idea of being full is true in every part of life. We will fill up. We get physically full, emotionally to the brim, and mentally overflowing. What people learn while living tiny is that when the rest of your life has been simplified by choice, the stuff that tends to “fill up” and cause stress becomes infinitely easier to manage. They chose this and sincerely love it.
Optimize Outdoor Space
Tiny house expert Laurie LaVoie suggests, “We always make use of outdoor space. We host a barbecue or camping weekend so our time is spent outdoors.”
Even if you live in a large city, you can make great use of community spaces like local parks, community gardens, and even playgrounds. People love feeling like a kid again so this might be the perfect opportunity for you to take the party to them!
Brenda Mason, tiny house dweller and author, mentions, “Have a fall picnic, a tailgating party, or desserts on the lawn or balcony.” Making expert use of your small space by going outside can expand the real estate you are lacking indoors.
Creative Seating is A Must
Finding places for everyone to sit in a small space can be challenging. Of course, our first go-to would be utilizing outdoor space as previously mentioned with comfy outdoor furniture, taking the dining table to the deck, or having a picnic or barbeque in the park. However, if those aren’t viable options or don’t fit your party theme, you can always make it work.
Think outside the box on this one and opt for non-traditional seating such as seat cushions on steps, large pillows for floor seating, bench seating in windows, or even hosting a Middle Eastern night or other theme which might suggest floor seating around a smaller table. Remember that your guests know you live in a small space so making it cozy and fun should be your goal.
Simplify Your Servings
“Make sure everything is easy to hold and only needs one piece of flatware for eating, such as serving bowls of chili with all the toppings that only need spoons. Serve cobblers or desserts in individual small mason jars or clear plastic cups. “Always put out extra napkins,” adds Sherri Wall, a tiny house guru.
This mishmash of items with a topping bar and delicate desserts adds texture to your party as well as making your guests feel cozy, welcomed, and at home in your small space.
Stack Your Spread
Tiny house pioneer, Andrew Odom, of Tiny House R(e)volution, tells us to, “Use vertical space to display/serve food. Don’t just lay out a spread. Use pedestals to raise some [of your] dishes up so you have cascading food options.”
Layering your buffet catches the eye and adds dimension to your table as well as providing extra space to both serve and eat.
A simple living space does not eliminate hosting large gatherings and feeding the masses. Its challenges just force your creativity which can be fun and exciting. So, invite the family, the neighborhood, or all of your kids’ friends and make the most of your space. It will surely be a meal they’ll remember.
Written by Tiny House Theatre Presents for the Tiny House Magazine Issue 98.
