Welcoming the Holidays in a Smaller Space
- Shannon Graham-Cornell
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
If this is your first holiday season in a smaller home, you might be feeling a mix of emotions—excitement, nostalgia, and maybe a touch of uncertainty. Downsizing can bring a sense of relief and simplicity, but the holidays often highlight the changes that come with less space. Where will everyone gather? Is there room to decorate? Can it still feel festive and full of spirit?
The good news: yes, it absolutely can. With a little planning and creativity, you can make a smaller home feel every bit as warm and welcoming as before—just in a new way.
1. Rethink Your Layout Before You Decorate
Before unpacking the boxes of seasonal décor, take a moment to think about how your home will work for gatherings and celebrations.
Where will people naturally gather?
Do you need to make room for a display, a dining setup, or a space to exchange gifts?
Could a chair or small table be moved temporarily to open up pathways?
A quick walkthrough—or even a simple sketch—can help you see how the space will flow. Sometimes small adjustments make all the difference.
2. Choose Decorations with Meaning
In a smaller home, it’s easy for decorations to feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to fit everything in, choose a few items that bring joy or hold special memories.
A small tabletop display or compact centerpiece can make a strong impact.
A single garland, string of lights, or set of battery-operated candles can add just the right amount of seasonal glow.
Meaningful keepsakes—family heirlooms, handmade items, or travel mementos—can take center stage.
Thoughtful touches often feel more personal than a house full of décor.
3. Make Furniture Do Double Duty
When hosting friends or family, multipurpose furniture can help everything flow smoothly.
Ottomans and benches can double as seating.
Folding or stackable chairs are easy to bring out and tuck away again.
A console table or counter can serve as a buffet or beverage station.
If you have overnight guests, a sleeper sofa, daybed, or even a comfortable air mattress can make them feel at home while keeping your space flexible.
4. Use Lighting to Create Atmosphere
Lighting sets the tone for any celebration. Combine soft lamps, string lights, and flameless candles to create a warm, layered glow. Good lighting can make a smaller space feel cozy and inviting—perfect for intimate dinners, quiet evenings, or meaningful gatherings.
5. Take Advantage of Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, think upward.
Hang seasonal décor or artwork on doors and walls.
Display cards, ornaments, or festive touches on shelves or windowsills.
Keep colors and textures consistent to help your home feel calm and cohesive.
A few well-placed accents can make a space feel thoughtfully styled without feeling cluttered.
6. Embrace a New Kind of Celebration
If this is your first year celebrating in a smaller home, it may feel different—and that’s okay. Smaller gatherings often feel more personal and relaxed. You might find that fewer decorations, a simpler menu, or a smaller group brings new meaning to long-standing traditions.
No matter what or how you celebrate, what matters most is the feeling of togetherness and comfort within your home. A smaller space can make those connections feel even closer.
Remember, what makes the holidays special isn’t the size of your home—it’s the warmth within it.
