Living Room Entertaining: How to Host From Your Coffee Table
When we talk about hosting, we often imagine a full tablescape and menu set on our dining room tables. Yet, growing up (and even to this day), many of our meals shared with others happened around a different table: the coffee table. We always say that Mimi is the Queen of Coffee Table Entertaining, and she’s instilled in us that when wanting to connect in an organic way with friends and family, sometimes taking it to a more casual room is best. With this in mind, we’re sharing with you a few easy ideas that are centered around a room that doesn’t get as much attention when it comes to entertaining (but absolutely deserves it): your living room.
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Living Room Entertaining: How to Host From Your Coffee Table
Just the sound of the phrase “coffee table” sounds casual, marking it as a surface used for a beverage we use as a ritual to start our days in a slow, easy way. When hosting from your living room, reflect this informal feeling with how you decorate and serve food and drinks in this space.
How to Style Your Space
As you style your space, keep in mind the old adage: Less is more. Jenna has found that less stuff means more calm, and she couldn’t be more right. Choose the pieces that mean something to you and serve a purpose, whether functional, emotional or both.
In the spirit of casual gatherings, start with the cozy factor. Layer soft pillows and throw blankets on furniture or in a basket to wordlessly offer guests permission to get comfortable.
Candles are also a go-to of ours to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider dimming overhead light, opening up windows, and casting a glow in your living room space to offer a calm retreat for your informal gathering.
More Ideas for Styling Your Living Room
- Place an inspirational book on your coffee table.
- Use a foundational serving tray as a vessel for any decorative objects.
- Incorporate a piece of artwork or cherished family picture in a photo frame.
Living Room Entertaining: The Food
Living room entertaining involves a more casual, laidback approach. Therefore, when considering your menu, go halfway homemade or store-bought for an easy, stress-free way of serving loved ones without any of the hassle.
#HostfulHack: Replate store-purchased prepared food items for a no-prep menu with no sacrifice to your desired aesthetic.
Slide to see the visual change made from simply replating premade foods!
Our Favorite Foods to Replate
Jalapeño Poppers
Just warm up in the oven and serve for a spicy yet sweet & savory handheld snack.
Replate on neutral serveware for an upgraded look from the store aluminum or plastic tray.
Get the Look: Antique White Stoneware Serving Tray
Chips & Dip
Choose a sea salt chip or cracker (We love Simple Mills Veggie Pita Crackers) and a dip (we went with Buffalo Dip here) for a classic, crowd-pleasing pairing.
Replate using two bowls. Fill a smaller bowl with your dip and gently place into center of a larger bowl. Then, fill the place between the two bowls with chips or crackers for an effortless and elevated look.
Get the Look: Acacia Wood Bowl Set
Chicken Wings
Add satiating protein to the mix with chicken wings from your favorite local grocery store’s prepared foods department.
Replate on neutral serveware and pair with tongs for easy handling, and achieve a homemade feel without any of the work.
Get the Look: Antique White Stoneware Serving Tray and Acacia Wood Tongs
Pretzel Bread Bites
Warm up irresistible pretzel bread bites in your oven or microwave and serve an unexpected delight to friends and family. These little bites are so perfect to dip into a premade queso or buffalo dip for an extra layer of yum.
Replate in a large bowl for easy access and subtle sophistication.
Get the Look: Acacia Wood Bowl Set
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Related Read.
How to Host a Dinner Party with Little-to-No Cooking
Living Room Entertaining Calls for More Easy
Create even more ease by using disposable paper products that are also earth-friendly. An alternative to traditional paper plates, opt for biodegradable and compostable products, such as our Dried Areca Palm Leaf Plates. Made from fallen leaves that are gathered, cleaned and steam-pressed into shape, this option allows you to have less clean up while offering peace of mind.
We hope that these easy #hostfulhacks for living room entertaining provide a casual, go-to option for you when considering hosting in your home. While a formal dinner party has its own perks, there’s sometimes nothing better than a casual hangout around a coffee table. Some of our best memories and deepest conversations have happened around this kind of table, and we have Mimi to thank for sharing this tradition with us.
Hap-Bee (Living Room) Hosting, friend!
