Apartment Blog

Most people during the holidays are trying to find tips on how to NOT over eat. Our society has told us that we shouldn’t eat whatever we want during the holidays. Well, I’m here to say if you want to eat-then eat! In fact, we’re going to provide you with tips on sneaky ways to get food without anyone noticing (or most importantly judging) you!

1. This works well for Holiday parties at work. Ask to take a plate home for your “husband or wife”.

2. Get two plates of food/dessert like you’re taking it back to the table for a friend, at a work party, or for a family member at home. No one will think twice if your friend or family member comes back for seconds (which was really their first plate)!

3. Desperate measures? Ask your family members if you can take their plate in. Grab a bite of Grandma’s left over ham before throwing away the food & putting it in the dishwasher.

4. Get a glass (that you can’t see through) and tell your family your getting water. Quickly fill the glass with the chips/whatever and walk away casually.

5. Find a way to carry the food. If you’re a girl, then carry a big tote bag with you. If you’re a boy, simply have big pockets or a jacket-you can always wear a sweatshirt with a big pocket.

6. The holidays are a great time for pictures! So why not use your camera or video bag to store your food! If you’re carrying the case, no one will think twice about what’s inside-but you’ll know!

7. Zip lock baggies are your friend!! Be sure to have plenty stored in your pockets and purse/bags. To really get the maximum amount of food, switch them out when they get full. Once you have a selection, you can proceed to snack on them throughout the evening without even having to share!

8. Put some food in a napkin when someone’s back is turned and when you get a craving for something, bring the napkin to your mouth. Pretend like you’re wiping your mouth when really you’re stuffing it!  (Literally)

9. Appearances can be deceiving. Lets say you want to get more creative….use a cover. For example, if you are the hostess and don’t want your guests to know you’re sneaking a bit on the side, take a cleaning supplies container (obviously thoroughly cleaned) and store food inside of it. Your guests will just think you’re either going to clean something or putting back the cleaner. This can also work well with a tissue box, etc. Whatever will cause the least suspicion will work best.

10. Have a wing man; a partner in crime to help. He/she can help create a diversion when you go in for the kill. Of course, as partners, you have to return the favor by either hoarding enough food for the both of you, or creating a diversion for him/her.

11. A simple, but useful, tip would be to hide the extra food underneath other food on your plate. For example, you want an extra scoop of mash potatoes? Go ahead and put it on your plate but then minimize visibility by putting a roll on top of them.

12. And finally, something effortless would be to get in line for food first. Go through and get a plate. Run into your secret area (i.e. your room, or closet if you’re at someone else’s house) and put the plate down. Wait and then get into the end of the line and make like this is the first time. Say comments about how yummy the food looks, or how much you’re looking forward to getting some Mac and cheese.

Do you plan on throwing a party this December? I know I certainly do. Having a little party is a great way to have friends over and enjoy the merriment that is Christmas.  So if you’re looking for tips and ideas for hosting a holiday party, check out our list. We’ve provided you with the essentials to make your party a success!

1. Invitations! Be sure and send out invitations. With the busy holiday season, your party is not the only one people would like to attend. Send out invitations in advanced so others know to put yours on the calendar! I would personally recommend Evite.com as that is a great website for you to host all your party’s details and list of attendees.

2. Holiday Decorations Outside Your Apartment. As guests come up to your home, you want to make sure they immediately feel the holiday spirit!

3. Holiday Decorations Inside Your Apartment. Check out our ‘Must Haves’ list for holiday décor (link).

4. Menu. Catering would be the easiest solution as you don’t have to prepare the food while you’re scrambling with other details. However, it is an alternative that could be more expensive. Regardless of what option you choose, make or cater, be sure to include a variety.

5. Beverage Assortment. Not everyone will drink regular soda (especially the diet conscientious). So be sure to have a plethora of options for your guests. Water for the non-drinkers! Or a neat idea would be to have a hot chocolate bar!

6. Entertainment. Be sure your guests are entertained at this event. Have a raffle for them to participate in, or games for interaction.

7. Music. Having a little holiday music is great for the backdrop of conversations taking place. It eliminates the lull of silence should any conversations cease for a period of time.

8. Theme. Want to incorporate a theme?? You could do an ugly Christmas sweater contest! Seeing all your friends in the ugliest creation is sure to get lots of laughs!

9. Serve Ware. Use plastic plates, cups and utensils for easy clean up at the end of the night. A ‘go green’ effort would be to recycle them all after washing them off in the sink!!

10. Attire. As the host/hostess you’ll be the center of a lot of activity. You’ll be answering any questions someone may have about the apartment (i.e. location of bathroom), partaking in just about everyone’s conversation, etc. So you’ll want to make sure you look good! Be sure and get dolled up for your holiday party by wearing a nice holiday outfit!

11. Thank You Gifts. A nice touch would be at the end of the night to have a little ‘party bag’ for your guests to take home. Something to remind them of the good times they had at your holiday party. It can be elaborate or something simple. It’s a really nice gesture for sure!

12. Relax!! You are finally at the party you’ve worked so hard to plan. So relax and enjoy your time with friends and family!!

We hope you have a terrific holiday party season! Have fun and be safe!!

 I just love hosting parties; it is absolutely my favorite thing to do. While most people squirm at the thought of the planning, preparing and cleaning, I relish in it.  To me, it’s fun! It is also a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family. But I do have to say that at times it can be frustrating in my small apartment. But I’ve done some creative thinking which has helped me in my times of hosting, so I thought I’d share my experience.

1. Stay Calm. A positive attitude is key for you and your guests to enjoy the time together. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a walk. Cool down and get fresh air. Guaranteed when you come back you’ll have a new perspective. Remember that this time with your family and friends should be memorable.

2. Do a little bit in advance. Okay, so you know you’re apartment can hold 10 people and that’s exactly how many you invited. To make sure things run smoothly and that your guests are comfortable, prepare in advance for their arrival. Make sure to have small snacks on hand should the crowd get hungry. If you have any overnight guests, make sure you prepare for their sleeping arrangements which may include linens and pillows. Any meals that can be started or done prior to the day of would also be helpful.

3. Delegate tasks. As a hostess I realize that usually (at least for me) you’d like to have control over things. Not that you don’t trust anyone else to finish up that Green Bean Casserole, but maybe you just have the better touch. Whatever others offer to do, make sure you allow them to take part. It will not only relieve stress on your end but also make them feel more a part of the event.

4. Rearrange to accommodate. Obviously with a small one bedroom apartment, I know that squeezing in 10 people can be quite difficult. But all it takes is a little imagination to make it work. For example, I have a table with a leaf that comes in and out. This allows for expansion when I have dinner parties. I also use my kitchen countertop to function as a buffet table excluding the condiments and bread, which is left for the table. If any additional seating is needed in the living room (after dinner), I typically put decorative pillows on the ground or bring in chairs from the dinning room. And true to form, the hostess never sits unless all of her guests have a place to.

5. Embrace the holiday. Your family is together, you are at your apartment and there is immense love in the air. Don’t forget to celebrate that by soaking as much of it in as you can. For one day your small one bedroom apartment will seem like a blessing instead of curse because of the closeness you’ll feel with one another.

Another tip to mention is if you really do like to entertain (as I do) then you may want to consider a move if your apartment just isn’t cutting it. One of the amenities I looked for while apartment searching is a nice large kitchen & great room-for entertaining purposes. If that is something you can’t live without, considering moving and foregoing the other unnecessary items-like a view or wood floors, etc. Be sure at check out apartments on ForRent.com.

I hope everyone has a terrific Thanksgiving wherever they’re sharing it!