Gather and Celebrate: How to Host Thanksgiving in a Small House

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, reunions, and good food. But when you live in a small space, “gathering” can feel like a game of high-level Tetris. Between carving the turkey, setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner, and finding a place for everyone to sleep or play games together, it’s easy to feel like your walls are closing in.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a massive dining room or a full guest wing to celebrate in style and convenience. With a little creativity (and maybe a clever piece of furniture or two), you can turn even the smallest apartment into the biggest space worthy of Thanksgiving hosting.

Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner

Here are a few things to keep in mind — no matter how much space you have.

1. Space to Gather: Making Room for Gratitude in a Small Space

The beauty of this occasion isn’t about the size of your Thanksgiving table — it’s about the people around it. When space is limited, it just means you get to be a little more intentional about how you use it.

Start by thinking about how your space feels rather than how it looks. Rearrange furniture to open up space you think you didn’t have, move chairs around for an ideal conversation area, or add floor cushions for extra seating. A few soft throws and warm lighting go a long way in creating that warm and inviting atmosphere.

If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner buffet style and have overnight guests, remember that “making room” doesn’t have to mean having a spare bedroom and a separate dinner table. With a Lori Bed, your home office or hobby room can easily transform into a comfortable guest room in minutes. When it’s time to rest, just pull the bed down and add fresh linens; in the morning, fold it up and reclaim your space.

Because being a good host isn’t about having more — it’s about making the most of what you already have.

2. The Thanksgiving Game Plan: Get Guest-Ready in a Day

As the holiday planner, prepping your space doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of it as a mini reset before the holiday season officially kicks off.

Here are a few quick ways to get your home guest-ready in just one day:

Declutter with purpose.
Clear countertops and side tables. Keep only the hosting essentials that keep your home cozy — candles, serving dishes, and your prettiest seasonal decor — and lock the others away. The goal is to make your home feel calm and open, not cluttered with chaos.

Add a warm vibe with texture and scent.
Layer cozy, patterned blankets, light a pine-scented candle, and bring in a few natural touches like small potted plants or flowers in vases. These small details make a big impact, especially in compact spaces. They add a touch of cozy that gives off that welcoming atmosphere.

Create flexible zones.
Think multi-functional. A dining table can double as a buffet station, a coffee table can host a dessert spread, and a Lori Bed Queen Horizontal with a Desk upgrade can become the perfect spot for wine glasses or coffee mugs when closed.

Prep your guest space.
If you have a Murphy bed like the Lori Bed or the YouLift Bed, you’re already ahead. Add soft bedding, fresh towels, and maybe a little welcome note. Guests always appreciate thoughtful touches — especially when their “guest room” was just your office a few minutes ago.

Hosting in a small space isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about creating a welcoming environment that suits the theme of the holiday.

3. Grateful for the Little Things at the Dinner Table

When we think about Thanksgiving, we usually picture a full table, a packed house, and plenty of activities that suit all ages. But sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from simple things: a quiet morning coffee, a heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh over a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

This year, focus on being grateful for the little things — including the small house that keeps you close to the people you love.

At Lori Beds, we believe that living well isn’t about having more room — it’s about using your limited space with purpose. Our Murphy beds are designed to make your home flexible enough to host a special meal, rest comfortably, and live all year-round.

Because gratitude doesn’t just come from what you have — it comes from how you make space for what matters.

4. A Season of Thanks (and a Hint of What’s Coming)

As you gather around your dining room table this Thanksgiving with the people close to you, take a moment to look around and appreciate the space you’ve created. Your home tells a story of connection and creativity, of hard work and rest, no matter how big or small it is.

And as the holiday season rolls on, remember that your space deserves a little love too. If you’ve been dreaming of upgrading your home with investment-worthy furniture, now’s the perfect time to do it — especially with Black Friday savings just around the corner.

So light that candle, pour another cup of cider, and celebrate the home (and people) that fill you with gratitude every day.

Final Thoughts:

Thanksgiving is about presence. Whether you’re hosting in a one-bedroom apartment, a tiny house, or a family home, what matters most is the warmth you create within those walls for a memorable Thanksgiving celebration..

This year, make space for gratitude — and for the ones you love.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Lori Beds. 

Shop for Murphy Bed