Make more space for your holiday feast!

These easy tricks will help maximize your kitchen and dining area so you can entertain in style—without spending a dime

Welcome all your with loved ones inviting dining nooks

Too many folks to fit at your dining room table? “Just create small, intimate dining spots using side tables,” says former caterer Aurora Satler. “Place them near the walls of the room to keep the middle open for mingling, and put out food in smaller bowls so you can spread it out among the tables, where it can easily be accessed.” Prefer a sitdown meal? “Drape a tablecloth over a card table and place it next to your dining table to seamlessly expand your seating.”

Save on settings by going “plate”-luck

“If you don’t have enough plates for everyone, consider asking guests to bring one of their own,” says event planner Teal Nicholson. “Make it fun by having them choose something special to them—anything from part of their grandmother’s china to a rare flea-market find. Not only will this nix the need for you to buy more dinnerware, it’ll make for a great conversation starter!”

Create serving space with pretty box buffets

It’s easy to transform just about any surface into a serving area, says organizer Seana Turner. “Simply drape tablecloths over boxes of varying heights,” she suggests. “This tiered look isn’t just eye-pleasing, it lets you pack on the food without making your space look crammed.” Turner’s cheap- chic tip: “Wooden crates, like those that citrus fruits are sold in, turned on their side work beautifully as double- decker buffets!”

Expand your counter with a cutting board

“Lack of counter space can be one of the biggest challenges when cooking a large meal,” says Turner. The fix: “Clear counters of any unnecessary appliances, even if you have to stash them in a closet. Then temporarily create extra prep space just by placing a large cutting board across your sink!”

Get more out of your with a “nap” oven

A tight squeeze in your oven? Just make a few dishes, like stuffing, in advance— then take advantage of your turkey’s “nap time”! “The bird needs 30 minutes to rest after you take it out of the oven,” says Satler. “While it’s cooling, put food that needs to warm up in the oven. This way, everything will be ready at the same time!”