Designing For Entertaining
- Kari Campbell
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Hosting season is almost here, and with it comes the inevitable shuffle of chairs, extra leaves in the dining table, and that quick mental check of whether your living room can really hold twelve people. The good news is, with a little smart planning (and maybe moving that chair you never sit in), your space can feel effortless and inviting no matter the size of your guest list.
In my opinion, the best parties don’t happen in one room—they move. People naturally migrate between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, so it’s worth thinking about how your furniture layout supports that. Try pulling your sofa away from the wall or arranging chairs so they feel conversational instead of lined up like soldiers. The goal is to make it easy for people to move and mingle.
1. Have More Seats Than You Think You Need
There’s nothing worse than being the last one in the room and realizing your only option is perching on the arm of the sofa or sitting on the floor. A mix of seating solves this: dining chairs, stools at the island, a bench that can be pulled into the action, even a pouf or ottoman or two. These pieces can be tucked away when it’s just family, but they’re lifesavers when a crowd arrives.
2. Lighting Sets The Mood
If you’ve ever been to a dinner party under harsh overhead lighting, you know: ambiance matters. Layering is the trick here. A pendant or chandelier gives you the foundation, sconces or table lamps add warmth, and candles finish it off with that soft glow everyone looks better in. Bonus points if you have dimmers—you’ll thank yourself later.
3. Add A Little Personality
The holidays don’t require a total home makeover, but one or two conversation starters can go a long way. Maybe it’s a bold piece of art, a new patterned rug under the sofa, or that antique foosball game you finally decided to bring out of hiding. These touches give your space character and make guests feel like they’re somewhere special.
Kari Campbell Interiors Portfolio
Bottom line: entertaining isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating spaces that feel open, welcoming, and a little bit “wow.”
Don't Forget!
Our Referral Reward Program is a simple way for us to say thank you for spreading the word about KCI!
Here’s how it works:
Refer a friend, family member, or colleague who books a full-service design project with us, and once their project is underway, you’ll both receive a reward.
Rewards range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the scope of the project.
Make sure they mention your name when they reach out!
...Until next month!
Comments