It’s that time of year for festive celebrations! One of the benefits of apartment living is extra spaces specially designed for entertaining. Typically, your apartment community’s clubhouse offer far more room than your apartment ever could, allowing you to expand your guest list and have plenty of space for a fun time. You simply have to discover if you’re talking about clubhouse rentals or reservations . . . and then you’re ready to plan your holiday party.
Ask if there’s a fee or deposit required
Clubhouses or lounge area can sometimes be booked for free by tenants – first come, first served – but clubhouse rentals are also common. You might, however, secure yours for only a deposit. These range in price, but as long as no damage in incurred, your deposit will be fully refunded, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of this amenity without any extra costs. Some places charge a clean-up fee. Be sure to ask in advance so you don’t blow your party budget.
These large lounge areas – community centers, really, are often private, in that they have doors, so that only invited guests drop in. Most provide dining tables, seating areas, kitchen facilities and even a bar area, perfect for spreading out a buffet, arranging a potluck, or setting up a drinks station.
Related: How to Throw a Space-Saving Dinner Party on a Budget and Creating a holiday budget
Ask about decor
You’ll want to find out about décor options. During the holidays, many places have their own decorations in place–that’s great because it can save you some money! If not find out the restrictions. Some may not allow items to be hung from walls, or certain items to be brought into the common areas. It’s also wise to inquire about music/entertainment as well as liquor laws. The last thing you want to do it jeopardize your relationship with your association/building and neighbors.
Related: Things to keep on hand for parties
Reserve in advance
Space is limited, and other people are probably having parties around the same time. Unless you can change the time of the party on a whim, you’re going to want to check well in advance to make sure you can get the time you’re looking for.
Be watchful of the time while you’re there
Similar to the above, there are probably other people going to use the clubhouse in close proximity to you. So, even if you’re having a really good time and never want the party to end, you want to keep an eye on the clock so you can make sure to wrap the party up on time.
Read more: 6 Ways to Prevent Guests From Overstaying Their Welcome
Clean up afterwards
You’re using a public space, so don’t make a mess of it. Parties can be messy, but that just means it’s your responsibility to make sure that it’s cleaned up afterwards, ready for the next person to use it. Not only is it the right thing to do, but if you put down a deposit and left a mess, you’re probably not getting that deposit back.
Find out what’s allowed
There are a lot of possible restrictions in clubhouses, so make sure that you know what they are ahead of time. Some things you might want to get cleared up beforehand:
- How many people can be in the clubhouse? There’s always a limit, if only just from the fire department.
- Is it considered a public or private space? Can you kick out someone who crashes the party? Does this apply just to the clubhouse, or connected areas, such as a pool?
- Can you adjust the thermostat? This might not seem like an issue, but when you have 20 people in a room at 73 degrees, it can get uncomfortable.
- Is smoking allowed? Alcohol?
It may seem like a hassle but renting out the clubhouse is often a better place to host a party than your apartment. You get a space made for groups, no one will be snooping around your apartment while you’re not paying attention, and you can move on to planning the holiday party you really want to throw.
Want to know more? Check out 8 Steps to Throw a Holiday Part That’s Full of Cheer or Throw a Great Party in a Small Apartment.