Sharing a meal with family and friends is one of life's joys. No doubt the space challenges of smaller homes add difficulty to planning gatherings. Fearing that you don't have enough room is not an excuse for avoiding the fun of having people over.

While you may not be able to entertain like "The Great Gatsby," every home has something charming to offer guests. Learning tricks to extend your space is worthwhile.

You might start with talking yourself into being comfortable with the concept of changing things around when you invite people to your place. This might mean pushing furniture against walls. For example, my dining room is actually a good size. If I move the table against one wall, I can squeeze in two or three round tables. It's a fun way to divide up the space. The dining table becomes the buffet surface, and my guests can dine in the round or stand-up tables work for a cocktail party.

Look for creative ways to open up more space when you entertain. I move some things into our walk-in closets in order to open up space. Stacks of books, side tables or even a bulky lounge chair might be pushed into the garage or even carried down to the basement. I've been known to cram things into an upstairs walk-in closet and remove kitchen counter items. They end up on the washing machine and dryer out in my garage. No one knows!

Next, think carefully about how you might involve some outdoor space to expand your seating. If you live in an area that is plagued by mosquitoes, take care to invest in bug screening. Know that there are numerous models of portable heaters on the market, from floor standing to table-top versions. Some folks install permanent eave-mounted heaters that radiate warmth down on guests. Conversely, those who live in the California or Arizona desert communities might be inclined to install outdoor ceiling fans or misting systems to bring the scorching summer temperatures down to moderate levels. Whether it's controlling heat or cold, you want to do everything possible to keep your guests comfortable.

Consider portable and temporary solutions for easy serving. This copper floor-standing beverage bucket is terrific when placed by the food table. I have a large copper pot, but it takes up valuable space on my kitchen counter and sweats all over the place. Instead, the freestanding bucket can be moved wherever it is most needed. You might invest in several if you typically have larger gatherings. There is even a belly-up table with an ice chest base on the market.

There are folding serving carts that can be stashed in the garage when not in demand. I've seen a serving cart made of durable Brazilian ipe wood made to roll right outside. You might even use your kitchen island if it is on sturdy casters. How wonderful would that be, to have an indoor/outdoor kitchen island? A serving cart could also be paraded out to the living room for more convenient serving of finger foods and beverages.

Keep in mind that even a folding chair can offer comfort. Look for the best design you can buy; it's worth the few extra bucks. I keep six bamboo folding chairs in my garage at all times. I like for the auxiliary seating to at least match and blend in handsomely with my regular dining chairs. Standing around, while balancing a plate of food in one hand and a drink in the other, is a totally different experience from being seated cozily around a table. There are different reasons for each. I recently hosted six women friends, and in that case, sitting around the table encouraged a deeper conversation.

Photo Credit: Kohl's

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at [email protected]. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.