We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver our services. By continuing to visit this site, you agree to our use of cookies.More info
Pixel Properties® | brokered by REAL BrokerPixel Properties® | brokered by REAL Broker
Call Us:

501.319.7557

    Talk to a Local Expert
    Follow us
    The Team

    About Us

    • About
    • Meet Ray
    • Our Blog

    Our Services

    • Sell
    • Buy
    Pixel Properties® | brokered by REAL Broker

    400 W Capitol Ave Suite 1700, Little Rock, AR 72201

    • 501.319.7557
    • [email protected]
    buying a home

    Hosting Thanksgiving? Why Your Home Feels Too Small—and What to Do About It

    Thanksgiving has a way of bringing people together—and revealing just how much (or little) space your home truly has. Maybe...

    • Ray Ellen
    • November 27th, 2024
    • 4 min read
    Featured Image

    Thanksgiving has a way of bringing people together—and revealing just how much (or little) space your home truly has. Maybe this year you found yourself squeezing everyone around a too-small table or cramming into a living room that felt more like a sardine can. Or perhaps the real challenge came after dinner, when relatives needed somewhere to stay, and suddenly air mattresses, couches, and the kids’ bunk beds became makeshift guest rooms.

    Hosting Thanksgiving can be a joy, but it’s also when many homeowners realize their current setup may not work as well as they’d hoped. If that sounds like you, buying a bigger home might feel like the obvious solution. But before you jump into house-hunting mode, let’s consider the best way to balance your holiday hosting needs with your everyday life.

    Should You Buy a Bigger Home for the Holidays?

    It’s tempting to dream of a home with a massive dining room, a chef’s kitchen, and enough guest bedrooms to comfortably host the entire family. But unless you’re hosting Thanksgiving—or similar large gatherings—frequently, buying a home based on one or two holidays a year may not be the most practical move.

    Extra square footage comes with costs, from heating and cooling to maintenance and property taxes. Plus, those formal dining rooms and oversized living spaces often sit unused for the rest of the year. That kind of underutilized space might not align with your budget or your lifestyle.

    Instead of oversizing, think about creative ways to maximize the home you already have. Rearranging furniture can open up floor space for better guest flow. Multifunctional pieces like extendable tables or fold-out seating can make it easier to accommodate everyone. Outdoor spaces can also help take the pressure off indoor areas. A weatherproof patio with heaters or a rented dining tent in the backyard can provide extra seating and an inviting atmosphere without requiring a permanent upgrade.

    For Those Who Want or Need More Space

    If your budget allows for a larger home—or you’re ready for an upgrade—consider how the extra square footage will work for you beyond the holidays. Versatility is key. For example, a bonus room might serve as a guest suite during family visits and double as a home office, gym, or playroom the rest of the year. Similarly, a formal dining room could be designed to transform into a library or coworking area when it’s not hosting a feast.

    Outdoor spaces are another area to consider. Adding features like a fire pit, pergola, or enclosed patio can turn your yard into a year-round asset. These spaces can be used for spring and summer gatherings, casual family nights, or even as an everyday retreat. Investing in flexible furniture and built-in storage can also ensure that your hosting items—like folding tables and serving platters—stay out of sight but are easily accessible when needed.

    The goal isn’t just to buy a bigger home; it’s to buy a smarter one. Look for homes with open floor plans, oversized kitchen islands, and adaptable outdoor spaces. These features can make hosting easier while enhancing your day-to-day living experience.

    Practical Advice for Homebuyers

    When you’re touring homes with gatherings in mind, it’s important to think beyond the holidays. Consider how the space will serve your family for the rest of the year. Open layouts and multifunctional rooms can provide the flexibility you need without feeling excessive. Pay attention to flow and functionality—can people move comfortably between the kitchen, dining area, and living room? Is there enough parking and guest access for larger gatherings?

    And don’t forget to plan for the future. If your family is growing, you’ll want to account for changes in your hosting needs. Working with a real estate professional can help you navigate these decisions and find a home that meets your long-term goals while still being a great space for holiday celebrations.

    Finding Balance Between Holidays and Everyday Life

    Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and gratitude—not stress over cramped spaces and too many overnight guests. If your current home feels too small, there are plenty of creative ways to host without upsizing unnecessarily. And if you’re ready for a bigger space, the key is to make sure your new home serves your everyday life as well as your holiday dreams.

    Buying a home is about more than just square footage. It’s about creating a space that fits your lifestyle year-round.

    Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s make it happen—holiday dinners and all!

    Author Photo
    About the author

    Ray Ellen

    501.319.7557
    • facebook
    • X
    • instagram
    • linkedin
    • youtube
    • snapchat
    With over 17 years of real estate expertise, Ray Ellen is a nationally recognized leader in the industry. As the head of Pixel Properties, Ray has sold thousands of homes and consistently ranks among the top agents in Central Arkansas. His innovative marketing strategies & client-first approach have earned him features in Realtor Magazine, Inman, Soirée, At Home, AY Magazine, and numerous industry podcasts & panels. Ray’s dedication to excellence ensures a seamless, stress-free experience for both buyers and sellers.

    Similar posts like this

    buying a home

    A Holiday Haven for Generations: Discover a Magical North Pole Residence

    Discover the magic of the North Pole with this iconic estate, featuring enchanting details, a legendary workshop, and ti...
    Read more
    buying a home

    The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for New Homeowners

    Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a new homeowner? From practical tools to cozy decor, there are plenty of thou...
    Read more
    buying a home

    Holiday House Hunting: What Arkansas Buyers Need to Know

    If you’re house hunting during the holidays, you’re in for a unique experience—and it could lead to finding your dream h...
    Read more
    Pixel Properties® | brokered by REAL Broker

    Nationally Known, Locally Loved

    Pixel Properties®

    400 W Capitol Ave Suite 1700, Little Rock, AR 72201

    Pixel Properties®

    400 W Capitol Ave Suite 1700, Little Rock, AR 72201

    501.319.7557
    [email protected]

    Footer Links

    • Selling Your House
    • What's My Home Worth
    • Buy Your Home In Central Arkansas
    • Buying A Home
    • Search Properties
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Articles
    • Meet With Us
    • Buy Your Home In Central Arkansas
    • Military Relocation
    Join Our Email List:

    *We respect your inbox. We only send interesting and relevant emails.

    Pixel Properties® © 2025

    Privacy Policy
    Powered by