Five Small Reasons To Celebrate At Home

Not every gathering needs a big occasion behind it. With a bit of planning and the right pieces for serving and tidying, a balcony, patio or compact living room can host its own small celebration any evening of the week.

Clear the clutter before the guests arrive

A tidy entrance sets the tone for any get-together, and in a Maltese apartment or townhouse hallway space is often tight. A simple box or sorter kept on a chair by the door gives everyone somewhere to drop keys, sunglasses and phones as they come in, which works nicely too for a digital detox evening when the idea is to put devices away and actually talk to each other. Keeping one spot for this means less searching for belongings later and a calmer, less cluttered entrance throughout the year.

PÄRKLA storage case, 55x49x19 cmSAMLA box with lid, transparent, 57x39x28 cm/45 lKNAGGLIG box, pine, 46x31x25 cmSAMLA box, transparent, 56x39x28 cm/45 lSAMLA box, transparent, 78x56x43 cm/130 lKNAGGLIG box, pine, 23x31x15 cm

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Marking water, soil and the simple things

Some of the nicest get-togethers need very little organising. A water-themed afternoon can be as simple as fruity ice lollies and ice cubes in fun shapes, enjoyed on a rooftop, balcony or in a nearby garden during the long Maltese summer. A planting day works well too, gathering friends with green fingers for lemonade and nibbles before getting hands dirty in pots or on a patio. Both occasions ask for little more than good company and something cold to drink, which makes them easy to repeat whenever the mood takes you.

A flexible table for an easy weekday supper

A midweek potluck becomes a lovely little tradition once there is a table that can adapt to however many people turn up. Keep things casual by tying glasses to strips of fabric so guests can help themselves, turning practical self-service into a bit of decoration at the same time. In a compact dining area or open-plan kitchen, a table that can be adjusted according to the number of guests makes it far easier to welcome one more chair without the evening feeling cramped.

NÄSINGE extendable table, dark brown stained/beech veneer, 130/190x80 cmLISABO table, black/ash veneer, 140x78 cmMÖRBYLÅNGA table, oak veneer brown stained, 220x100 cmLISABO table, ash veneer, 200x78 cmPINNTORP table, light brown stained/white stained, 125x75 cmMARIEDAMM table, black marble effect, 180x100 cm

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Serving snacks and drinks in style

Tapas, popcorn or a simple spread all look better served properly, and IKEA's VARDAGEN range brings a traditional, honest look to the table. Jars with lids are handy for storing and serving nibbles, while VARDAGEN glasses suit everything from iced lemonade to a splash of something stronger once the sun goes down. A VARDAGEN measuring jug and measuring cup also earn their keep in the kitchen beforehand, whether that is mixing drinks or getting the popcorn seasoning just right before the night gets going.

VARDAGEN jar with lid, clear glass, 1.9 lVARDAGEN glass, clear glass, 31 cl, 6 packVARDAGEN glass, clear glass, 43 cl, 6 packVARDAGEN measuring jug, glass, 0.5 lVARDAGEN stand for jar with tap, dark grey, 20 cmVARDAGEN measuring cup, set of 5

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Small celebrations deserve good basics, from tidy storage to a table that flexes and glassware that suits the occasion. Maltashopper brings these IKEA pieces to homes across Malta and Gozo.

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