tessypie's Profile

For an easy, affordable pre-meal snack, what about a dip like edamame hummus that you can make ahead of time and refrigerate in ziplock bags. Then pipe them onto cucumber slices just before service. It doesn't require heating and is gluten free. For something hot, you could make a simple soup (like creamy tomato basil) ahead of time. Reheat it in a crock pot and serve in plastic cups/shot glasses.

It's not hot, but what about a big green salad for an extra vegetable? It's easy to serve family style. I would recommend tossing greens with fennel, orange, avocado and a simple vinaigrette.

I used to live in a 225 sq ft studio and decided to loft my bed because I entertain often and didn't want people all over my sleeping space. I didn't feel like it made the space feel smaller. On the contrary, it felt more like a real apartment (vs. a hotel) being able to have a desk, couch, etc. If you go with the loft, I recommend building a shelf to put your glasses, alarm clock, etc.

You should also be smart with the rest of your furniture. Buy foldable tables or tray tables that you can stash when not in use but can be brought out if you want someone to come to dinner. Also look for furniture that can serve double duty (eg: a trunk as a coffee table that can also be used as storage).

West Elm has great, inexpensive duvets. Though they're not exactly like what you found, you may find something to compromise on there.

Since the curtain pattern is large, I would accessorize with tight patterns (like a small stripe or check in the blue or moss green color) on the rug and throw pillows.

Try putting a throw pillow with one of those tight patterns on this bedding: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/grand-embroidered-duvet-cover-sham-white/?pkey=csolid-duvet-covers-shams

You could also try a rug like this:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=24646812