I have a one-bedroom apartment, 35 square meters, and I want to invite like 10-12 people. Maybe there are some tips on how to arrange furniture or what format the evening could be? I don't want to rent a cafe, I'd like to have a home celebration.
In that situation, I'd move the extra furniture to the bedroom or hallway - even a coffee table and a couple of armchairs give you surprisingly much space. As for the format: you could focus on food and drinks instead of dancing, like a table with snacks, people will naturally stand around, move between different parts of the apartment, chat. Also open the window early so it's more comfortable with that many people. Honestly, at my birthday parties in similar conditions I just split the guests up - some in the kitchen with the food, some in the living room, people went back and forth, and nobody felt cramped. Or do you have some specific evening plan in mind already?
The main thing you shouldn't do is try to squeeze everything in while keeping it cozy. I once invited 8 people to my husband's birthday and left half the furniture in place, thinking it would feel more "homey." As a result, everyone was standing in the hallway, shifting from foot to foot, and the vibe was tense. Now I know: it's better to move the armchairs, chairs, and side tables to the bedroom or even the balcony than to struggle trying to fit everyone in. Space is worth more than keeping your furniture comfortable for one evening.
The second thing everyone forgets to complain about is ventilation. With 10-12 people in a one-bedroom apartment, the air gets stuffy within an hour or so, even if you aired the place out before guests arrive. Open the window as much as the noise and weather allow. Fresh air works wonders for both the mood and the guests' voices (they won't be shouting so loud).
As for the format itself - I'd put the emphasis on food. I have a few signature appetizers that I prep in advance, cut everything up, and stick in the fridge. Then I take them out, arrange them on nice boards and platters right in the room. People are constantly eating, moving around for more, standing by the table - it naturally breaks up the crowd. Plus, if the focus is on food and drinks rather than sitting and talking face to face, nobody feels the need for deep meaningful conversations. I'd put some background music on low, maybe a board game on the table. It all ends up feeling more relaxed and natural.
So everyone can sit at the same time. At my husband's and my anniversary, we had guests standing around in little groups in the kitchen, in the room, in the hallway, and nobody was uncomfortable about it - people just naturally moved around. If you set the table in the kitchen and keep refreshing the snacks, nobody will be bored sitting in a corner. It's also important to give your guests a heads-up beforehand so nobody expects some fancy sit-down dinner.
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