In Spain, December is a time when families gather around the table to celebrate Christmas. But when you have 11 children at home and up to twenty guests for dinner, it turns into a real challenge. Lourdes Álvarez, a mother of a large family, knows how to turn even a small living room into a cozy space for everyone invited. Not only does she manage the organization, but she also makes sure every guest feels welcome.
Her home is always filled with an atmosphere of openness. During the holidays, not only relatives join them, but also the children’s friends who can’t travel to their own families. Lourdes believes there’s room for everyone with a bit of creativity and practicality. She’s not afraid to experiment with space and furniture so that all the guests can sit at the same table.
Furniture and space
Lourdes’s greatest solution is folding tables and chairs. A regular dining area isn’t designed for so many people, so she uses furniture that is easy to set up and put away after dinner. This allows her to quickly transform the living room into a banquet hall and then return it to normal. The folding tables are connected in a row, creating a long table where all the guests can sit together.
To create a sense of unity, Lourdes uses identical tablecloths on all the tables. This approach visually ties the space together and adds a festive touch to the interior. She recommends choosing simple yet attractive fabrics that are easy to wash and don’t take up much storage space. Folding chairs are also a lifesaver, since they can be brought out only during the celebration.
Décor and atmosphere
Lourdes believes that even a small space can feel truly festive. She avoids bulky decorations to keep the area from feeling cluttered. Instead, she hangs garlands on doors and mirrors, while placing the main decorative elements on walls and shelves. This keeps the tables free for food and drinks.
To decorate the table, Lourdes uses small themed figurines—reindeer, nutcrackers, miniature Christmas trees. They don’t get in guests’ way and add a cozy touch. Tall stands with treats or flowers can be placed in the center to free up room for plates. This method lets you fit everything you need without making the table feel cramped.
Guest areas
To avoid chaos, Lourdes sets up separate zones for different activities. In one corner of the living room, she arranges a snack table where guests can grab a bite before the main dinner. In another, there’s a gift area so children can open their surprises in peace. This helps manage the flow of people and makes the event more comfortable for everyone.
Special attention is paid to the pathways between tables and furniture. Lourdes always leaves enough space for guests to move freely around the room. She recommends planning the furniture arrangement in advance to avoid congestion and discomfort. This approach is especially important when there are many children and elderly relatives in the house.
Tips for Organizing
Lourdes recommends making a guest list in advance and planning the seating arrangement. This helps avoid confusion and keeps the dinner more organized. She also suggests preparing dishes that are easy to portion out and serve quickly. For drinks, it’s better to set up a separate table to prevent lines at the refrigerator.
Another lifehack is to use tiered stands for appetizers and desserts. This allows you to fit more treats in a limited space. Lourdes is convinced: the most important thing is not to be afraid to experiment and not to overlook the little details that make a celebration special.
In case you didn’t know, Lourdes Álvarez is a well-known Spanish supermom raising 11 children. She actively shares her experience organizing family events and runs a popular blog where she talks about life with a big family. Her tips for creating comfort and a festive atmosphere inspire thousands of Spaniards to start new family traditions.
