Living alone doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be lonely. If you’re like me, you want your apartment to come off as lively – sending a message that “this place is welcoming” to whomever visits. But exactly how do you go about achieving a lively apartment when you live by yourself? Consider the following –

• Guest Bedroom/Office – Of course not all of us are afforded the luxury of having an extra bedroom when we live alone. However, if you’re lucky enough to have one, consider turning it into a guest bedroom. Not only can you utilize the space for guests, it can also multitask as your personal office when it’s not in use.
• Game Nights – Having a few friends over for a game night every now and then is a fun way to socialize, all while showing off your place.
• Set Food Out – Setting out chips and dip along with other treats is a good way to show guests that you care about their comfort level. They won’t feel like they’re bothering you for food and they’ll know that they’re welcome to take what they want.
• Be a Good Host – Having friends over to your place is a good chance to show that you’re a good host, also making you a great friend. Ensure that your apartment has adequate seating for the amount of people you’re having over. Also offer people drinks when they arrive. In other words, make them feel at home.
• Blankets/Pillows – Once you’ve made sure that you have adequate seating, make sure that any visiting guests will be extra comfortable by keeping a folded blanket on your couch or chair. Having a fair amount of pillows will also show that the seating area is an inviting space to lie down and relax, especially if you’re having a movie night.
• Clean Bathroom – When having guests over, you’ll also want to ensure that your bathroom is clean beforehand. Go above and beyond. Make sure you have hand soap set out and a hand towel clearly visible for your guest to clean up. They’ll not only appreciate your cleanliness, a clean bathroom will also give them the feeling that your apartment is suited for visitors – making them want to visit once again.