How To Make Gathering In A Public Space Feel Private
I’m a big believer in hosting and gathering with what you’ve got. So what do you do if you want to create a meaningful experience but don’t have the space to do so? Maybe you live in a tiny New York apartment, maybe you don’t have any outdoor space, maybe your home is a chaotic construction zone, or maybe your kitchen, dining room and/or living room is just not a functional space for gathering.
First of all I want to say, all space is functional for gathering, it just depends on the type of gathering you have in that space. A tiny New York sized apartment can definitely be a suitable space for a dinner party, it may just mean the dinner party will take place on the floor instead of at a table. A chaotic construction zone can still hold space for a birthday gathering, but maybe the type of birthday party is more of a BYO pizza kind of night and you hand out flashlights and hard hats instead of blowing out candles on a cake and giving out party hats.
So once you know any space can be functional for gathering just depending on the type of gathering you have, this opens up a whole new world of potential gathering space! Think of the gatherings you could have in a park, at the beach, in an empty field, near a riverbank, on the steps of city hall, at an abandoned warehouse, in a random alleyway, at the zoo! When you think about it, the possibilities are actually endless.
But just because you gather in a public space, does not mean you have to lose the intimacy you get when gathering in a private space. It just means you have to put more thought into how you can recreate a similar type of atmosphere! Below is a list of ways, some big some small, that you can give your guests that same intimate feeling of a private gathering, but in a public space:
Use a portable speaker to play music throughout your gathering - be mindful of other people who are also using the public space though and be sure to keep the volume low enough that only the people in your area can hear it.
Have your guests all wear the same thing (like the same color outfit or a specific unique accessory) - this will help the gathering carry an identity throughout the event and (bonus!) will be a helpful way your guests can locate your gathering.
Bring tables, chairs, decor and any other items you would normally use in your own private space (like flowers and water pitchers) if there are not some already there - seeing this will give your guests a recognizable familiarity even while being in an unfamiliar environment. But also be sure to check and see what is allowed ahead of time (like glass, alcohol and candles).
Have a “rule” for the gathering that helps unify the group - such as everyone must contribute something physical to the gathering (like blankets and place cards) or no one is allowed to talk about their kids all night or everyone brings their favorite dessert to share.
Turn off your phones/cameras - obviously wait until everyone arrives to the location, but after they’re all there and you snap some photos, turn the technology off to create a present atmosphere in your new surrounding.
Create separation between your gathering and the rest of the public space - Having something set up that immediately marks your space as different will create intimacy for your guests as well as keep out those who are not part of your gathering. This could be the table you set up that looks very different from the other picnic benches or something as simple as hanging a banner!
Using a public space to gather can feel daunting and the number of logistical questions alone can be more than enough to turn some people off. But some of my all time favorite events I’ve ever hosted and attended have been in public places! I promise, with a little creativity and some confidence, intimate gatherings in public spaces can be your favorite too :)