Purchasing furniture is a big investment, and for most people, it’s something that requires a little bit of planning. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck on furniture that really suits your space at Reserve at Garden Oaks, there are some simple rules to follow. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing new furniture.

1. Measure everything. You always want to measure your space before purchasing large furniture pieces such as a sofa or an area rug. Measure the entire room first, and then determine how much of that space you want the furniture to fill. Finally, take a measuring tape with you to the store and measure the furniture before purchasing.
2. Consider the doorway. Be sure that you can fit the furniture through hallways and into the apartment itself before purchasing.
3. Think of its uses. Will you use your sofa mainly for watching television, or will it be a gathering space for large groups of people? Keep the functionality in mind before making any furniture purchases.
4. Choose high-quality materials. You might be okay with purchasing bargain furniture for your first apartment, but if you really want your furniture to last, it’s best to pay a bit more for high-quality construction. Look for pieces made with real wood, and if it’s a sofa, inspect the seams and cushions to test their quality.

How to Determine Furniture Proportion to a Room [SF Gate]
Choosing the Right Size Sofa: Four Key Questions to Ask Yourself [Apartment Therapy]
Choosing the Right Furniture [Moving.com]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr emily @ go haus go

If you’re struggling to find fun, creative ideas for a child’s upcoming birthday party or other special occasion, iT’Z Houston might just be the answer! This fun-filled play place is a combination arcade, upscale bowling alley, pizza buffet, and much more, which makes it a great time for visitors of all ages.

The colorful restaurant features a full-service bar for of-age guests to enjoy a beer or a cocktail while watching the big game, while the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet provides an affordable lunch for the whole family. There are an impressive number of seating options throughout the wacky, brightly lit dining area, and the restaurant opens up into the futuristic bowling alley, complete with leather sofas and glowing neon lights.

The arcade is a wonderland for kids of all ages, while the private party room, bumper cars, and amusement park rides are just the icing on the cake at this Houston facility.

iT’Z Houston
18355 Tomball Parkway
Houston, TX 77070
(832) 678-2151
www.itzusa.com/itz-houston-home

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr nan palmero

Don't have a traditional dining room table? You'll be happy to know that there are still a number of other ways to have your friends over for dinner. Here are a few smart tips for hosting a dinner party even without a dining room.

• Think buffet-style. Avoid the sit-down feel right from the beginning by serving your food buffet style. This not only embraces the lack of a traditional dining room, it even makes it more fun.
• Plan the menu accordingly. Since you don't have a large table, you'll want to avoid a really formal meal. This isn't the time for prime rib and multiple sides; rather, it's the perfect opportunity for a taco bar, a heaping bowl of pasta or dress-them-yourself burgers.
• Embrace your outdoor space. If your rental comes equipped with its own private outdoor space (or even a shared outdoor area), it's the perfect opportunity to take your meal al fresco. Bring along a tablecloth, a few candles for ambiance and some recyclable plates that don't require much clean-up.
• Take it to the floor. Toss some comfortable throw pillows around your living room and instruct your friends to gather around the coffee table.
• Turn it into a theme night. If you're worried about the informal feel of eating on your couch with guests, turn your dinner party into a cozy theme. Pop in a movie for a laid-back movie night, or grab some board games for a dinner-party-turned-game-night.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Freya.Spargo