SURVEY: HOSTING & ENTERTAINING
Are you daydreaming about aesthetic dinner parties with your friends? Longing to share laughs, plates of pasta and catch up over a meal? You just might be in your hosting era.
Having friends and family over is becoming more of an event: hosting an elevated #dinnerparty and #entertainingathome is trending as people in their #hostingera share the experiences they’re creating for their guests.
With the lead up to the holiday season, when people tend to host more than ever, we launched a survey with OnePoll to 2,000 US adults* to understand what people in their hosting era worry most about when they’re planning to entertain at home.
The survey found that while a majority of respondents (59%) enjoy hosting guests at home, about one-third (32%) almost never feel prepared to have people over, and many are running into some major stressors.
TOP STRESSORS RELATING TO HOSTING:
- Making sure everyone enjoys themselves (32%)
- Figuring out what food to serve (30%)
- Cleaning up in time for their guests’ arrival (28%)
Many also said they feel like they never have enough seating (18%), space (18%) and food (14%) for guests when they arrive.
At Article, we know if you’re in your hosting era you’re designing your home with guests in mind. We make it easy to create delightful spaces for guests so hosting is more effortless. We’ve partnered with Olivia McDowell: NYC-based content creator who has garnered millions of views around her effortless and thoughtful dinner parties, to share some tips to make the journey into your hosting era as smooth as possible.
A SPACE MADE FOR HOSTING
Results found that 71% of respondents host guests in their living rooms, with more than a quarter (28%) stating that they feel like they don’t have enough space for guests in their home. A third even admit to worrying so much about their guests being comfortable, they end up forgetting to enjoy themselves.
The right furniture can make a space more functional while maintaining style and comfort, allowing hosts to relax (to some degree).
“I’ve designed my home with hosting in mind so I feel prepared to welcome guests at all times — even unexpected ones.” said Olivia McDowell. “Having beautiful pieces that are functional and multipurpose make it easy to transition into ‘hosting mode’ and serve guests with ease.”
“Open shelving, for example, is a great way to display items you love and keep serving essentials within arms reach. A cabinet or sideboard is a helpful way to centralize the glassware, gadgets, and bottles needed to make drinks,” she adds.
PRODUCT PICKS
|
|
|
THINK OF A THEME
A majority of people (71%) said they need at least a day to prepare their homes to have people over; on average, they need three days to be ready for guests. Thirty-two percent simply almost never feel prepared to have people over.
Olivia’s advice? Kick off the planning process by choosing a theme. “Everything from décor, to food and drinks can be anchored around it, which I’ve found makes for a smoother and more seamless event set up,” she says. “You can create excitement around a simple girls night by implementing a theme that encourages people to dress up – I personally love centering my themes around the seasons!”
“Tablescapes are key to bringing a theme to life,” she continues, “a dining table that can fit all of my guests while still providing room for florals, candles and name cards is ideal. In a small space, extendable tables allow you to comfortably host guests and execute a theme, while leaving room for serving platters.”
PRODUCT PICKS
|
|
CURATE THE MENU
Once you’ve landed on a theme, it’s time to build the menu — something that nearly one third of those surveyed find to be a key stressor ahead of a gathering.
“I love to scour my favorite cookbooks and Pinterest for recipes that align with the theme and will incorporate in-season produce.” said McDowell, “To make it easier on yourself the day of your dinner party, try and choose dishes that can be prepared the night before. A personal favorite of mine is Pasta al Limone which is always a crowd pleaser.”
DON’T FORGET THE DRINKS
Similar to meal-planning for an event, Olivia suggests incorporating in-season fruits and flavors when preparing a drink menu.
“Drinks are another place where you can play and elevate your theme,” she says, “a summer spritz, an apple cider in the fall, or a holiday punch keeps things festive. Make sure to always have non-alcoholic alternatives available for guests so everyone can enjoy a toast together.”
PICTURE-PERFECT SETUP
55% of those surveyed said it’s important that their guests have a favorable opinion of their home. Any host wants their guests to have a memorable experience, and small, thoughtful touches can go a long way.
“Get creative with tablescapes: incorporate florals and candles, or simply tie a ribbon around each wine glass. Intentional touches that delight guests are what guests will remember,” suggests McDowell.
“Curating beautiful vignettes on surfaces around your home adds to the moment, too. Displaying your favorite coffee table books, photos and candles can make a space feel extra cozy. A bench is a great place to display everyday items, and can be moved if extra guests show up and you need more seating,” she adds.
PRODUCT PICKS
|
|
|
BON APPÉTIT!
Hosting a dinner party and entertaining at home can be a lot of work, but outfitting your space with the right furniture so you’re ready to host friends and family all year round is a great way to prepare, and sets the stage for your #hostingera.
“Incorporating thoughtful touches throughout your home makes guests feel welcomed,” said Madison Adam, Interior Design Manager at Article.“Entryways with convenient shoe storage, sideboards, and well-placed side tables and ottomans ensure glasses, platters, and extra guests have a designated spot to perch. Choosing furniture that has an everyday purpose in your home and delights guests when they visit will help make sure everyone has a good time, including the host.”
*Survey Methodology: Survey was conducted by OnePoll for Article between October 6 and October 10, 2023 with a sample of 2,000 general population Americans. View full survey findings here.