Love hosting, but lack the space for it? If you’re an avid holiday host, but your current home can’t quite accommodate all of your big plans, it may be time for an upgrade! There are plenty of benefits to owning a new home, and one particularly compelling advantage is having greater hosting capabilities. A new home—and its corresponding features—could offer the space and versatility needed for everything from intimate dinners to bustling holiday parties.
Curious about what these features may look like? In this article, we’ll be going room by room and exploring some popular elements of new homes that could turn your holiday season from overwhelming to outstanding!
Entryways and mudrooms
As the first place your guests see, your entrance truly sets the tone for your home. A well-designed entryway makes holiday hosting smoother from the moment people walk in. Spacious foyers give guests plenty of room to file in (particularly if they have their hands full with gifts or side dishes), while a mudroom with a built-in bench or cubbies allows them to easily remove and store their shoes and coats.
The kitchen
Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s no secret that the kitchen is also often the center of any gathering. As a holiday host, you’ll likely spend more time here than in any other room. So, why not make this space work for your needs? Kitchens in new homes are increasingly designed with functionality in mind, and offer an array of useful features to make your life a little easier.
Some of these features include:
- A center island. This convenient addition allows you to meal prep, cook, and socialize at the same time. Plus, if you’re hosting a large number of people, you could also add bar stools for extra seating options.
- Energy-efficient appliances. The holiday host isn’t the only one working overtime—your appliances probably are too! Having an efficient refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, or stove could not only save you time and stress, but may also save you money on your utility bills (a welcome advantage after a costly holiday season).
- A walk-in pantry. Large meals often call for a lot of ingredients, and a spacious pantry could be just what you need for keeping those items out of sight until you need them.
- Ample cabinetry. Along the same vein, a home with plenty of kitchen cabinets could help you curb the clutter before your guests arrive. Store unused appliances and dishes, and save the countertop space for prepping and making a delicious feast
- A butler’s pantry or prep kitchen. Some new houses might also come with a butler’s pantry or prep kitchen adjacent to the primary kitchen. These helpful areas may include additional countertops, cabinetry, a sink, a mini fridge, or other useful features, making them ideal for staging meals or cleaning dishes.
Dining and great rooms
A well-designed great room or dining space can truly elevate a gathering and set the stage for your celebration. Open-concept layouts, particularly on the main floor of a home, are perfect for holiday hosting. Guests can move between rooms freely, and the unobstructed views may make your space seem even larger than it is.
Built-in shelving or entertainment centers allow you to keep games and movies close at hand for some post-meal fun, while a central fireplace creates a cozy ambiance, especially on colder nights.
Guest accommodations
If you’re the kind of holiday host who welcomes overnight guests, having an additional bedroom (or a few!) can make all the difference in ensuring everyone’s comfort and happiness. When searching for a new house, be sure to keep an eye out for:
- Main-floor guest suites. For older relatives or anyone who has trouble navigating stairs, this feature provides comfortable accommodations to keep them on only one level.
- Versatile rooms. Flex or bonus rooms can double as sleeping spaces for guests with the help of a daybed or sleeper sofa.
- En suite bathrooms. Your visitors will be appreciative of the privacy and convenience afforded by an attached bathroom in their room.
Kids’ areas
Entertaining during the holidays often means having a mix of age groups under one roof. For hosts with children—or friends and family with little ones—it may be necessary to have dedicated spaces just for the kids to keep them occupied (and out of the way). Rooms such as lofts, teen rooms, or even finished basements can serve as havens for the 18-and-under crowd. Turn these areas into playrooms, at-home theaters, or craft corners to keep children and teens busy while the adults catch up.
Outdoor entertaining
Holiday hosting doesn’t have to be confined indoors, particularly in areas with warmer climates. Many new homes come with beautiful outdoor living spaces that allow you to take your gatherings to the backyards.
- Covered patios or decks provide the perfect place for you and your guests to enjoy some fresh air in any weather. Add outdoor tables, chairs, or couches to make the space more inviting.
- Outdoor kitchens offer extra space to whip up some dishes without crowding the indoor kitchen.
- Patio fireplaces are perfect for cozying up to after a filling dinner. Add blankets and hot cocoa and you have the perfect recipe for evening relaxation!
- Center-meet or multi-slide glass doors help create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, expanding your entertaining area even further.
If you decorate for the holidays, outdoor outlets and smart controls make it easy to create a festive exterior without running extension cords through the window.
Find a new home that fits your lifestyle
When house hunting, it can be easy to focus on the numbers—the bedroom count, the square footage, the price. However, it’s important to also consider what you can do with a floor plan and how it’ll fit into your lifestyle. Finding a home that works for you not only during the holidays, but also all year round, is a crucial part of your search. With the right features and an eye for creativity, you can turn an ordinary floor plan into the home of your dreams.
Richmond American floor plans are designed with livability in mind. They offer layouts and elements that can adapt to how you live and function effectively for years to come. If you’re interested in learning more about our available floor plans and listings in your area, get in touch with a knowledgeable New Home Specialist.
In conclusion
Being a great holiday host isn’t just about planning the perfect menu or decorating with flair. It starts with having the right space to bring people together comfortably. Many new homes offer thoughtful elements that make gatherings more enjoyable for everyone. From chef-worthy kitchens to functional outdoor spaces, there are certain home features that can add a lot of value to your entertaining toolbox. After all, the perfect house isn’t just where you live—it’s where you make memories.
Looking for related reads? Be sure to check out the following articles on our Homeward™ blog:
- ‘Tis the Season for Holiday Self Care: 8 Tips for Reducing Stress
- Elevate Your Holiday with a Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
- Five Ways to Enhance Living Spaces & Love Your Home
- How to Find a Home Floor Plan You’ll Love for Life
