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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs 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 <\/strong>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 <\/strong>allows them to easily remove and store their shoes and coats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home, it\u2019s no secret that the kitchen is also often the center of any gathering. As a holiday host, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of these features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A well-designed great room or dining space can truly elevate a gathering and set the stage for your celebration. Open-concept layouts<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Built-in shelving<\/strong> or entertainment centers<\/strong> allow you to keep games and movies close at hand for some post-meal fun, while a central fireplace <\/strong>creates a cozy ambiance, especially on colder nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re the kind of holiday host who welcomes overnight guests, having an additional bedroom (or a few!) can make all the difference in ensuring everyone\u2019s comfort and happiness. When searching for a new house, be sure to keep an eye out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Entertaining during the holidays often means having a mix of age groups under one roof. For hosts with children\u2014or friends and family with little ones\u2014it 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holiday hosting doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe kitchen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dining and great rooms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGuest accommodations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Kids\u2019 areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Outdoor entertaining<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Find a new home that fits your lifestyle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n