Rising costs and inflation are driving more and more people to stay comfortably at home. Rather than going out, entertaining at home is becoming increasingly popular. Not only is it often far more comfortable, but it's also a great way to save money. Entertaining guests at home is also a way to create a more personalised experience, and it allows many people to foster those stronger connections with one another in a more intimate setting. Current lifestyle and cultural trends are also impacting this move toward entertaining at home. For example, trends such as casual dining, seasonal themes, and the importance of ambiance are all factors that weigh heavily in favour of taking it more casual at home. So, how can hosts make the experience even better for all involved?
Top Hospitality Insights and Approaches
For anyone planning to host, then there are a number of timeless strategies to consider in conjunction with some new approaches. One of the first things to consider is where to host. Outdoor spaces can be great and should be better utilised within this decision. Porches, patios and gardens are all great places to set up when entertaining a larger group, but only if the weather is good. A cosy atmosphere can be created outdoors too, with the use of lanterns, string or fairy lights, or even candles, though these are better suited for mood lighting indoors. If you're really struggling with creating a vibe, then you can also consider using a theme to keep everything a little more cohesive. This can help unify your decor, menu and the mood as a whole.
When it comes to the entertainment part, then you can really get stuck in. For food, it's often better to keep it seasonal and light. Fresh produce is a must, and sticking to easy-to-prepare dishes will save you a lot of time and stress in the run-up to your hosting time. It will also mean that you'll find it easier to prepare. Of course, you can also get help and ask friends and family to help out, outsourcing elements to them as well. This can include getting them to prepare dishes, make charcuterie boards, or bring floral arrangements to decorate the house or rooms. This can help the host enjoy their own party a little more if they're not stressed about everything all the time. Alongside food, drinks are a must. Make sure you've got something for everyone. If you're looking for a way to stand out, then why not offer a memorable welcome drink that greets everyone as they arrive. Better still, have a self-serve stand so that you can have time away from hosting duties and can mingle with everyone else.
For anyone looking to offer entertainment at their home, then it can be a little expensive to get all of this set up. Robert Dyas is a great example of a retailer that has a wide selection of practical and decorative items for hosting. This way, you can get some beautiful decor to create the ambiance you're going for in your home. Luckily, there are plenty of voucher codes and promotions for Robert Dyas available on Discoup.com, which can make the cost of entertaining a little more affordable, and there's no compromise on the quality of the items either. Utilizing such discounts means being able to save on essentials such as lighting, tableware, storage and cooking tools. Hosting naturally becomes easier and more accessible for all. Better still, if you can get your hands on high-quality items at lower prices, your hosting experience will improve, but you'll have durable items and get long-term savings too.
Benefits of Hosting at Home
There are many benefits to hosting at home too. While it can be expensive, it's often far cheaper than hiring out a venue or eating out for lots of people. Careful preparation is key, though, and with some creativity and smart choices, you can turn entertaining from being very stressful into an enjoyable experience for yourself as well as your guests. Take a look at the options out there, make strategic use of discount codes and discover new ways to elevate your home gatherings without breaking the bank.