Every family has different interests and priorities for their new home. For those who love to entertain, creating a space that can become “party central” is key. Regardless of what kind of entertaining you like to do, there are some design guidelines that will help you create the perfect space to host your family and friends.

• If you’re building a new home, remember that flexibility is essential. Plan spaces that are adaptable to large parties, cozy get-togethers or quiet dinners. Choose furniture that is adaptable, too.
• Make your guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive. Have a place to put coats and bags. Make sure they know where the food & drink are. Have an easily accessible powder room on the main level.
• Whether you entertain often or only once a year, keep your entertaining essentials (platters, glasses, special dishes, silverware) organized and ready to use. Keep it somewhere that’s easy to access (pantry, closet, cabinet) and altogether so you don’t have to go rummaging around.
• Functionality. If you have an open floor plan, maximize its usefulness. Move furniture to create open flow, create flexible seating areas, make the rooms multi-functional – eating, chatting, etc.
• If you prefer formal, sit-down affairs, make sure you have a table that can extend to fit guests comfortably. And a room that has enough space for that table as well as chairs, and a buffet or sideboard for presenting food.
• Lighting and music add so much to the festivities. Don’t forget to set the tone with appropriate background music and mood lighting.
• Kid Zone. If you have a basement, turn it into a game or rec room. Give the kids somewhere to go to get away from the adults – or somewhere for the guys to go and watch the game. May it contain a bar, pool table, other games, and a huge TV.
• Go Outside. Create a nice, open entry to your deck, patio, or porch through large sliding glass doors, screen doors, etc. to create a natural indoor/outdoor flow. Make sure it’s set up with ample seating and tables, and encourage people to mosey from inside to outside by putting food and activities in both places.