Effortless Entertaining: How to Create a Home Everyone Wants to Hang Out In

Growing up as an only child, I always loved going to friends’ homes filled with people, noise, and the busyness of life. For my future, I pictured an open-door policy where anyone felt welcome to drop by anytime (I always had to ask permission to host friends as a kid). Now, with one kid of my own, our house is the hangout. It’s filled with kids, laughter, and plenty of chaos. The best.

Creating a home where everyone loves to hang out doesn’t take a ton of effort. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can make hosting as enjoyable for you as it is for your guests. Here’s how I approach different types of gatherings in my own home…

1. Memorable Neighborhood Get-Togethers

Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy holiday party, neighborhood gatherings are all about connection and fun — not perfection.

Get Help: Even if it’s just your neighbor’s teenager, having someone to help with setup, cleanup, or passing out apps can make a world of difference. You’d be surprised how many people will volunteer for a “bartender shift” — everyone loves a little role at a party.

Create a Common Experience: I like to set up a fun scavenger hunt for the kids. It gives everyone something to connect over.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: I almost never clean my floors before a party. Let’s be real, no one notices. Plus, they’ll be dirty again in an hour. Put away the Pinterest-perfect ideals and focus on connecting with the people who matter.

2. Last-Minute Happy Hour at Home

Sometimes, the best gatherings are the spontaneous ones. You know the type — a friend texts, “Are you home?” and, next thing you know, there’s a small crowd on your doorstep. These impromptu get-togethers are so much easier to pull off when you have a few essentials at the ready…

Stock Your Staples: Keep a few bottles of champagne in the wine fridge and some fancy crackers in the pantry. A good cheese board is just a delivery away. Speaking of…

Embrace Delivery: Living in an area where you can get just about anything delivered within minutes is a gift. I’ve been known to order a last-minute alcohol delivery or sushi spread. Don’t be afraid to let a delivery service save the day.

3. Cozy Book Club Gatherings

Hosting a book club? Being a host is a lot like being a leader — it’s all about creating a comfortable space where people feel open to share.

Break the Ice: I like to start team meetings with “happies and crappies” (aka highs and lows). It’s a great way to get people talking and comfortable from the start. Try it out and watch how the conversation naturally flows.

Flexible Seating: Haul in extra chairs from the dining room, or keep poufs and ottomans tucked under consoles for easy extra seating.

4. Guest-Friendly Spaces for Out-of-Town Visitors

We all know the basics of a guest room — fresh linens, a comfortable bed, and maybe a spare phone charger. But here’s what really makes a guest feel at home:

The Essentials: A comfortable bed, blackout curtains, and in our family, a delicious breakfast and coffee (my wife is the cook, thank goodness). It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be thoughtful.

Keep it Welcoming: This goes for your entire home, but especially important in guest quarters. No one feels at home in a sterile, corporate-lobby environment full of shiny surfaces and straight edges. Keep the vibe lived-in and welcoming with cozy throw blankets, fresh flowers, and house plants. Living things signal that people (and their messiness) are welcome here.

Need some more tips for setting up a welcoming guest room? Read them here.

5. Kid-Friendly Game Nights

Whether it’s a game night with families, a kids-only get-together, or a bit of both, it’s important to keep things fun and low-stress.

Let the Kids Set Up: If you’re playing with kids, let them set up the game. They’ll stay entertained, and you’ll get a few extra minutes to chat with the other adults. Bonus points for a vintage video game console — nostalgia for the adults, entertainment for the kids.

Snack Smart: Kids are easy to please. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. Personally, I’m a popcorn fanatic, so I like to have both sweet and savory options on hand. It’s easy, everyone loves it, and it’s the perfect game-night treat.

Final Tips on Hosting

You don’t have to be the ultimate host to throw a great party. You just have to make people feel welcome and create a fun atmosphere. Here are a few tips that apply to any gathering, no matter the occasion.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: I almost never clean my floors before a party. Let’s be real, no one notices. Plus, they’ll be dirty again in an hour. Put away the Pinterest-perfect ideals and focus on connecting with the people who matter.

Set the Mood: When friends and family arrive, set the tone right away with soft lighting, good acoustics, and some background music. And, of course, always offer a drink, whether that’s sparkling water or something a little stronger.

Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to bring the party outside. A smaller home shouldn’t hold you back from entertaining. Take inspiration from designer Miles Redd, who famously hosted dinner parties in his bathroom because it was the largest room in his New York apartment. Sometimes, creativity is all you need.

Creating a home that everyone wants to hang out in isn’t about having a Pinterest-perfect space or a giant house. It’s about the little touches that make people feel comfortable, welcome, and ready to kick back and stay awhile.

Ready to make your home the place everyone loves to gather? You know where to find us.

Cheers,
Melanie