What the Pros Know
Just the Party Facts Ma’am
Just as the “Stay-cation” swept the nation a couple
years ago, so did home entertaining. Tight wallets
and the desire to socialize drove people to their own
tables instead of expensive restaurants. It was so
much fun that even as the economy improves, your
table is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights.
Forty percent of consumers said they plan to
entertain more often at home in the next year. And
women – especially moms – plan the majority of
celebrations, big and small from start to finish.
Dinner parties were popular decades ago and they
are making a comeback with the millinennials, two
thirds of which consider themselves casual cooking
enthusiasts. They cook an average of nine elaborate
or gourmet meals per year, 67% scour the internet
and sites like pinterest for their next famous dish.
Specialty drinks are a fun feature to an at-home
dinner party, along with the traditional wine and
beer, with hosts spending 20% of their party budget
on alcohol.
A new trend in home entertaining is house-hopping.
A group of friends plan an evening that includes a
meal at each of their houses. One house will
present drinks and apps, the next an entree and the
last a dessert. Splitting up meals and location makes
the evening more affordable, one host doesn’t pay
for everything, and adds an element of surprise and
adventure.
Themed meals, and beer or wine-paired meals are
also popular, and planning them is a big part of the
fun. For your next night out with friends, consider a
night in.
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