How to Impress Your Friends at Your First Post-Pandemic Gathering

How to Impress Your Friends at Your First Post-Pandemic Gathering : With 2020 behind us — along with a full year of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic — a light is finally visible at the end of the tunnel. As social distancing restrictions soften across the country and vaccine distribution ramps up inch by inch, people are finally ready to put the pandemic in the rearview mirror.

While we’re not completely out of the woods yet, many are already starting to plan their celebrations once the pandemic is completely behind us. And what better way to celebrate than to host all your friends and family at home?

If you have the hosting itch, you might want to consider updating your home prior to the event in order to really impress your guests. It’s been a long time since anybody’s hosted more than a few people at home, so here are some helpful tips to keep in mind and some of the top amenities that’ll surely impress and entertain your guests.

Top amenities for hosting outside

Since most of the nation has been cooped up inside for a whole year, you’ll most likely want to spend as much time outside as possible. If you want to host comfortably outside, the first step is just sprucing up your outdoor space with some simple maintenance, like mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and freshening up the exterior.

Next, focus on purchasing some new amenities. According to HomeLight’s Spring 2021 survey, 76% of real estate agents claim the top outdoor amenity going into summer is a fire pit, followed by built-in grills, outdoor lights, and comfortable outdoor furnishings.

If you don’t have the budget for big-ticket purchases, don’t worry. Outdoor games, like cornhole, horseshoes, and cricket will keep everyone entertained without breaking the bank.

Top amenities for hosting inside

When it comes time to focus inside, entertainment should still be the name of the game. If weather or space forces you’re party indoors, there’s plenty of amenities that’ll still make your next party one of the memory books!

It’s hard to even mention entertaining at home without focusing on the kitchen. Guests spend plenty of time gathering around the kitchen during most at-home gatherings, so you’ll want to give yours some simple upgrades in order to really impress.

According to top real estate agents, the top kitchen amenities buyers are seeking for hosting purposes are large kitchen islands, storage space, and a wine fridge — so you can easily pop open a bottle of champagne to toast the pandemic’s end.

Next, think entertainment. If you have the space, a billiards table or ping pong table are great additions to any party, whie a designated space for the kiddos is always appreciated. If you’ve got the budget for heftier renovations, a separate bedroom and bathroom for guests is the top basement entertainment upgrade nationwide, according to HomeLight’s 2021 Spring survey.

Not only are these indoor and outdoor updates ideal for hosting, but they’re also great additions in order to attract buyers when you’re finally ready to sell. If you’re buying at the same time you’re selling, these amenities will both increase your sale price and keep everyone entertained as you search for your next home!