The Emerging Home Trend That Elevates Every Gathering

Home design trends don't always focus on a specific style or piece of furniture. Sometimes the most impactful ideas center around broad concepts that can take your home to the next level. Social media has played a big role in home decor trends, whether it's achieving TikTok-trending cowboy core aesthetic in your home or simply taking steps to make your living space more Insta-worthy. Viral videos of the perfect home setups for gatherings leave us wishing we were invited while also providing some inspiration for hosting our next get-together for friends and family. That's why it's no surprise that the latest home trend — "hostingcore" — is all about how to easily prepare your home to make every gathering feel more memorable and elevated.

While hostingcore may sound a bit vague, the trend encompasses a wide range of tricks and tips, from functional hosting furniture to building the ultimate hosting cabinet. The trend allows homeowners to feel like a modern-day Martha Stewart, so they feel excited to host their loved ones rather than worried and unprepared. It's not just about setting up a stylish table setting — it's about making every get together feel special and prepping your space with the details that will make every occasion unforgettable.

Many homeowners see hosting home gatherings as stressful, possibly evoking visions of frantic cleaning and guests awkwardly squeezing into small sofas. Hostingcore flips the narrative, providing thoughtful ideas that make the experience effortless for hosts, and impressive for guests — with certain furniture and decor choices being a key component. According to Taskrabbit's trend report for 2024, online interest in sleeper sofas jumped by 113%, while home bars saw a 46% increase and 26% for mini-fridges. There are plenty of home bar ideas that will transform your home into the ultimate hangout spot. Keeping yours fully stocked, along with a mini-fridge, brings the hospitality and convenience of your favorite hotel into every gathering you host — without last-minute shopping for every impromptu get-together. As for sleeper sofas, it's the perfect furniture addition to make guests feel welcome to stay a while, especially if they're traveling from long distances.

Hostingcore might feel intimidating for those who live in a smaller space, but the trend can adapt to smaller square footage. You can easily store chic folding chairs without limiting your space and even a plastic foldaway dining table can feel luxurious with the right tablecloth and decor. It also helps to be thoughtful about your lighting — a simple scented candle can bring a cozy ambiance into any room (especially the bathroom), and opting for warm, layered lighting can set the mood for comfort.

Rather than digging through storage to find your hosting dishes and decor, a hosting cabinet keeps everything you need in one place, whether you're setting up your home for a memorable dinner party or an off the cuff hangout. To truly bring hostingcore to life, stock a cabinet with all the little necessities that can give your space personality, flair, and convenience when guests arrive. Start with the basics — special-occasion serveware and glassware, like tinted wine glasses, decorative dishes, and fancy silver cutlery. Think about what you might serve your guests and what items can make it feel more elevated, like a stylish cake tray for birthday parties or an ice bucket for the chilled champagne you'll pop when your best friend gets the promotion they've been gunning after. You can even elevate fast food french fries by having a legitimate silver platter to serve them on instead of those greasy paper cups.

The small details can make a big impact when it comes to hosting, like a ceramic pitcher that makes a plastic jug of lemonade feel more fabulous or a glass cocktail shaker that makes your lousy bartending skills seem more impressive. It also helps to gather your favorite decorative linens, whether it's seasonal tablecloths and placemats or embroidered cocktail napkins that put paper towels to shame. To finish things off, stock some of your favorite card or board games — they're a great go-to for breaking those awkward silences or moments of boredom.