This article originally appeared in the 2025–2026 edition of Inspired Magazine, the official publication of The Inspired Home Show.
What do you get when you combine consumers hungry for comfort and connection with a world filled with inflation and cost-consciousness? A wealth of opportunities tied to at-home entertaining.
But this doesn’t mean that yesterday’s parties or products will do. As consumers look to home-based gatherings as a gift of sorts to themselves and to their guests, they’re looking for opportunities and inspiration to create shared experiences that feed both bodies and souls.
“The modern host isn’t chasing perfection; they’re creating spaces for connection,” according to the Fall/Winter 2025/26 edition of the HomePage News InSight Trend Index.
“We’re entering an era of intentional entertaining, where simplicity carries new style and meaning, while elevating the experience for both hosts and guests.”
The third annual InSight Trend Index entertaining issue explores the forces driving this shift and showcases key products that can inspire meaningful, memorable and shareable moments at home.
Experience-First Hosting
The way consumers host, gather and connect is evolving – driven by four key aspirations that span generations, according to InSight. These aspirations are:
- Quality Over Quantity: Where hosts focus on creating personal and meaningful experiences for smaller, carefully chosen groups of close friends and family.
- Authenticity and Intention: Where the emphasis is on sincere engagement and sharing, rather than material displays.
- Shared Experiences: Where guests are invited to participate in activities and conversations that build connection, like collaborative cooking, creative projects or simply heartfelt dialogue.
- Genuine Presence: Where the host is free to be present and enjoy the company of guests without having to perform or perfect.
“In this new mindset, hospitality is not about wowing guests with a flawless presentation, but creating an environment for sharing and interaction,” says Tom Mirabile, chief InSight curator and author and principal of Springboard Futures. “Designing for mood, storytelling and experience is increasingly important, but so is the ‘sharing’ aspect. This new perspective sees hosting as an opportunity to genuinely share our space, time and attention.”
Blending ‘Feel-Good’ With Function
Retailers who want to stay ahead of this new era of entertaining should focus on products, marketing and merchandising that offer both function and a ‘feel-good’ sentiment.
“It’s important to keep in mind that trend reaches beyond style elements and also relates to functionality,” says Linda Levine, president of The Godinger Group. “In tight economic times, consumers need more reasons to spend, so you need to stay aware of both the want and need sides of that purchase decision when creating product assortments.”
For both products and merchandising, the InSight Trend Index encourages retailers to consider all the elements that go into ‘hostingcore,’ which is described as an “aesthetic and mindset of being always ready to host – making your home feel welcoming, spontaneous and hospitable even for casual get-togethers.”
That includes items that facilitate an “always-ready” bar or drinks station; flexible seating options, cushions and TV trays; movable and dimmable accent lighting; and unique but flexible serving accessories.
Trend-Forward Gatherings
Trend-forward gatherings play an important role in this new era of entertaining, not only in inspiring would-be hosts but providing them with an opportunity to connect with the world around them.
“There is an increasing number of young people hosting their own supper clubs, themed parties and unique dining experiences,” global trend forecaster WGSN tells Business Insider.
Retailers looking to inspire purchases should make sure to create connections between pop culture, timely events and the latest entertaining trends. For its part, InSight spotlights a number of products that support entertaining trends such as game nights, indoor garden parties and outdoor entertaining – no matter the season.
Style Directions
Mirabile says there are two style directions that will dominate the home and entertaining landscape for the next two or three years.
The first is Postminimal, which will resonate with consumers prioritizing wellness, calm and sensory comfort. These individuals are looking for grounded home environments that are simple without being sterile. They gravitate to products that have multiple – and often hidden – functions.
The aesthetic is defined by clean lines, uncluttered layouts, soft touches and tactile depth, as well as spaces that are comfortable, comforting and function-focused.
The second style trend is Neo-Traditional, which will appeal to consumers seeking timelessness, familiarity and authenticity. These individuals seek a balance between tradition and modernity, looking for pieces with lasting functional and decorative value.
This aesthetic is layered and accessorized, though not cluttered. It can be described as a modern version of luxury that blends both classic and contemporary styles.
The HomePage News InSight Trend Index – in its third year – brings to life key lifestyle trends that will feed demand for home and housewares in the coming year and beyond. These trends are supported by products, data and expert insights. InSight is curated by consumer lifestyle trend analyst Tom Mirabile, along with his team at Springboard Futures and creative director Dawn Evans.
