Entertaining at Home in 2026
Entertaining at home is evolving — and 2026 is shaping up to be the year where intentional hosting takes center stage. According to recent design trends, homeowners are shifting away from formal, rarely used spaces and toward homes that support connection, flexibility, and effortless entertaining. And across Atlanta, we’re already seeing this play out in both renovations and new construction.
One of the biggest shifts is the rise of multi-functional gathering spaces. Kitchens continue to anchor the home, but now they’re designed to flow seamlessly into living areas, outdoor patios, and secondary prep spaces like sculleries or butler’s pantries. This allows hosts to stay present while entertaining — a priority for today’s buyers.
Outdoor entertaining remains a major focus in Atlanta, where mild seasons make year-round hosting possible. Covered patios, outdoor fireplaces, built-in grills, and spaces that feel like true extensions of the interior are no longer “nice to have” — they’re expected.
We’re also seeing a move toward more intimate, personalized hosting. Instead of large, formal dining rooms, homeowners are opting for flexible dining areas, cozy lounges, and spaces that encourage conversation. Thoughtful lighting, layered textures, and intentional layouts all play a role in creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than staged.
As bathing culture has expanded from a solitary soak to full sauna- steam-cold plunge circuits with friends, the pursuit of wellness has become an opportunity for entertaining too. “People no longer separate wellness from hospitality,” says designer Tavia Forbes of AD PRO Directory firm Forbes Masters, which is based in Atlanta. “They want their guests to feel nourished as much as they feel impressed.”
Game tables are making a strong comeback in today’s homes. With Mahjong emerging as the game of the moment, designers say a dedicated table is quickly becoming a must-have feature. But it’s not just about the game itself — it’s about how these spaces are used.
Designers are rethinking where game tables live, using them to activate underutilized square footage and bring energy into nontraditional rooms. Instead of being tucked away in a formal game room, tables for Mahjong, cards, or board games are showing up in family rooms and casual living spaces, creating new opportunities for gathering.
The idea is simple: entertaining doesn’t have to be confined to the dining room or formal living room. A thoughtfully placed game table invites guests to linger, snack, and connect — turning everyday spaces into flexible, social hubs that feel both functional and fun.
Flexible space has become especially important for homeowners who host larger holiday gatherings. Rather than relying on a single formal dining setup, designers are leaning into adaptability — allowing spaces to expand and shift as needed.
One increasingly popular approach is using multiple dining tables that can be paired together or separated depending on the occasion. Identical tables make it easy to scale seating up for larger events, then break things back down for everyday living. This strategy works particularly well for hosts who don’t entertain formally on a regular basis but want the ability to accommodate larger groups when the moment calls for it.
Beyond the dining room, designers are also encouraging the use of smaller tables throughout the home to keep gatherings fluid and engaging. By spreading seating and surfaces across connected rooms, guests naturally move, mingle, and experience the home in stages — keeping the energy dynamic and the evening feeling intentional rather than static.
The takeaway? The best entertaining spaces aren’t fixed — they’re flexible, allowing hosts to create an experience that evolves as the night unfolds.
At WG at Compass, these trends closely mirror what we’re seeing across Milton, Alpharetta, intown Atlanta, Marietta, and Lake Oconee. Buyers are prioritizing homes that support how they actually live — and how they want to gather.
As we head into 2026, the most desirable homes won’t just look beautiful. They’ll be designed for connection.
Photos and data sourced from ADpro Article Elizabeth Fazzare View Here
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