Gen Z is driving a rise in at-home entertaining. The International Housewares Association found 47% of Gen Z plan to host more gatherings in 2026, and PwC's Holiday Outlook 2026 reports that 63% of Gen Z say shared meals matter more than physical presents. New Year's Eve dinners and champagne toasts at home fit that shift squarely.
What's trending
Hosting is back, and younger adults are leading it. A survey by the International Housewares Association released in February found that 28% of Americans plan to host more at-home gatherings in 2026, up from 24% the year before. Among Gen Z the figure jumps to 47%, and among millennials it's 39%.
New data backs the trend up heading into the holidays. In PwC’s Holiday Outlook 2026, published September 8, 81% of Gen Z said they value offline activities, and 63% said shared meals matter more than physical presents.
Why it's resonating
The reasons are practical and personal. In the IHA survey, 51% of people planning to host more said they want to spend more time with friends and family, 37% have specific events to celebrate, and 31% pointed to cost savings compared with dining out.
There's also a clear pull away from screens. PwC found 78% of Gen Z prefer screen-free gifts. A dinner party or a small gathering is the ultimate screen-free experience.
Hosts do want help, though. When the IHA asked what would encourage them to entertain more, 46% said budget-friendly party ideas, 45% recipes and 32% theme ideas. Planning was also listed among the top hosting challenges.
What it means for New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve may be the perfect expression of this trend: one night, a clear theme, a shared meal and a single moment everyone gathers for. A champagne toast or a relaxed NYE dinner gives new hosts a simple format that still feels like an occasion.
A cohesive theme and a real invitation go a long way. A classic black and gold look, like this Cheers to 2027 champagne toast NYE invitation, can be edited in Canva and sent by text, which suits a generation that plans on their phones. It includes a free party planner with a checklist, timeline and budget tracker for first-time hosts.
The bottom line
Gen Z isn't skipping celebrations, just the expensive parts of them. Expect more New Year's Eves spent around a friend's table, with a playlist, a menu and a midnight toast, instead of in a crowded venue.