Hosting at home is climbing, according to the International Housewares Association's At-Home Entertaining survey reported by HomePage News. 58% of Americans hosted an occasion-based gathering in the past year, up from 49%, with millennials up 13 points. Holidays are among the biggest reasons, with 59% hosting for Christmas or Hanukkah.
What's trending
The latest International Housewares Association At-Home Entertaining survey, published by HomePage News in its 2026 At-Home Entertaining Report, shows Americans are opening their homes more. 57% hosted a casual gathering in the past year, up from 47%, and 58% hosted an occasion-based gathering, up from 49%.
Younger adults are driving the shift. Among millennials, occasion-based hosting rose 13 points to 62%. Gen Z reached 64%. Looking ahead, 22% of Gen Z and 19% of millennials expect to host "much more often" over the next year.
The holidays are central. 66% of hosts said they host Thanksgiving, and 59% host for Christmas or Hanukkah.
Why it's resonating
The survey's reasons are simple. 51% said they gather to spend more time with friends and family, and 31% said they're looking for lower-cost ways to celebrate, which fits a season of careful spending.
Hosting has also become more relaxed. 51% of hosts prefer a self-serve or buffet setup, and 77% rely on friends and family for help. Hosts are also turning to new places for ideas: 36% use social media and 16% use AI tools like ChatGPT.
What it means for this year's Christmas table
A lot of people will be hosting Christmas dinner for the first time this year, or hosting a bigger group than before. First-time hosts tend to worry about the food and forget the logistics: a clear RSVP date, who's bringing what, and a timeline for the day.
Getting the invitation out early helps with all of that. A good one states the date, start time, address and RSVP deadline, and sets the tone. For a warm, family-style option, the Family Christmas Dinner Invite from PR Creative Digital is a vintage watercolor design of a family around a candlelit table that you customize in Canva, text to guests or print. It includes a free party planner with a checklist, guest list and timeline, which suits a first-time host.
The bottom line
Hosting is back, and younger Americans are leading it. Expect more first-time hosts, more buffet-style tables and more shared dishes at this year's holiday gatherings. The hosts who plan early and invite early will have the easiest December.