Home entertaining became very popular during the Covid pandemic as it was one of very few options Australians had to catch up with family and friends.
With the current cost of living crisis, Aussies continue to embrace home entertaining to socialise and save money, according to a recent report by furniture and homewares online retailer, Temple & Webster.
The Australian Hosting at Home Report reveals a resounding shift towards a stronger connection to our homes, with 84 per cent of Australians acknowledging that they now spend more time at home than they did before the pandemic. This shift is particularly notable among Millennials (84 per cent) and Gen X (81 per cent), with 78 per cent of Australians experiencing an enhanced emotional connection to their living spaces.
“In the past 12 months, Australians have become more emotionally and financially invested in their homes,” says Temple & Webster CEO, Mark Coulter.
“We saw this trend emerge during Covid lockdowns and so we wanted to delve into this a bit deeper to help us understand our customers on a broader level.”
This reconnection with the home extends to the joy of hosting guests, which has become a defining aspect of Australian culture. An overwhelming 87 per cent of Australians believe that hosting at home is a good way to have fun and save money.
More than half (53 per cent) cite the sheer joy of hosting as their motivation, while 34 per cent underscore financial considerations.
As Australians look at the next 12 months, one in four anticipate dedicating significantly more time to entertaining at home, a sentiment that is particularly strong among singles without children (33 per cent) and families with children (29 per cent).
“The research has shown that Aussies’ choice to spend time at home is showing no signs of stopping. Because of this we anticipate a growing demand for affordable, high-quality furniture that enhances the comfort and aesthetics of their living spaces.”
Indeed, hosting people at home is a motivator for updating the look of homes, making new purchases or undertaking improvements. Over the past 12 months 54 per cent of Australians have updated or made a purchase for their home in preparation for entertaining in their home.
“Australians are inviting friends and family into thoughtfully curated spaces, whether it’s a cosy living room for coffee catchups, a stylishly set dining table for memorable meals or outdoor areas that mirror interior comfort,” adds Australian interior designer, Darren Palmer.
“It’s not just about hosting; it’s about sharing the beauty of our design choices. We’ve rediscovered the heart of our homes and we’re investing not just financially but emotionally in creating spaces that resonate with our personalities.”
