The living room is the new party venue. Surveys released this year show more Americans plan to host gatherings at home, with Gen Z leading the way, and new holiday research suggests that shift is carrying into December as shoppers redirect money from travel to celebrations at home.
What's trending
The International Housewares Association's 2026 At-Home Entertaining Survey, reported by Home Furnishings News, found:
- 28% of Americans expect to host more at-home gatherings in 2026, up from 24% the year before.
- Gen Z leads all generations, with 47% planning to host more, followed by millennials at 39%.
- The top reason to entertain at home is spending time with friends and family (51%). Saving money ranks third (31%).
- The most-wanted inspiration for hosting more? Budget-friendly party ideas (46%).
The trend is now showing up in holiday plans. Circana's 2026 U.S. Holiday Purchase Intentions Study, reported October 12 by Supermarket News, found that more than a third of consumers are canceling or postponing holiday travel, with some redirecting that money toward celebrations at home, entertaining and gifts.
Why it's resonating
Hosting at home checks every box this year: it's cheaper than going out, it's more personal, and it puts the focus on people. For younger adults, who often live far from family or in smaller spaces, a casual get-together with friends can feel more meaningful than a big formal event.
There's also a practical side. When almost half of would-be hosts are looking for budget-friendly party ideas, formats that do the entertaining for you become very appealing.
The holiday party that hosts itself
Few party formats are as budget-friendly, or as low-effort, as a gift exchange. In a White Elephant (also known as Dirty Santa or Yankee Swap), every guest brings one wrapped gift under a set limit, then players take turns opening or stealing presents. The game fills the evening, guests bring the "entertainment," and the host mostly needs snacks, drinks and a clear set of rules.
To set the tone, many hosts start with a dedicated invitation that spells out the gift limit and RSVP date. Something like this editable White Elephant gift exchange invitation in navy and gold can be personalized in Canva and sent by text, which suits a crowd that plans everything from their phones.
The bottom line
The 2026 numbers point to a holiday season spent closer to home, with smaller budgets but bigger reasons to gather. If Gen Z's enthusiasm is any guide, expect more living-room parties, more group chats full of RSVPs, and plenty of fiercely contested gift swaps this December.