5 Ideas for Designing a Space to Entertain Guests at Home

With another bank holiday weekend approaching, it's the ideal time to invite your friends and family over for a get together.

Entertaining at home is affordable, laid-back, and intimate. Without the restraints of public spaces, you can add personal touches, cater to everyone’s needs, and enjoy the comfort of your own surroundings. 

From summer garden parties to hosting cosy film marathons or games evenings, having a space that works for entertaining sets the scene for memorable gatherings. You don’t need a huge home or big budget to create somewhere guests will love spending time. With multifunctional furniture and thoughtful design, you can easily transform areas of your home into spots made for socialising.

Here are five ideas for designing entertainment-friendly spaces at home, whatever your hosting style.

Kitchen-dining hub

If you’re hosting brunch or throwing a lunch or dinner party, it will naturally centre around a dining table. Whether it’s a sit-down meal or a grazing-style spread, you want enough space to serve food and seat all your guests. An extendable dining table is a flexible option that gives you more space when hosting but isn’t too big for every day.

Comfortable dining chairs or benches mean everyone can happily relax throughout the evening until the playlist gets too good to stay seated. If you don’t have enough regular seating for the number of guests, there are some simple solutions so no one is left standing. Short stools can be stacked away or double as side tables day-to-day, folding chairs can be conveniently stored when not in use, or borrow a small storage ottoman or chair ottoman from your living room.

Tablescaping is an easy way to add style and creativity to your spread. This can be anything from themed decorations to an arrangement of fresh flowers or foliage.

People often gravitate towards the kitchen, even if you're having a party that doesn't centre around a meal. A kitchen island or counter with bar stools gives guests somewhere to sit and chat without getting in the way, while an open-plan kitchen and living room means you’re not cut off from the conversation while prepping food or mixing drinks.

Outdoor lounge area

Summer is just around the corner, and if the weather this spring is anything to go by, your garden is the place to be. An outdoor lounge area is an extension of your home and the perfect location for casual catch-ups or all-day celebrations with cocktails, picky bits, or a BBQ.

Layer outdoor sofas and armchairs with cushions and throws for comfort that rivals your indoor setup, and buy a garden parasol or sunshade to avoid squinting. Invest in a weatherproof coffee table or ottoman for drinks and snacks, or bring out side tables from inside if you want to use your existing furniture. Outdoor speakers add ambience, and battery or solar-powered lights will effortlessly take the space from day to night to keep the gathering going after sunset. When the temperature drops, a fire pit or outdoor heater will provide warmth and a cosy atmosphere.

Even a small balcony or courtyard can be a great place to enjoy the sun with company. A bistro table, a couple of chairs (or more if you have space), garland lighting or lanterns, and some plants will turn it into a retreat.

Home cinema room

Film nights or watching the latest episode of your favourite TV series with your friends feel more like an event when you have a well-planned space. Transform your living room with heavy curtains or blackout blinds to darken the space, and a sufficiently sized TV and soundbar – or a projector, large screen, and speakers – for optimal viewing.

Comfort is equally important. A modular sofa lets people sprawl out and can be rearranged as needed so everyone has a good viewing angle, while footstools or a large ottoman, cushions, and throws bring that snug cinema feeling. Ensure everyone has somewhere to put their drinks and snacks. A tray placed on an ottoman, coffee table, or nesting tables can work well depending on your layout and the number of guests.

Games room

A spare room, loft, or garage can be ideal for a self-contained games room – brilliant for entertaining all ages. Start small with board games and cards, or go all out with pool, table football, or a ping pong table if your friends are more sporty. For fans of retro arcade games, embrace the nostalgia with low, moody lighting and a neon sign to create a fun, stylised vibe.

Storage is important in a games room to keep the room tidy and organised between uses. Cupboards or built-in shelves are practical, and a storage ottoman can also be used for extra seating or a footrest. Include comfortable armchairs so guests can relax and a mini fridge, drinks trolley, or bar area to keep everything on hand while you battle it out for the leaderboard top spot.

Music room

Listening bars, inspired by those in Japan, have been growing in popularity in the UK, so why not embrace the trend at home? Choose chairs you can sink into, soft lighting, and a high-quality sound system for low-key evenings with a carefully curated or collaborative soundtrack. To incorporate a listening corner in your living room or dining room, create a stylish nook with a record player, speaker system, and shelves to display your vinyl collection.

If you want to be the music-makers, a karaoke machine guarantees a fun night. Or bring your musically talented friends together around a piano or guitar for an impromptu singalong. To keep your neighbours happy, consider soundproofing the room if you’re planning regular meet-ups.

Whether it’s dinner for two or a full house, designing a space that makes people feel relaxed, welcome, and ready to enjoy themselves makes entertaining feel more effortless.