Make Your Nest Party Headquarters

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Make Your Nest Party Headquarters

Photo Credit: Cheryll Gillespie

Staying in is the new going out. We may be 'nesting,' but we still want to have fun. From cocktail parties to fondues, today, the preferred way to party is at home.

Trend mavens have been analyzing our psyches ever since the terrorist attacks and they say fear of terrorism is causing us to re-evaluate how our homes look and make us feel. They say we are placing more value on family and friends, fueling a newfound desire to cook and entertain at home.

Entertaining at home is a delightful way to catch up with friends, especially if you're one of those people who has invested in your home and its decor. You have spent the time and money to decorate your home, you have worked hard making the house a place where you simply love to be - it's personable, stylish, comfortable and intimate, and there aren't any waiters or late seating to rush your meal!

When throwing a party, give vent to your creative instincts and make an impression on your guests by experimenting with exciting combinations of food and table settings - play with the current trends of opulence, decadence and the combining and mixing of cultural influences. You may also want to stock the bar and brush up on your bartending skills, as we see traditional highballs and matinees back 'en vogue.'

When arranging furniture in your living and family rooms, know that furniture placement and grouping is key to creating user-friendly gathering spaces. The ideal group seating is to ensure that every seat is within a space of eight to 12 feet. A sectional sofa may offer an excellent solution to unifying a space while providing flexible seating. With the right sectional pieces, you can easily adjust the configurations as needed to create the perfect entertaining area for family and friends.

One of this season's most popular accent pieces is the cube ottoman covered in colorful wool kilm rugs, leather or ultra suede. Try a pair of ottomans in the centre or one at each end of a sectional for a functional, yet stylish accent. The ottoman is designed to serve double duty as extra seating when entertaining.

When shopping for furniture this spring, look for pieces you can float - in a room, that is! You'll find that armchairs, side tables and sofas are made to look great from any angle. No more excuses for lining all your furniture up against the wall. Floating furniture also allows you to rearrange your furniture as needed when entertaining larger groups.

Home furniture and accessory choices should be more comfortable, focusing on entertaining and value. Select expandable dining tables, oversized grilles, game tables, bars and accessories that make it easier to entertain both inside and outside of the house. Aspire to design media rooms for hosting movie nights (look for a return of the classics - Casablanca, Gone with the Wind and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) and watching the 'big game'.

I'd say that casual home entertaining is going to make a big comeback. With the events of this past year, more and more people will be staying in, calling over a few friends and enjoying themselves at home. So cancel the reservations, get out your phone book and give a few friends a call. You'll enjoy spending a great evening at home with the people you care most about.

Cheers!