As you think about building your new home, you’re probably focused on how nice it will be to finally have the space you need to entertain friends and family. Whether you’re hoping your home becomes the hub of your social circle or just want to have people over for the occasional barbeque, it’s smart to think carefully about a floor plan meant for socializing. These features work really well for families who love entertaining, and you’ll find them throughout many of Sterling’s home designs.

Large Kitchen Islands

When you’re having a party, you often need a big space to set out food, drinks, and other things your guests might want. The dining room table doesn’t always cut it. Many floor plans feature large kitchen islands that act as an additional table. Having benches at the island gives guests another place to sit. Look for floor plans that have this feature.

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Spacious Entryways

One of the biggest challenges of throwing a party is guests tend to arrive at the same time. This usually creates a bit of a backup at the door. The problem is compounded in the winter when guests need to remove jackets and boots before moving into the main part of your home. Having a large entryway or mudroom makes this a lot easier. Additionally, look for entryways with extra features like built-in benches or oversized closets.

Open-Concept Spaces

Open-concept spaces are perfect for entertaining. Guests feel connected to one another even while they’re mingling in small groups. This type of design also means the host of the party doesn’t feel trapped in the kitchen while everyone else is having a good time in another room. You can replenish the salsa while you continue to socialize.

Patios and Outdoor Areas

Even a small patio area or deck expands the space available for hanging out at your parties. They’re especially nice to have when the weather is warm enough for a good barbeque. Plan parties during the summer, and encourage your guests to go outside. A few fun games in the backyard can lure people to the space. Fire pits are nice for roasting marshmallows when the temperature starts to drop.

Mood Lighting

Glaring overhead lights don’t exactly set the right tone for a social occasion. Try to incorporate lighting that can make a different statement for your parties. This could be lights strung around the patio, a dimmer switch in the living room, or an elegant chandelier over the dining room table. There are a lot of options for lighting fixtures when you purchase a brand-new home.

Finished Basements

A finished basement can add several hundred square feet of living space to your home without a lot of additional costs. The finished basement is a nice touch for those who want a separate space for entertaining. For instance, you might send the kids down to the rec room while the adults socialize upstairs or send sports fans downstairs to watch the game while others in the family appreciate a quiet space for reading. Most of Sterling’s models can include a finished basement, but if this is a must-have for your new home, be sure to ask.

Powder Rooms and Bathrooms

Guests will undoubtedly need to use the restroom, so it’s nice to have a bathroom on the main floor. This way, people aren’t traipsing upstairs to get to the family bathroom. Most families can get by with a simple powder room on the first floor. Luckily, many modern floor plans include this feature so you won’t have to look too hard.

Comfortable Guest Rooms

If your idea of entertaining means having people stay over for a weekend or longer, you’ll want to include a comfortable guest room in your home. For instance, in a finished basement, you could have a full guest suite with a bedroom, full bathroom, and living area. You could also use a bonus or flex room as a guest room as long as it has a door for privacy. This isn’t a feature everyone needs, but those who have long-term guests view it as a must-have.

You want your new home to be an inviting place, and this starts with the right type of floor plan. Look for features like these that will make entertaining easier, and you’ll be pleased when everyone wants to flock to your home to hang out.

Photo credits: dinner