Image of holiday decor with a family room Christmas tree in the background.

Must Have Home Features for Entertaining

Many of us regularly host family and friends during the Holidays. If you’re building a new custom home and envision lots of gatherings, consider some of these features that can elevate your entertaining experience.

Entry of a custom home with beam entry way to dining room.Ensure a Warm Welcome at the Entryway: Make your guests feel at ease from the moment they arrive by having a spacious and well-lit entry. This not only prevents a front door traffic jam but also provides a comfortable space for greetings and coat removal.

Large Front Porch:  Better yet, consider a large front porch.  We love a good front porch!  Did you know our porches are constructed on poured concrete walls, not treated posts?  We also install 5/4″ x 6″ treated deck boards over 2″x 6 ” and 2 ” x 8″ treated joists.  We use LP SmartSide Cedar texture trim skirt boards and 10×10 Smartside cedar texture wrapped posts.

Entry of the two story Heights design with Hollywood wrapped carpeting on stairs leading up to second floor.Provide a Handy Coat Closet: A conveniently located closet near the entrance is a game-changer for stashing away coats and bags. It adds a touch of organization while keeping clutter out of sight. If you don’t have the space for a closet, consider a trendy hall tree which can enhance the visual appeal of your entry space while combining functionality with stylish design at the same time.

Create an Outdoor Oasis: A covered patio or deck is perfect for mingling and enjoying the fresh air. As you’re designing your new home, consider that the proximity of your door space to indoor entertaining spaces encourages guests to enjoy both environments.

Open living and dining in the madison II with a gas fireplace and stone face.Opt for an Open and Inviting Floor Plan: Open floor plans, allow guests to move freely between rooms without feeling cramped. This layout fosters a social and welcoming atmosphere. A spacious kitchen, living and dining area is ideal for accommodating guests comfortably while maintaining a connected feel.

Offer Comfortable Guest Rooms: For regular entertainers, having a guest room can be a wonderful addition. It provides a comfortable place for guests to stay,  Design your home with dedicated guest rooms or versatile spaces that can serve this purpose.  Typically, guest rooms tend to either be on the opposite side of the home of the owner’s suite or upstairs ensuring privacy for everyone.

Kitchen in the Oxford.Ensure Ample Storage Space: Hosting parties involves a fair bit of equipment and decor. Ensure your potential home has plenty of storage, including cabinets, closets, and designated areas, to keep everything organized and clutter-free.  American Heritage Homes offers TONS of cabinetry and storage options standard in their home designs.  And because we’re a custom builder, if you want to add more cabinets or closets, you can!

Install a Convenient Powder Room or First-Floor Bathroom: A bathroom on the main floor is a valuable feature. It’s easily accessible for guests, sparing them the hunt through unfamiliar upstairs spaces.  Our powder rooms come standard with either a pedestal sink or vanity, as well as a mirror.

When designing your new home with entertaining in mind, these key features can make a world of difference, whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration.

If you’re ready to start designing your new custom home, contact American Heritage Homes today. Our sales consultants are also interior designers, and they specialize in both beautiful and functional designs, making the process of designing your home easy and stress-free.


About American Heritage Homes
American Heritage Homes is a locally owned, on your lot custom home builder in Columbus, Ohio.  Since 1995, families have trusted us to build their dream homes on their land.  Through honesty and hard work, American Heritage Homes has become central Ohio’s premier on your lot custom home builder with a reputation for constructing extraordinary custom homes at an affordable price.