Holiday Hospitality

It’s hard to believe that today is the last day of the year and another holiday season is coming to a close. By this point, the halls have long been decked, the meals eaten, and the gifts… well, let’s not talk about the gifts. If you’re anything like us, you’re still lost in a labyrinth of empty Amazon boxes that you’re hoping you’ll escape from in time to ring in the New Year. But even now, there are still parties to attend and people to see.

So many of these events take place right in our own homes; whether it’s visitors from out of town, get-togethers with coworkers, or any other group event, this is the season where people gather to enjoy one another’s company. This time of year seems to ignite a spark of hospitality in many of us that, if we were honest, we would love to carry through the rest of the year in equal measure. Reflecting on these things reminded us that we’ve recently seen some great spaces in our listings that are ideal for sharing that holiday hospitality with guests.

Kitchens

Shared meals are often one of the most important elements of the holiday season. Food brings people together, and having a fantastic kitchen like the ones found in these homes can make it all the more enjoyable for you and your guests.

This kitchen has some of the best amenities, including a gas range, smart oven, large farmhouse sink, and custom cabinets.

Ample counter space and a closet pantry make cooking a pleasure here.

Dining Rooms

The room in which a meal is served can provide an atmosphere that enhances your guests’ dining experience. Many holiday traditions have developed around sit-down meals served in formal dining rooms like these. These homes have beautiful dining rooms that are perfect for hosting during the holidays or any other time of the year.

This exquisitely detailed formal dining room communicates the inviting familiarity of home in an entirely unique space.

Living Rooms

Maybe your notion of holiday hospitality doesn’t involve formal dining, but rather a festive party with cocktails or heavy hors d’oeuvres. These gatherings can often involve more guests than could comfortably fit in a dining room, so opening up as much space for them to mingle is key. The living rooms in these homes facilitate this in a number of different ways.

Traditional

These homes have large, more traditional living rooms. A space distinct from the kitchen and dining room, they offer areas to both sit and stand, while still allowing the freedom to move between rooms in the home.

Open Concept

The living rooms in these homes showcase a more open concept design, creating a single, large space for socializing rather than multiple individual spaces. These are ideal for hosting large numbers of guests, and are perfect for group games or activities you might have at a holiday party.

Guest Rooms

The holidays are a time when out of town guests come to visit. What better way to make them feel at home than by inviting them to stay with you? These homes have incredible guest rooms that would make anyone feel welcome.

This sizable room will make guests feel right at home.

A guest suite with a private bathroom is a wonderfully inviting feature.

If your property has space like this one, a standalone guest house can be a great space to welcome friends and loved ones, or as a vacation rental for other travelers.

Specialty Areas

One of the great aspects of holiday celebrations are the seasonal food, drinks, and activities that accompany these get-togethers. These homes have areas tailor-made for group events.

This home has a second, smaller galley kitchen that is perfectly suited to function within its space as part of a large guest suite, or it could be a makeshift bar during a party.

Of course, you can always go the extra mile like this home and build a dedicated bar for your festivities. It’s a great place to sit and take in the sights of all of the other activities in the room.

Outdoor Areas

There’s no denying that sometimes, the number of people you have in your home can seem overwhelming. That’s when you know it’s time to take the celebration outside. The homes below have some great outdoor areas for you and your guests, if you’re willing to brave the bitter mid-60’s temperatures that come with Winter in the South.

Yards

This is the simplest solution to feeling cramped inside your home. And sometimes, isn’t that the best kind of solution? Having an outdoor space like these homes can be great for gaining some extra space.

This home is situated on 20 acres near Lake Hartwell. Quite an impressive “backyard”!

Porches & Patios

Whether you’re talking about a porch or a patio, they’re both ideal spots to take a party outside when needed. These spaces invite you to pull up a chair and enjoy the fresh outdoor air.

A patio and a generous backyard are ideal for entertaining.

Here, a fantastic screened in porch overlooks a spacious poolside patio.

Hospitality All Year Long

You can see that the homes featured above span a range of budgets, styles, and floor plans, but they all provide welcoming spaces. That’s because hospitality isn’t a commodity that can be measured by amenities and square footage. Hospitality is an attitude of gracious invitation that fits any space, and when your home reflects that attitude, you can see it all year long.

If you or someone you know is looking for a home during this holiday season, we invite you to look at all of our fabulous featured listings here.

Happy New Year from your friends at The Haro Group!