Designing the Fundamentals for Hosting in Style
At Glenna Stone Interiors, we understand that creating a beautiful home goes beyond just stunning aesthetics; it’s about designing spaces that make every day feel special. And when our clients open their homes to friends, family and colleagues, we strive to make every gathering unforgettable. Often, clients want to enhance their homes for themselves and for hosting; and we’re thrilled to work to bring that vision to life. Designing for gatherings—whether it’s for an intimate dinner party, a casual family get-together, or a grand celebration—allows us to create experiential spaces that create lasting memories. From grand entryways to cozy, well-lit seating areas, our efforts create spaces that welcome guests and make entertaining feel effortless.
When we’re designing with hosting in mind, our focus starts with how people will arrive and settle into the home. Planning for entryways, greeting spaces, and even the path from parking to the front door is key. We collaborate closely with architects, builders, and landscape designers to ensure that every detail—from wayfinding lighting to welcoming outdoor landscaping—creates an easy, comfortable arrival experience. The flow from space to space is equally important; we make sure there’s a natural progression from room to room, so guests feel at ease moving from a lively gathering in the living room to a quiet conversation on the patio. Clearly, functionality and layout are essential to draw guests from space to space, but we also must consider color palettes, lighting changes, connections to adjacent spaces, and a host of other aspects.
The different ways families and friends gather guide so much of what we do. The trend toward dedicated entertainment spaces allows us to get creative with different hosting zones that accommodate varied types of gatherings. Some clients love the elegance of a formal dining room, while others prefer casual spaces where family and friends can relax and connect. We’re also seeing more requests for outdoor and four-season rooms that support hosting functions. By adding features like retractable screens, fire pits, and integrated heaters, we can extend hosting spaces outdoors, letting clients enjoy their homes year-round, inside and out.
And speaking of outdoor spaces, many clients are looking to incorporate fully-equipped outdoor kitchens as part of their entertaining setup. These spaces allow the chef of the group to stay part of the action while preparing a meal, whether it’s at a high-heat grill, pizza oven, or even a smoker. Semi-enclosed porches with heating options and cozy fireplaces add flexibility to these spaces, making them inviting in every season. For others, hosting might mean a space for activities and games—sometimes even incorporating pickleball courts or custom game spaces.
Kitchens, of course, are still at the heart of most gatherings. A noticeable change is the trend toward supplemental or prep kitchens. These spaces allow much of the behind-the-scenes work to happen out of sight, freeing up the main kitchen for socializing. Whether it’s added appliances, storage, or extra prep areas, these kitchens offer functionality without compromising the flow of the event. In larger properties, clients are even transforming adjacent buildings into dedicated entertaining barns, complete with commercial-grade kitchens, gaming areas, and space for a variety of activities.
Personally, I love hosting, and my style ranges from small gatherings with family and friends to larger, more formal events with colleagues. No matter the size, my goal is always to create an experience that feels relaxed, fun, and filled with laughter. I like to plan each event with a checklist that includes details like a signature cocktail or two, a fantastic playlist, and fresh florals that enhance the space. While I love planning, I also believe that the best gatherings are ones where you can go with the flow, letting the evening unfold naturally.
At Glenna Stone Interiors, we’re here to help our clients create spaces that not only look beautiful but that also feel just right for gathering with the people they love. By focusing on each element—from entryway lighting to the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces—we’re able to craft homes that set the stage for countless unforgettable moments. Here’s to sharing your space with those you love. Cheers.
Glenna
Want our weekly blog post delivered right to your inbox? Click here to sign up!
Glenna Stone Interiors is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!