Inspiring “Super” At-Home Gatherings

Fantasy football season is over (cue the cheers or the tears). And that means one important thing: the Super Bowl is on its way. Whether you’re a football fan or not, this single, televised event generates a huge number of casual at-home gatherings. And that means plenty of opportunity for sellers of home and housewares products.

In fact, the 2024 IHA At-Home Entertaining Survey shows that consumers are looking to host more at-home gatherings in the year ahead. Fifty-three percent of respondents said they would host about the same number as 2023, while 26% said they would host more (versus 16% who believe they will host less).

Serving in Style

When we think about at-home entertaining, serving pieces always seem to be top of mind. For casual gatherings that can mean anything from chip & dip sets and charcuterie boards to pitchers and cocktail glasses.

To spark interest, consider offering unique items like the Mini Beer Keg Cooler from Koolatron or this Chicken Leg Holder by Gourmet Kitchenworks. For the Super Bowl, clever football-themed items like these Football Mini Tongs by Kitchen Innovation Inc. or this Football Cutting Board & Serving Tray by Picnic Time Family of Brands are a great way to attract shoppers’ attention.

Helping with Clean-Up

But don’t forget to help consumers with the most challenging part of hosting at-home gatherings: clean-up. (35% of 2024 IHA At-Home Entertaining respondents said clean-up was their biggest pain point related to at-home gatherings, followed by getting everything ready at the same time—24% and prep work—13%.)

That could certainly mean promoting traditional gear that’s designed for quick and easy clean-up, such as hand vacuums or wet-dry mops. But make sure to highlight cookware, serving pieces and appliances that are easy to clean. This could be as simple as being dishwasher-safe or as high-tech as an appliance that has a self-cleaning function. Specialty items like these Disposable Slow Cooker Liners by Handy Gourmet are also a good option.

 Would You Like That To Go?

Another interesting finding from this year’s At-Home Entertaining Survey is just how many people send food home with their guests. A whopping 95% of respondents said they send leftovers home at least occasionally.

What’s more, 36% of consumers said they usually or always purchase food storage products in preparation for an at-home gathering. Depending on how well you know your guests—or how close they live and can return them to you—that might take the form of inexpensive disposable containers or higher quality ones. The Rubbermaid Brilliance line by Newell Brands features clear plastic lids with a 100% airtight, leak-proof seal and secure latches to make reheating and storing easy.

The newly released 2024 IHA At-Home Entertaining Survey, published exclusively by HomePage News, offers an in-depth look at how, when and why consumers are planning to host gatherings at home in 2024. Data was collected by market research firm Morning Consult in September of 2023.