CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — After years of skipping at-home parties, more people are ready to host friends and family in the upcoming year.
A recent poll by the Chicago-based International Housewares Association found after nearly three years of COVID precautions, 35% of consumers plan to have more parties at home in 2023.
“You have this kind of pent-up need to get together with people, coupled with the onset of some economic challenges — inflation and the like — which makes it much easier and more economical to bring those gatherings into your home,” said Leana Salamah, International Housewares Association Vice President of Marketing.
The September survey of about 2,000 people showed the average gathering will have 10 guests or fewer and is just as likely to be for a holiday or birthday as a simple dinner party or an excuse to hang out.
She said hosts can show off newly acquired cooking skills and gadgets to make cocktails.
“You’ll see a lot of people in the last couple of years who took the opportunity to educate themselves and learn, kind of, these new techniques and these new skills,” Salamah said. “And they finally get the opportunity to put them on display.”
The concept of communal eating, Salamah added, looks ready for a comeback.
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That means buffets and butter boards, which are like charcuterie but with spreadable food as a base layer and decorated with edible flowers or pretty vegetables, could be popular.
About 56% of survey respondents said they plan to send guests home with leftovers.
Salamah said the housewares industry has created several products to help hosts with that — and many are part of a retro trend.
Many of those items will be on display at the Inspired Home Show at McCormick Place in March.
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