IHA survey: At-home entertaining on the rise in 2026, led by Gen Z

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Hosting at-home gatherings is on the rise, with younger consumers leading the momentum, according to the 2026 International Housewares Association (IHA) At-Home Entertaining Survey.

Products designed for entertaining at home will be showcased at the IHA’s Inspired Home Show in Chicago, Mar. 10-12.

The survey found 28% of respondents anticipate hosting more at-home gatherings in 2026, a four point jump compared to 24% last year. Fifty percent said they plan to host the same amount, while 19% thought it would be less, the IHA said.

When it comes to generational behaviors, Gen Z led with 47% planning to host more at-home gatherings, followed by Millennials at 39%. Meanwhile, Gen X’s at-home entertaining intent declined by four points, and Boomers’ remained relatively stable.

Respondents cited the desire to spend more time with friends and family as the motivation to entertain at home at 51%, followed by having a specific event to celebrate (37%). Saving money came in third, as entertaining at home tends to be less expensive than holding an event at a restaurant or other public venue (31%), the survey found.

Other findings include:

–Clean-up is the biggest challenge for at-home hosts (31%), followed by preparing everything at the same time (22%), cooking (15%), planning (9%) and keeping food warm (7%).

– Half of consumers say they occasionally purchase products to create a certain aesthetic (23% said usually, 15% said always, and only 10% said never.)

– When asked what would inspire them to host more at-home gatherings, budget-friendly party ideas topped the list (46%). Recipes were almost as popular (45%), with party-specific theme ideas (32%) and general entertaining tips (30%) coming in next.