The Times Real Estate

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Turn your home into an entertainment paradise 



For most homeowners, as soon as they have bought a house, they want to show it off and turn it into a place where they can entertain and host parties. This is not always easy though as in many instances, having bought a house there is very little money left for anything else. And that means both fixing up the place and turning it into an entertainment paradise and being able to buy the essentials that are needed for when you are hosting a party- because parties are very expensive. But, if you have a place of your own, here are a few tips and ideas to help ensure that you can win at hosting and having guests come over regularly.

The television

For better or worse, one of the things that bring people together is the television – or more specifically the things that are broadcast on the television. In this regard it is often key sports events and big games, or it could be series finales and things like Idols or Survivor. There is always a lot of intrigue and excitement around these events so make sure that you are set up to show these in eth best environment possible. A home theatre recliner lounge with surround sound and a big screen would be great way to start. Kit the room out properly and make sure that there is always a well-stocked fridge close by. Your friends will soon learn that yours is the place to watch major games. And, if they are good friends, soon they will start to rock up with snacks and drinks to share.

Food

A good host always plans and has food available in the fridge for when people drop over. Let it be known that your friends are welcome to visit at any time and that if they do there will almost certainly be food for them to enjoy. Being able to create an open and welcoming atmosphere is central to building your house into an entertainment paradise.

The flow is important

If you plan to entertain and you want to host parties, then you need to make sure that the house which you buy is designed in such a way that it flows openly and well. The open plan is a good idea, especially if it means that the kitchen and lounge and dining rooms are all linked. That way you can host and cook at the same time, which is very important if you are having a dinner party. Similarly, the flow is important between inside and outside. Quite simply a house with good flow lends itself to entertaining comfortably.

A pool

A house with a swimming pool is always going to be a popular place to visit when it is baking hot in the middle of summer. It is very true that a pool can be a source of frustration with regard to maintenance, but the rewards are enormous if you look after it properly. In the heat of summer hosting, pool parties are the way to go and your friends will flock to your house as soon as they know that swimming is an option.