As the Christmas party season and holidays rush towards us, new research shows that Australians are entertaining at home now more than we have in a long time.
According to a report* released this week by online homewares retailer Temple & Webster, the forced shift to spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic reignited Australians’ love and pride of the home as a haven, spurring home renovations, interior refreshes and inspired cooking. These shifts have changed how we use and view our homes.
During the pandemic, Australians became more emotionally and financially invested in their homes and that trend shows no signs of slowing, with 84 per cent of Australians spending more time at home now than pre-pandemic.
Three in four (78%) are feeling more emotionally connected to their homes, with this feeling of connection highest among Millennials (84%) and Gen X (81%).
Just over two-thirds of respondents invested in improving their home in the past year, outlaying money on furniture and home decor to upgrade their home, and despite the cost of living crisis, are still spending on these items.
Millennials are the biggest spenders (77%) when it comes to home furnishings and decor, with Boomers spending the least.
‘Cozzie livs’ was this week named the Macquarie Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2023, and with good cause, as the survey shows that while many of us enjoy having friends over, it is also a way to combat cost of living pressures.
With most (87%) Australians believing that hosting at home is a good way to have fun and save money, one-third are hosting at home due to financial considerations but over one-half (53%) are choosing to host in their homes for the joy of hosting.
What is more, one in four expect to spend significantly more time entertaining at home in the coming year. This is highest among singles without children (33%) and families with children (29%).
In the past 12 months, Australians are feeling a deeper connection to making the home more connected to self and being a reflection of the home owner’s personality. This feeling of emotional connection was highest among Millennials (84%) and Gen X (81%).
The rise in popularity of cooking shows might have had an influence, but 90% of respondents believe that sharing a meal is an important way to bring the wider family together.
*Temple & Webster’s “Australians Hosting at Home Trends Report 2023” surveyed a broad cross-section of Australians to uncover how people are finding hope and optimism, while searching for inspiration and joy, in their homes and through home entertaining.
