How to elevate your next get-together using these entertaining trends

As the costs of wining and dining out continue to increase, home entertaining is enjoying a dramatic revival, evolving to become an art form or status symbol in its own right. The appeal of gathering in your own home is that a party is no longer just a party, but a creative expression of your personal taste and interests. Going beyond inviting friends over for a simple meal, many hosts aspire to create a unique, unforgettable experience.

Tap into these recent trends to wow guests at your next get-together.

The exclusive allure of the speakeasy

The 1920s have resurged with the growing appeal of the Prohibition-era "speakeasy," a secret lounge where select guests could enjoy prohibited alcohol in a swanky atmosphere highlighting jazz music, glamorous fashion and Art Deco vibes.

To create your own home speakeasy, you need a few crucial elements: A secret or hidden entrance where guests need to know the password to enter, a moody atmosphere featuring dark colors and textures like velvet and leather, swanky costumes reminiscent of the roaring '20s and sophisticated cocktails and/or mocktails.

Whether you go all in for a speakeasy room renovation or just rent (or make) decor to fit the theme, make sure your guests have everything they need for full participation. Your invitation should include a dress code (with a limited color palette like black and white or black and gold, for example), clues for finding the hidden entrance (perhaps a side door or garage) and of course, the all-important password.

Cozy up to the listening bar

Similar to the speakeasy trend, the listening bar is a celebration of times gone by, inspired by Japanese "hi-fi lounges." They pay tribute to genres of music like jazz, soul, funk, blues and more. Rather than making alcohol the focus, listening bars feature vintage vinyl, old-school stereo consoles and pure enjoyment of music as central to the social occasion.

Have a collection of LPs you'd like to share with friends? Invite them over for a listening bar experience. Make sure you have good quality speakers, moody ambient lighting and comfortable seating, along with a drink cart or two.

The beauty of a listening bar is that you can choose whatever kind of music you want to feature, whether that's late '50s rat pack, early '60s lounge music, '70s easy listening — make it your own! You can even start with one era or genre and morph into a different mood as the evening goes on.

Express yourself with bespoke drinks

Whether you're a wine connoisseur, wannabe mixologist, tea aficionado or closet barista, you can celebrate your passion for specific libations by throwing a drinks party centered around that obsession. While mocktails and other non-alcoholic (or low ABV) options are on the rise especially with Gen Z, other beverage trends to explore include using sustainable ingredients and fresh produce.

For your next gathering, hire an expert or use your own knowledge of the perfect cup of tea, coffee drinks or specialty retro cocktails to impress your guests. You could also offer small tasters of a variety of your favorite drinks, then set up blind taste tests or trivia contests around your drink of choice.

It's all fun and games

Board games are back, in a big way, and not just for family game night. Millennials and Gen Z are embracing throwback gaming nights with friends as an alternative to the bar scene, according to the New York Times. And the variety of ways to play games with friends offers something for everyone, from standard board games to chess, Mahjongg, murder mystery parties, escape room puzzle solving and classic role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.

Not sure which games will most appeal to your friends? Consider setting up a few different rooms or zones for variety, so guests can try more than one type of game during the night.

Bring music performances home

Tired of crowded venues and pricey concert tickets? The alternative is to bring live music (or an entertaining DJ) into your home for a house concert. This trend celebrates a more intimate experience of music that still offers the fun and energy of going to a live performance.

Wherever you live, there are bound to be gigging musicians looking for opportunities to perform. Make sure to agree on the fee and timeframe ahead of the event. Ask what they need in terms of space (indoors or out) and access to electrical power. You can then invite guests and set a cover charge for the event to help cover the cost, if needed.

It's clear that home entertaining is constantly evolving, and these recent trends can make your next gathering a night to remember.