How Home Parties Are Redefining Luxury
The Art of Luxury Living. A series of articles brought to you by AIRA Residence.
Call it the ‘Come Dine With Me’ domino effect. Given that hosting is more often than not considered an act of imparting joy, it seemed natural that after years of living in isolation, dinner parties and at-home entertainment became the trend du jour. In fact, a survey conducted earlier this year found that 25% of Americans were eager to throw soirées at home now versus before the pandemic, and 50% of respondents said they would host at least once a week.
While this may seem like a fad, it’s worth noting that many of us sought quality human connection that had somewhat diminished over the last few years. Think date nights via Zoom or movie marathons via Teleparty. Even in the days of 3 B.C. (“before Covid”, that is), nothing was more arduous than planning a social event around a busy schedule, let alone attempting to whip up boeuf bourguignon for a table of 12. But with newfound freedom–thanks to #WFH, no less–and a recalibrated mindset, we finally have the luxury to cultivate these relationships in our abodes.
In this regard, when better to pull out all the stops than this coming festive season? In the spirit of giving, AIRA Residence shows us how to create unforgettable memories that don’t only begin at home but alongside great company, too.
#1: Be The Host(ess) With The Mostess
They say to go big or go home. But what if you could do BOTH? A key element to any successful event is to utilise as much space as possible, and to achieve that, consider turning various living areas into points of interest. With its expansive layout, the Piet Boon-designed units at AIRA Residence’s Tower A provide much inspiration. Imagine: sitting rooms turned into a makeshift dancefloor with enough grounds to include your personal DJ or a wraparound balcony turned into a cocktail bar.
The key here is to think outside the box. AIRA Residence’s Tower B units encourage intimacy and opportunities to be innovative with casual experiences. For example, a simple idea such as converting a kitchen island into a live-cooking show (think: Benihana) immediately elevates any soirée. At the same time, its sunken living room creates a perfect atmosphere for an in-house miniature nightclub–VIP lounge included.
Nevertheless, given that most urban dwellings today come complete with communal facilities, those with a dramatic flair should always consider renting a private venue. At AIRA Residence, the Coterie is an alternative solution to those wishing to host birthday parties, baby showers or, for the professionally-inclined, corporate gatherings. So why not deck it to the nines this time, and give it a festive spin instead?
#2: Channel Your Inner Iron Chef
If there ever was a time to flaunt all those tips and tricks learned whilst watching cooking shows, it is now. For most, there’s nothing more joyful than indulging in a home-cooked meal, and to a certain extent, cooking has become somewhat of a metaphor for sharing. This “love language” is certainly what ties people closer together, regardless if it’s a five-course sit-down meal or a charcuterie board. Additionally, research has shown that although altruistic at first, this generous behaviour reduces stress and anxiety, simultaneously boosting endorphins and oxytocin.
In this case, kitchens are where the magic truly begins. In Tower A, each dry kitchen is equipped with state-of-the-art Miele appliances, cleverly camouflaged (some with pop-up features) amid high quality countertops which also double up as a chopping block. The adjacent spacious wet kitchen is not an after thought and the perfect place for some serious cooking. Aspiring chefs will revel in this. However, those more akin to the likes of Myron Mixon will be delighted to discover barbeque pits strategically located not only at Tower B’s rooftop garden but also at its communal swimming areas.
#3: Spark Meaningful Conversations
Sometimes, you don’t need a bottle of wine to get a conversation going. All you need is a great seating arrangement. According to Amber Mayfield, founder of event company To Be Hosted, “more than ever, people want to get social and be more intentional about how they’re getting social,” citing icebreakers and seating charts as one of the biggest trends of 2022. With quality over quantity being the rule here, diners and hosts today favour banquets over rounded tables, and with good reason. While long banquet tables have greater seating capacities, they also allow thoughtful guest pairings. As a bonus, its traditional setup creates the perfect base for an extravagant tablescape.
Dining areas at AIRA Residence take this into great consideration. Large enough to host a formal gathering (and others), units in Tower A boast sliding doors for added privacy between living and dining rooms while close to dry and wet kitchen areas. Pro tip: dining areas attached to balconies should take advantage of this feature, especially as a precursor to a lavish meal.
#4: Create Lasting Impressions
There’s no denying that shared experiences tend to draw people closer together. And what makes them even more memorable is their surrounding atmosphere, which utilises all of our senses, from sight to sound. After all, what’s a birthday without a birthday song or an engagement without romantic lights? As it turns out, it’s also the reason why decorators have become indispensable when it comes to curating an unforgettable event, but having an impressive view can be just as effective.
For urbanites, this means breathtaking views of a city’s skyline, and any social butterfly or man-about-town knows that golden hour is cocktail hour. It’s why at AIRA Residence, communal rooftop spaces feature outdoor lounges to bask in the glory of sunsets. Indeed, nothing is more luxurious than having your exclusive vantage point, and perhaps even better when you can witness fireworks from the convenience of your living room on the eve of a New Year. This unique privilege is certainly what sets AIRA Residence apart. As the tallest landmark in all of Damansara Heights, occupants enjoy unobstructed billion-dollar views that span across all of Kuala Lumpur to Petaling Jaya.
There is much to celebrate now that we have emerged from a prolonged social slumber. And just like a fuzzy blanket for adulthood, at-home gatherings and events have now redefined luxury, punctuated by comfort and warmth. Driven by this notion, every living space at AIRA Residence awaits a new memory, so as the festive season approaches, how will you choose to create unforgettable moments?
AIRA Residence is Selangor Properties’ exemplar of ultra luxury living. This low density fully completed development is situated at 8, Jalan Batai on a hilltop in the middle of Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur’s premier neighbourhood. Designed by an international award-winning team, AIRA Residence combines style, luxury with comfort and privacy and offers spectacular views of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre skyline. Find out more about AIRA Residence and the remaining units for sale here.
