As the festive season approaches, entertaining is at the top of everyone’s mind. Whether it’s a relaxed summer barbecue, a Christmas lunch that spills out onto the patio, or casual weekend catch-ups with friends, a home designed for entertaining makes every occasion feel easy and effortless.
At Hallmark Homes, our designs are created with Queensland living in mind — open, breezy, and built for connection all year round. Here’s what to look for when choosing a floor plan that makes entertaining a joy, no matter the season.
A great entertaining home starts with flow. Open-plan layouts that connect the kitchen, dining, and living areas make it simple to cook, chat, and mingle all at once. These spaces keep everyone part of the action — whether you’re prepping a meal, watching the game, or pouring drinks for friends.
The Manly 223 captures the spirit of connected living. With its central open-plan layout and easy access to the alfresco, it’s ideal for both lively gatherings and quiet family dinners. Separate activity and media rooms provide extra space when guests stay over — or when you just need a little calm after the celebrations.
You can also see the Manly 223 in person at our Aura and Springfield Rise display homes, and experience firsthand how effortlessly it brings people together.
In Queensland, entertaining often means taking the indoors outside. A well-designed alfresco area extends your living space and becomes the heart of socialising — perfect for everything from relaxed Sunday brunches to Christmas Day celebrations.
Designed for easy entertaining, the Birch 245 offers a generous kitchen that opens seamlessly to the dining, living, and alfresco spaces. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or an impromptu get-together, this layout keeps everything connected.
You can explore the Birch 245 from our Nest Range at our Yarrabilba display home and see just how beautifully it balances comfort and functionality.
The Cedar 255 is ideal for families who love to entertain. With multiple living areas, a stylish kitchen hub, and a large alfresco that opens up for easy indoor–outdoor flow, this design makes hosting feel effortless. It’s the perfect backdrop for everything from afternoon barbecues to festive dinners, so be sure to visit the Cedar 255 display home at SkyRidge to see how this design brings people together in style.
For those who love to host bigger gatherings, consider a design with generous proportions and expansive entertaining zones. Acreage-style homes, in particular, offer the freedom to create unforgettable celebrations all year round.
The Fairview 321 is made for large-scale entertaining. With a sprawling open-plan layout, a grand kitchen, and an expansive alfresco, it offers the perfect space for family celebrations or festive events. Whether it’s Christmas lunch or a summer evening with friends, this design blends space, comfort, and easy connection.
Step inside the Fairview 321 at our Kensington Grove display home and see how effortlessly it brings indoor and outdoor living together.
The Retreat 345 offers a resort-style approach to entertaining. With its expansive living areas, stylish kitchen, and seamless connection to the outdoors, it’s designed for those who love to host with ease. The generous alfresco and open layout make it perfect for year-round entertaining — from summer evenings to special celebrations.
You can experience the Retreat 345 for yourself at our Burpengary East display home.
When you’re selecting a home for entertaining, consider how your guests will move through the space.
The right layout isn’t just about space — it’s about how it feels. It’s what turns everyday living into moments worth sharing.
With summer and the festive season approaching, now is the perfect time to find a home that brings people together. Whether it’s hosting a family gathering, a Christmas lunch, or casual afternoon drinks, a Hallmark home gives you the space and style to do it all with ease.
If you’re looking for home inspiration, take a moment to browse our gallery for beautiful spaces that capture the Hallmark lifestyle. Or, if you’d prefer to experience our designs in person, visit one of our display homes to see the craftsmanship and comfort up close.
Prefer to explore from the comfort of your couch? You can also take a virtual tour of our homes and start picturing your next celebration right where it belongs — at home.
Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important rooms in your new home, but they can also be the hardest to change if something isn’t right. Getting it right before you build is critical—that way you won’t have to just ‘live with’ anything you don’t love.
