Making Houses Homes Again

There’s a shift happening—quietly, and often at home. More people, especially Gen Z, are stepping away from fast-paced social scenes and choosing smaller, slower gatherings. Instead of going out, they’re inviting friends in. They’re cooking meals, laying out art supplies, and setting tables with secondhand dishes. They’re creating space to simply be together. 

Loneliness is at an all-time high. A 2023 study by the U.S. Surgeon General reported that over half of adults experience measurable levels of loneliness, with young people among the most affected. In response, connection-based gatherings like Craft Clubs and Supper Clubs are becoming more common. They offer something many people are missing—real, in-person community.

Craft Clubs have become a place where people can meet, talk, and make something with their hands. These moments are not about perfection or productivity. They’re about slowing down. Making art while sitting next to someone brings a natural kind of closeness. You don’t have to say much for it to feel meaningful.

Supper Clubs serve a similar purpose. For me they look like Soup Nights. I invite my friends over and prepare several soups, while everyone else brings a side or bottle of wine. The point is sharing a meal in someone’s home and connecting over good food. Hosting no longer needs to be fancy. It can be as simple as soup and bread, with music playing and friends helping set the table. What matters is that people come together without distraction. That they stay for the conversation, not just the food.

Even the rise of the home café reflects a desire for calm and connection. People are turning a corner of their kitchen into a place to slow down. It’s not about aesthetics. It’s about creating moments of comfort—for yourself or with someone else. These spaces give people a way to connect that doesn’t rely on spending money or going out.

These trends may look small, but they speak to something bigger. In a culture where people can go days without meaningful interaction, these gatherings offer a different way of living. They say: you don’t have to be constantly busy. You can make time. You can care. You can invite someone in.

What’s powerful is how ordinary it all is. A table. A few chairs. A shared meal or a shared project. These things used to be part of daily life. Now, they feel rare. But they don’t have to be. Many people are starting to rebuild community from the inside out. They are using what they have to create something real.

You don’t need a big house or expensive supplies. You need time, attention, and the willingness to open the door. These at-home gatherings help us remember what it feels like to belong. To be known. To show up for each other in small ways.

We’re not just looking for hobbies or something to do. We’re looking for connection. And these gatherings—whether they’re craft nights, dinner parties, or morning coffee with a friend—are helping us find it. Join us for a Craft Club!