Just in time for the long weekend, NPD is releasing a study on home entertaining, and reports that 75% of adults prefer having guests over in summer months. And overall, the Port Washington,
N.Y.-based market researcher reports, sales are up: In the 12 months ending in April, dollar sales of acrylic/plastic beverage ware grew are up 3%, for example. But sales reach across many categories:
Consumers say they also view lawncare and gardening as part of the home-entertaining equation, and about 25% say they powerwash their homes to prep for the season's parties.