Architects, builders and interior designers say they're increasingly asked to create wide-open spaces with custom amenities that pack a "wow" factor for entertaining friends.

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They could see themselves at the beach, entertaining friends and family.

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She imagined the puppy grown up, entertaining some friends, speaking to them in a British accent: My family of origin was, um, rather not, shall we say, of the most respectable .

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Today, home buyers are looking for luxurious homes at affordable cost with different types of elements like entertaining, relaxing and interacting with their families and friends.

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Mr. Engmann, now a securities trader and an entrepreneur, says he and his wife, Barbara, will miss entertaining at the house, which can easily accommodate 500 guests and a band for a reception or 100 friends at an Easter-egg hunt.

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One of the most entertaining tests was conducted earlier this year by Wired writer Rick Lax, who contacted 1, 000 of his Facebook friends to see how many of them he could engage with in a meaningful way.

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In addition, I have a couple of friends from the New York the financial sector who have now gone annually for twelve straight years, often entertaining clients, and have developed special strategies for how to beat the crowds and do the event right.

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