Smart Entertainment: Tips for a Successful Home Gathering

by Ann Hayward 02/06/2022

No matter the size of your get-together, you may want to incorporate some sort of atmosphere. An impeccable way to do this is to use music, ambient noises and mood lighting. Some may even take it a step further and incorporate patterned screen displays or put up slideshows of their new vacations or outings.

Here are a few other ways that you can incorporate your smart technology into your home gatherings.

Smart & Musical Bulbs

Lighting and music are no longer exclusive. You can play your favorite music straight from your color-changing mood lighting. These bulbs can be hooked up to your smartphone, tablet, smart television or virtual assistant. Most only need a Wi-Fi connection or bluetooth connection, but others use both or newer connective technologies. You don’t need any special lighting setup, either. Just screw it in and connect it to your device.

The idea of these bulbs is to have the setting in an all-in-one feature that can be fine-tuned by the user. They can also coordinate with your playlist, taking the manual work out of color coordinating your favorite music. For example, if a softer jazz plays through the small speaker inside the bulb, the tempo and other musical facets are calculated and a matching color and brightness is assigned to the song, giving you an all-around relaxing experience.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are ideal for any size gathering. Like most connective technology, they can integrate with your device via Wi-Fi. These plugs go into the normal outlet, but can be told when to turn on whatever is plugged into it. They’re great for turning off lighting, turning on projectors or televisions for viewing, adjusting special effects machines and a host of other items.

They’re similar to outlet timers with rotaries, but instead of the manual labor, you can control your device from an accompanying smart screen (phone, tablet, television, etc.). So if you’ve cleaned up and gone to bed but forgot to turn off the karaoke machine, you don’t have to worry. Just flip the app on and turn it off from wherever you are.

Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants are now the norm. They come standard in just about every smart device a consumer could buy. But did you know that they’re excellent for helping with your favorite shindigs? Not only can you control your smart devices from your virtual assistant, you can also use it during musical or visual party games.

All you have to do is call out to them, tell them what to play (you may even hum or tap a beat for music) and they’ll get it going for you. This is great for games such as musical charades where you may want to hear the song after your guests have given you their version.

Smart entertainment technology can help boost your home gatherings just as much as other smart home technology can boost your savings. They’re inexpensive and can be customized to meet just about any need.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]