Lexington Homes offers floorplans with the holidays in mind.

The holidays may be one of the most joyous times of year, but for many Americans, the thought of preparing for and hosting never-ending holiday parties can be daunting. Thankfully, Chicago-based homebuilder Lexington Homes is rescuing busy homeowners by offering standard features at both of its communities that make at-home entertaining a piece of cake.

“While our buyers range from young families to empty nesters, they all desire a home that is conducive to gathering with friends and family during the holidays – and throughout the year,” said Jeff Benach, co-principal of Lexington Homes. “With this in mind, we designed our homes to offer special touches like built-in seating to accommodate guests and oversized prep areas in the kitchen for preparing and serving large meals. Buyers are often surprised to find these details in a townhome – and at such a reasonable price.”

Lexington Homes currently offers two townhome communities in northwest-suburban Chicago, including Willow Place in Wheeling and Lexington Park in Des Plaines. Willow Place features two floor plans measuring 1,858 to 2,157 square feet and is priced from $259,900 to $289,900, while Lexington Park offers three floor plans ranging from 1,605 to 1,913 square feet with prices ranging from $249,900 to $269,900. Homes at both communities come standard with two to three bedrooms, 2½ baths and attached two-car garages. Both communities have a selection of specially-priced homes available for immediate move-in that include builder-selected upscale finishes.

For buyers interested in a home perfect for hosting holiday soirees, Benach said the 1,858-square-foot Chestnut plan at Willow Place displays some of Lexington Homes’ most unique and stylish inclusions, such as a built-in window seat in the living room. Priced from $295,000 and featuring three bedrooms and 2½ baths, the Chestnut has proven popular with many first-time buyers who appreciate the convenience of extra seating, noted Benach.

In addition, a kitchen pass-thru with breakfast bar connects the kitchen and dining room. According to Benach, the pass-thru provides hosts with a convenient space to serve hors d’oeuvres and cocktails away from the bustle of the kitchen. It’s also the perfect spot to collect dishes once guests are done eating.

At Lexington Park, buyers will appreciate the entertaining-friendly kitchen included in the 1,913-square-foot Coventry plan. Featuring a separate breakfast area, a large island with an overhang for accommodating stools and a pass-thru connecting to the dining room, the kitchen provides plenty of room for multiple cooks to oversee the preparation of a large holiday meal, added Benach. The Coventry includes three bedrooms and 2½ baths and is priced from $379,990.

“This kitchen also provides a ton of built-in storage space, including a double-door closet pantry and 42-inch base cabinets under the pass-thru,” said Benach. “Anyone who has ever tried to host a big gathering or cook a large meal in a cramped kitchen will appreciate not having to scramble to find enough cabinet space to store extra ingredients or counter space for baking projects.”

A second design at Lexington Park that provides buyers with extra space is the 1,758-square-foot Warrington, which includes a den located off the kitchen. The Warrington, which is available for immediate move-in, is base-priced from $295,000 and includes two bedrooms, 2½ baths and a variety of upgrades selected by Lexington Homes’ design team.

“It’s rare to find a townhome that includes a main-level den,” said Benach. “The addition of this room provides homeowners with an area that can quickly convert from a study or office into a quiet spot where kids can watch movies and play games, while the adults gather in the main living/dining room area. And it’s conveniently located so that parents can easily keep an eye on their children without having to go up or down stairs.”

In addition to these party-perfect features, homes at both communities include brushed nickel lighting fixtures; oversized private balconies; 42-inch maple cabinets and GE stainless steel appliances in the kitchen; and a dual-bowl raised-height vanity with a cultured marble top in the master bath. A variety of options and upgrades like alternate bedroom configurations and additional baths also are available. Buyers who purchase Lexington Homes’ direct-delivery homes can enjoy a range of designer upgrades, such as fireplaces, hardwood floors and granite countertops.