Peak leasing season is a high-stakes period for multifamily operators. With leasing teams trying to balance a surge in online inquiries, neverending property tours, application processing and resident requests—all while ensuring seamless access to multifamily amenities—inefficiencies can quickly add up.
And when operations aren’t optimized, those inefficiencies become glaring:
One solution? Centralization.
By shifting essential functions from individual sites to a shared, scalable model, operators can increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve resident satisfaction and empower their teams to handle peak leasing season with greater ease.
Let’s explore how centralized multifamily amenities, leasing support and resident services are helping operators stay ahead when demand is at its highest.
Multifamily amenities are major selling points for prospective residents, but they also add complexity to daily operations. When leasing teams are pulled into managing amenities like coffee service, resident printing, and package handling, it takes valuable time away from touring and signing leases.
During peak leasing season, operators need every available resource focused on securing new residents. That’s why properties are turning to centralized amenities that require little to no staff involvement.
Case Study: A Portfolio-Wide Shift to Centralized Coffee Service
For six Chicago-based Class A high-rises, resident coffee service was a valued amenity but also a frequent operational headache. Leasing teams had to manage supply orders, troubleshoot machines, and address resident concerns—time-consuming tasks that took attention away from prospects.
By switching to SipWithMe, a fully automated coffee solution, these properties eliminated the need for on-site supply management and maintenance.
Results at a Glance:
✔ 49% average savings on coffee expenses
✔ $62,745 total annual savings across six properties
✔ 100% of properties reported staff time savings
✔ 22,520+ drinks served
With coffee service fully automated, leasing teams no longer had to oversee supplies or respond to resident complaints. Instead, they had more time for follow-ups, tours, and securing lease signings at the most critical time of year.
"We don’t have to order additional supplies, we don’t have to keep them in stock. It is just easier on the team." – Debbie Lam, General Manager, Left Bank
Peak leasing season means nonstop prospect engagement—but every minute spent on operational distractions is a minute lost on closing leases.
On-site printing is a prime example of an amenity that’s important to residents but frequently disrupts staff workflow. When leasing teams are responsible for restocking supplies, troubleshooting printer issues or printing documents for residents in the leasing office, it adds unnecessary pressure during an already hectic season.
Case Study: The Habitat Company’s Shift to PrintWithMe
To reduce distractions, The Habitat Company centralized its resident printing service with PrintWithMe, an automated printing solution that removed the need for on-site printer management.
Results at a Glance:
✔ 1,057+ unique users
✔ 50,290 pages printed
✔ 8/10 resident satisfaction score
✔ 550+ lbs of e-waste saved annually
For leasing teams, this shift meant no more time spent fixing printers or managing supply restocking. Instead, those valuable hours were redirected toward prospect follow-ups, leasing tours and resident engagement.
"It's an absolute game changer for anyone still managing resident printing in-house." – Steven St. Louis, Regional Manager, The Habitat Company
At a time when prospective residents are making fast leasing decisions, responsiveness is critical. Every unanswered call, delayed email or missed tour follow-up is a lost leasing opportunity.
The challenge? Leasing teams are already stretched thin, trying to balance tours, applications and resident concerns. Without the right systems in place, response times slow, leads slip away and properties lose momentum.
Leading operators are now shifting:
✔ Leasing inquiries & follow-ups → to a centralized leasing hub that manages scheduling, lead nurturing and application processing.
✔ Resident questions & maintenance requests → to a centralized support center that ensures fast responses while allowing on-site teams to focus on leasing.
✔ Tour coordination → to a centralized scheduling system, reducing calendar management burdens on staff.
By offloading administrative tasks, leasing staff can focus entirely on closing leases, ensuring that no lead goes ignored.
Operational inefficiencies become even more costly when leasing demand is high. Centralizing and standardizing multifamily amenities not only frees up staff—it also keeps costs under control during a time when marketing spend and operational expenses are already at their peak.
Case Study: Cost Savings from Centralized Coffee Service
For the Chicago Class A portfolio that implemented SipWithMe, standardizing coffee service across multiple properties resulted in significant financial benefits:
✔ $62,745 in annual savings across six properties
✔ Per-unit cost reduction from $4.39/unit (2019) to $2.27/unit (2022)
Similarly, properties that have implemented centralized maintenance scheduling, leasing support and resident services have reported:
✔ Lower staffing costs due to shared service models.
✔ Reduced supply waste by automating inventory and eliminating over-ordering.
✔ Greater operational consistency across multiple properties.
With rising costs in staffing, supplies and amenities, properties that standardize services before peak leasing season begins can maximize budget efficiency—freeing up resources for leasing incentives, marketing and staff training.
During peak leasing season, every decision either enhances efficiency or creates bottlenecks. Properties that implement centralized leasing support, automated multifamily amenities and standardized services create an environment where:
✔ Leasing teams stay focused on signing new residents
✔ On-site staff aren’t overwhelmed with avoidable administrative tasks
✔ Prospective and current residents receive faster, more consistent service
✔ Costs remain controlled without compromising amenity quality
By streamlining multifamily amenities and operations, properties ensure they remain competitive, responsive and efficient—even during the busiest months of the year.
At WithMe, we help properties save time, reduce workload and improve the resident experience with effortless multifamily amenities that don’t require extensive staff oversight.
Let’s talk about how we can help your team work smarter this leasing season. Get in touch today!
National Irish Coffee Day, observed every January 25, offers coffee enthusiasts a chance to celebrate the timeless appeal of this beloved drink. Combining the boldness of coffee, the smoothness of Irish whiskey, and the indulgence of cream, Irish coffee is a heartwarming tradition that embodies hospitality and togetherness.
Legend has it Irish coffee was invented in 1942 in, you guessed it, Ireland.
The small town of Foynes, near Limerick, was home to an air base that had become a popular stop over for transatlantic flights. Many of these flights carried important public figures and celebrities. To create an elevated experience for these esteemed passengers, a restaurant was opened.
One winter evening, a Pan Am flight bound for New York had to turn back to Foynes midway through its journey. The restaurant’s chef, Joe Sheridan, decided to whip up something special for the cold and weary passengers to drink. He used sugar to sweeten some strong hot coffee, added a little Irish whiskey for good measure and carefully topped it with a delicate layer of cream. Local lore says a silence descended as everyone enjoyed this delectable drink, and Irish coffee instantly became an airport specialty.
In 1952, famed travel writer Stanton Delaplane introduced Irish coffee to the United States. He persuaded Jack Koeppler, then-owner of San Francisco’s The Buena Vista, to recreate the infamous beverage. As the story goes, the cream kept sinking when Koeppler tried to make the drink, so he literally traveled to Foynes to have Joe Sheridan teach him the proper way to craft the beverage.
To this day, the Buena Vista serves upwards of 2,000 Tullamore D.E.W. Irish coffees each day!
If you’re celebrating National Irish Coffee Day, there’s no better way to honor the drink than by using the authentic Buena Vista recipe.
Ingredients:
Steps:
Source: Liquor.com
Spirited coffee holidays like National Irish Coffee Day offer countless ways to engage and connect with your community. Here are some creative ways to celebrate this iconic drink:
These creative ideas will elevate your National Irish Coffee Day celebration and create memorable experiences for your community. For even more inspiration to plan the ultimate coffee-themed resident event, don’t miss our “Power of Coffee” webinar!
Raise your glass—filled with Irish coffee, of course—to a day of flavorful celebration and community warmth!
National Irish Coffee Day is a reminder of coffee's unique ability to bring people together and create memorable experiences.
With the right amenity, your property can create a welcoming space that encourages connection and supports resident retention. Whether it’s an everyday pick-me-up or a special celebration, SipWithMe helps you craft coffee experiences that bring people together.
We’re passionate about transforming multifamily properties with premium coffee solutions that not only delight residents but also help property management teams reduce costs and simplify operations.
Celebrate National Irish Coffee Day with an amenity upgrade that adds warmth, indulgence and connection to your community every day. Contact us for a demo or pricing today.
In recent years, apartment amenities have been extravagant and elaborate. Luxury properties, specifically, have seen a rise in features ranging from screening rooms to golf simulators, crystal lagoons, and podcast recording studios.
But that could be changing.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, residents are placing greater value on amenities that bring convenience and utility to their everyday lives,” Jonathan Treble, founder and CEO of WithMe, a multifamily amenity solutions company, told ApartmentBuildings.com. Golf simulators and cold plunges can be a lot of fun. “They don’t necessarily simplify or improve day-to-day living for most residents,” Treble added.
Additionally, Treble noted that the demand for convenience-based amenities versus luxury options continues to “reshape amenity offerings across all classes. ”
CHICAGO, IL - January 7, 2025 - WithMe, Inc., parent company of leading multifamily coffee service provider SipWithMe, announces a series of product updates and innovations set to transform the customer experience for multifamily property managers and their residents.
These enhancements include the introduction of SipWithMe Signature, a stylish and efficient coffee machine, the launch of convenient auto-shipment services for coffee and supplies, and the rollout of a new Express Service Guarantee in select markets.
SipWithMe Signature
The new SipWithMe Signature option brings a new level of sophistication to communal spaces, combining a sleek, modern design with the ability to create over 12 barista-quality beverages, making it the perfect centerpiece for lobbies, coworking spaces, and more.
While the Signature option will take center stage as SipWithMe’s flagship offering in 2025, the company will continue to offer SipWithMe Elite, a larger machine that offers more than 20 beverage options.
Automated Supply Shipments
Equipped with real-time monitoring, SipWithMe machines now automatically reorder and auto-ship coffee, powders and other essentials before they run out. This feature eliminates the need for manual inventory management and ordering, providing property managers and on-site staff with peace of mind and time back in their days, and ensuring residents always have access to their favorite beverages.
Express Service Guarantee
WithMe launched its Express Service Guarantee to ensure on-site service within one business day, reflecting the company’s goal of delivering support to client locations in less than 24 hours.
This enhanced service is available in markets including Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
For immediate support of residents and on-site property teams, WithMe’s Titan Business Award-winning customer service team delivers seven-day-a-week remote support via phone, chat or email.
"Our mission is to make premium coffee service simple and seamless for our clients," said Jeff Lail, COO of WithMe. "The launch of SipWithMe Signature, automated supply delivery and our express service guarantee allows us to deliver reliability, convenience and tailored coffee experiences."
Both SipWithMe options offer flat-rate packages that can be customized to suit the needs of any property. Plan options include Pay-Per-Cup, Cup Allowance, Morning Unlimited and All-Day Unlimited.
SipWithMe is dedicated to ongoing innovation, and will continue to expand its coffee amenity options and features. To learn more about how SipWithMe can transform your property’s coffee experience, visit withme.com/sipwithme or email marketing@withme.com.
About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe, Inc. makes lives better every day through convenient, technology-powered amenities for the multifamily industry and beyond. WithMe’s PrintWithMe and SipWithMe solutions make resident printing and coffee simple, helping property management leaders deliver an elevated living experience while decreasing spend, controlling costs, and saving time for staff.
PrintWithMe powers printer amenities at thousands of multifamily, cafe and coworking locations across all 50 states. SipWithMe, available in major markets, is disrupting the coffee amenity category.
WithMe is an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, appearing on the list for the past four consecutive years, as well as a 2023 Inc. Power Partner and a 2024 NAA Top Employer.
Imagine losing $4,000 every time a resident walks away - not because of a bad view or noisy neighbors, but because you missed the mark on what they actually want.
While properties are busy photoshopping glamour shots of unused poolside cabanas, residents are silently plotting their escape.
Here's the truth: 75% of multifamily property managers feel renter expectations have increased. Yet, many still completely misread the room. And with rising inflation pushing cost-conscious residents to scrutinize every expense, traditional multifamily amenities like game rooms and golf simulators sit empty while practical, tech-enabled solutions deliver daily value.
Forget flashy. Forget fancy. Resident retention is about frictionless, intelligent, life-enhancing services that look good and work brilliantly.
Apartments are no longer simply havens for sleeping, eating and binge-watching your favorite shows .They're command centers. They're business hubs. They’re makeshift workstations.
Over one-third (35%) of U.S. workers who can work remotely are doing so, choosing to ditch traditional offices altogether and join Zoom calls in business tops and pajama bottoms. Tamina Sheikh, President of Property Management at PCP, says 20-30% of residents work from home on any given day. That's a massive shift in how your property functions.
These folks are no longer asking for permission. They're demanding solutions that match their new reality. When 82% of residents consider printing an “essential” amenity, that lobby waterfall starts looking pretty useless. And with coffee consumption hitting a 20-year high — up 40% since 2004 — residents want more than a dusty drip maker in the corner.
Savvy multifamily owners and managers are catching on. They’re designating spaces specifically for tech-enabled amenities during the design phase, recognizing that modern multifamily properties need infrastructure that supports remote work. Because here's what your work-from-home residents won't tell you: They're silently comparing your amenities to their old office perks. And if you're not measuring up? Well, there's always that property down the street.
The Washington Post sounded the alarm in 2023: Most third-party printing services treat your residents' confidential documents like social feeds - reading, storing and sometimes selling the juicy details. Tax returns, bank statements, medical records - all fair game. That ancient printer in your leasing office? It's a liability nightmare waiting to happen.
For managers of multifamily properties, PrintWithMe offers an easy-to-use solution. We're talking about high-speed, high-quality printing accessible from any device. No software to install. No drivers to update. No IT degree required. Just hassle-free printing without all the drama.
But PrintWithMe isn't just another printer in your lobby. This is security meets resident convenience. Every print job gets encrypted the moment it's sent. Documents stay locked down until residents physically show up to collect them. Then? Nuclear deletion. No lingering files, no data breaches, no 3 a.m. panic calls about exposed social security numbers.
"When you combine the positive resident impact with the cost savings for our properties and the reduced liability from our on-site teams who may have been helping residents by printing their private documents, it is simply a no-brainer," says LuAnne Acton Ross, Partner and Executive Vice President at Asset Living. Especially when you consider how quickly individual printing requests pile up across a large property portfolio.
The best part? This centralized solution practically runs itself. Automated supply reordering means no more emergency paper runs. Remote monitoring catches issues before residents do. And with 99%+ uptime, your staff has more time to focus on what matters most instead of playing printer tech support. This all leads to a consistently exceptional experience for residents.
Nearly three in four Americans (73%) drink coffee every day, per the 2024 Coffee Statistics: Consumption, Preferences, & Spending Report - and they're proving it with their wallets. Twenty-eight percent of people surveyed spend $21 to $40 on coffee at shops each month; another 14% spend over $40.
Unlike unreliable DIY setups with consumer-grade Keurigs, SipWithMe spices up the resident experience with barista-quality beverages in under 60 seconds.
But this isn't just another coffee machine. The machines feature sleek, modern designs that transform dead spaces into social hubs. "Our residents love the SipWithMe coffee and machine. I have received multiple compliments on the variety of brews they can select from, how the machine is easy to use, and the flavor of the coffee," says Sherry Haney, Senior Property Manager at Security Properties.
The numbers speak volumes: 33% of residents save at least $20 monthly compared to café visits, while one in five saves 15-plus minutes per coffee break, according to a recent WithMe, Inc. survey. In student housing properties and luxury multifamily communities alike, that's the kind of practical value that drives retention.
Plus, property managers love the Cup Allowance technology, which controls costs while keeping the coffee flowing. No budget surprises. No supply headaches. Just automated monitoring, remote maintenance and 24/7 support — all while delivering up to 60% operational expense savings compared to a traditional coffee service.
Modern residents don't need meditation rooms or infinity pools. They need practical solutions that power their daily lives.
While other properties chase trends, give residents what they really need: secure printing that protects their data and premium coffee that fuels their day. All without adding to your team's workload.Ready to improve your resident retention numbers? Let's talk about making your property the one residents never want to leave.
Tax season hits hard — and we’re not just talking about the paperwork headache. For many of your residents, it could be a financial lifeline.
Nearly 40% of Americans rely on their tax refund to make ends meet. But this year, getting those refunds might take even longer. With the IRS scaling back its workforce and paper tax returns already taking up to eight weeks to process, even a small delay could throw off entire budgets.
And that’s before you factor in the stress. Kitchen tables don’t exactly make ideal tax prep stations. Neither do crowded coffee shops where prying eyes can catch a glimpse of someone’s W-2. And, let’s be honest, most personal printers run out of ink at exactly the wrong moment.
Here’s where your property can really shine during tax season — if you invest in the right community amenities.
Understanding tax obligations and taking advantage of available credits and deductions can be daunting. Fortunately, the IRS offers various tax education and workshops to help taxpayers navigate these complexities. Residents can attend IRS-sponsored workshops and webinars to learn about important tax topics such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and how to avoid tax scams.
For example, the IRS’s workshop on the EITC covers eligibility, how to claim the credit and how to avoid common errors. This workshop, along with others on the CTC and additional tax credits, provides residents with the knowledge they need to maximize their tax benefits.
The IRS also provides beneficial resources through its Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs), where residents can get face-to-face help with tax issues, including tax return preparation. These centers also offer valuable information on tax credits and deductions that can lead to significant savings.
By taking advantage of these educational resources, residents can better understand their tax obligations and make informed decisions that can lead to substantial financial benefits
When it comes to filing taxes, convenience and accessibility are key. The IRS offers a range of options to make the process smoother and more secure. For instance, electronic filing is the fastest and most accurate way to submit your taxes. Not only does it provide immediate confirmation of receipt and processing, but it also significantly reduces the risk of errors compared to paper filing.
Filing taxes electronically can also lead to significant cost savings. The IRS provides free online and in-person tax preparation options for eligible taxpayers through programs like IRS Free File, IRS Direct File, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. For example, taxpayers with an income of $84,000 or less last year can use IRS Free File Guided Tax Software now through October 15.
By utilizing these free self-preparation options, residents can avoid the fees typically charged by tax preparation services. For those who prefer professional assistance, choosing a trusted tax professional affiliated with a recognized national tax association can also be a cost-effective option. These resources ensure that residents can meet their tax obligations without breaking the bank, making tax season a little less stressful.
Residents can also take advantage of the IRS’s numerous online tools and resources, such as the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA), to get answers to their tax questions and determine their filing status. The IRS2Go mobile app is another valuable resource, allowing users to check their refund status, make payments and find free tax preparation services right from their smartphones. Available for both iOS and Android devices, this app brings the IRS’s services directly to your fingertips.
Additionally, the IRS offers voicebot services for those calling in for refund information and online chatbots for various functions, making it easier than ever to get the help you need without the long wait times. These tools not only enhance the tax filing experience but also provide peace of mind by ensuring that residents can find the information they need quickly and securely.
Tax forms are identity theft goldmines. Social security numbers, bank account details, employer info — it’s all there, waiting to be exploited if it falls into the wrong hands. Sensitive financial information, including documents received from banks, must be protected. Printing these documents at a public library or shipping store? Risky at best.
That’s why properties with PrintWithMe offer more than convenience. They offer peace of mind. Residents can print directly from their phones, laptops or tablets — anytime, anywhere. Documents are encrypted before they even hit the printer and are automatically deleted after printing. And with a unique release code, only they can collect their paperwork.
“Staff doesn’t have to be that source for residents to print items out,” says Emily Nouzies, Community Manager at RangeWater Real Estate. “We get very busy handling other requests, and this is just a good way for residents to be able to do it on their own and at their convenience.”
Hands-free and hassle-free printing means minimal staff involvement while delivering maximum resident satisfaction. And with 99%+ uptime and live support seven days a week, your team can focus on other priorities while residents enjoy reliable service. Face it, there’s never been a better time to break up with unreliable printing services.
Preparing taxes isn’t something you want to tackle with roommates blaring the TV or the kids asking what’s for dinner. One wrong digit or missed form can mean weeks of delays — or worse, an audit. Meeting the filing deadline is crucial, and a dedicated workspace can help ensure timely and accurate preparation.
This is where your community’s business center or coworking space can save the day.
Ensure your space offers plenty of power outlets for laptops and other electronic devices, lighting that won’t strain eyes during document review, comfortable (and ergonomic) seating, and, most importantly, fast, reliable Wi-Fi that keeps residents connected to tax prep platforms and IRS portals.
When every number matters and focus is crucial, your community’s dedicated workspaces can deliver what home offices and coffee shops don’t — a professional environment designed for serious work.
When you’re neck deep in tax forms, caffeine isn’t optional. But heading to the nearest coffee shop for a brain boost? That’s time (and money) better spent elsewhere. Staying alert during tax season is crucial, especially when certain refunds are processed.
With SipWithMe, residents get barista-quality drinks in under 60 seconds — without leaving the building. Whether they’re craving a latte or a simple cup of joe, they can fuel up without the hassle (or the markup).
In a survey of over 2,300 multifamily residents, coffee ranked second only to fitness centers as the most-valued amenity. In that same survey, nearly half (49%) of residents reported that the coffee machine was their most-used technology-enabled amenity, far outpacing package lockers and entertainment options. And when your residents save 15+ minutes per coffee break and at least $20 a month compared to trips to the coffee shop, they notice.
“The residents are much happier, the staff is much happier,” said Harlen Fredenberg, General Manager at Asset Living. “WithMe amenities are smooth and save a lot of money. It’s been a win all around.”
No lines. No overpriced drinks. Just premium coffee when residents need it. It almost makes tax season a pleasant experience.
Tax time stress is real. But your community can help residents take it in stride with the right combination of secure printing, smart workspaces and great coffee — all conveniently on-site. Best of all? These same amenities enhance the resident experience throughout the entire year. Let’s chat about how PrintWithMe and SipWithMe can elevate your property’s amenity experience — not just for tax season, but for the long haul.
National Gingerbread Latte Day, celebrated every December 15, is a time to honor the cozy flavors and traditions of the holiday season. A perfect blend of bold espresso, creamy milk and warming gingerbread spices, this festive beverage has earned its place as a holiday favorite.
Rooted in centuries-old traditions, the gingerbread latte combines the rich history of spiced gingerbread with the comforting allure of a latte. It’s a drink that bridges past and present, inviting us to celebrate the season with a blend of nostalgia and creativity.
The History of Gingerbread
Gingerbread has a history as rich as its flavor. Its roots trace back to ancient Greece and China, where ginger was prized for its medicinal qualities. By the 11th century, European bakers began incorporating ginger into bread, and over time, gingerbread became a beloved holiday treat. Its association with festive cheer grew stronger with the introduction of intricately decorated gingerbread houses in 16th-century Germany.
The Rise of the Latte
Meanwhile, Starbucks revolutionized holiday beverages when it debuted its Gingerbread Latte in 2000. Combining espresso, gingerbread syrup, steamed milk, whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg, this dreamy drink quickly became a winter favorite, filling people with coziness and lifting holiday spirits. For over 20 years, it has been a staple of the Starbucks holiday menu in the U.S.
International Starbucks locations have even introduced a Chocolate Gingerbread Latte, adding a decadent twist to the classic, blending the best of hot chocolate and gingerbread flavors.
Bring the warmth and joy of the season to your multifamily property by turning your communal spaces into cozy havens of holiday cheer. These simple, festive ideas will delight residents and make National Gingerbread Latte Day an unforgettable celebration!
1. DIY Gingerbread Latte Party
Set up a DIY gingerbread latte bar with all the essentials: fresh espresso, a variety of milk options, gingerbread syrup, whipped cream and a selection of festive toppings like cinnamon, nutmeg, crushed cookies and candy sprinkles. Enhance the party vibe with cozy seating, holiday music and warm lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.
If your property features a SipWithMe coffee amenity, make it the centerpiece of the event by showcasing its ease of use and versatility. Engage residents with a hands-on demonstration of how they can easily create their own café-quality gingerbread lattes (recipe below), making the experience interactive and fun.
Add an extra layer of excitement by including gingerbread-themed treats, like cookies or muffins, and consider giving out small holiday favors, such as recipe cards or custom mugs, to make the event even more memorable. This party isn’t just about the coffee—it’s a celebration of the season and a great opportunity for residents to mingle and enjoy the holiday spirit together!
2. Gingerbread Decorating Challenge
Unleash creativity and foster community spirit with a gingerbread decorating contest! Provide residents with pre-assembled gingerbread houses or cookie kits, complete with icing, candies and sprinkles. Add a competitive edge by offering prizes for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Overall Design.” This engaging activity doubles as a fun way to build connections among residents while embracing the holiday spirit.
3. Gingerbread Latte Photo Booth
Elevate the fun with a themed photo booth that screams holiday cheer! Include props like oversized coffee cups, gingerbread characters, festive hats and twinkling backdrops. Encourage residents to snap and share their photos on social media, tagging your property for added exposure. This activity not only fosters resident engagement but also highlights the vibrant community lifestyle your property offers.
4. Interactive Gingerbread Workshops
Take the celebration up a notch by partnering with a local baker to host an experiential workshop. Residents can learn tips and tricks for baking gingerbread cookies. Hands-on activities like these bring people together, provide new skills and create lasting memories—all while highlighting your property’s commitment to offering unique and enriching experiences.
Whip up a SipWithMe gingerbread latte with this easy recipe from The Big Man’s World:
Ingredients
Directions
Enjoy this cozy beverage as part of your Gingerbread Latte Day celebration or anytime you need a little holiday magic!
National Gingerbread Latte Day invites us all to sip into the spirit of the season. From the comforting blend of gingerbread spices to the warmth of shared traditions, it’s the perfect excuse to embrace the holiday cheer, one cup at a time.
With SipWithMe, you can bring the magic of premium coffee experiences to your community, making every day feel like a celebration. Whether it’s teaching your residents to craft a perfect gingerbread latte or exploring other seasonal favorites, SipWithMe makes it easy to spread joy.Ready to spice up your coffee amenity? Request a demo or get pricing today and discover how SipWithMe can make every moment memorable.reach out today to see how SipWithMe can transform your coffee amenity.
As the seasons change, so do your residents’ needs and desires. Providing amenities and planning events that align with these shifting demands can be a game-changer for property managers. In fact, resident events have been shown to boost satisfaction, improve online reviews and impact lease renewal decisions, making them an essential tool for long-term property success.
According to WithMe Inc.’s 2025 amenity outlook survey, which gathered insights from senior multifamily professionals at the country’s top property management companies, including Bozzuto, Greystar and Willow Bridge, there is a rise in resident demand for multipurpose spaces where they can relax, connect with neighbors and work.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the multifamily industry, it’s this: the best way to ensure your amenities are valued is to ask the people who use them – your residents.
At WithMe, Inc., we regularly survey thousands of residents, and the results from our latest round of questions reinforced something I’ve always believed: practical, everyday amenities win over flashy, trend-driven features every single time.
It’s not about chasing fads or selecting features that look good in a photo. It’s about creating spaces that truly fit into residents’ lives. From coffee bars that power up their mornings to full-service fitness centers and smart-home features that add convenience and control, the amenities residents love are the ones that make life a little easier.
Let’s talk about what really matters to residents and how focusing on practical, impactful options can transform your properties into communities people are proud to call home.
‘Tis the season for coffee celebrations, and December 3 is dedicated to one of the most iconic holiday latte flavors: peppermint. National Peppermint Latte Day honors the beloved blend of bold espresso, smooth milk and refreshing peppermint that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Now a seasonal staple, the peppermint latte began gaining popularity in 2002. However, it wasn’t until 2015 that the internet declared it deserved its own day of celebration.
Flavored coffee is not a modern innovation. Its origins trace back centuries to the Middle East, when coffee was often brewed with cardamom, cinnamon or dried fruits. These traditions, still reflected in Arabic and Turkish coffees, introduced layers of unique, complex flavors to the beverage.
The American flavored latte, however, emerged in the 1980s in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. LC "Brandy" Brandenburg, a retired coffee industry veteran, began experimenting with Torani syrups to craft what is considered the first flavored latte. His creation, the Fantasia, blended vanilla and orange flavors, igniting a flavored coffee trend that brought syrups like caramel, chocolate and vanilla to café menus across the country.
Flavored lattes rose to prominence alongside broader changes in coffee culture. During the early 1980s, most American coffee shops offered only basic options like straight espresso or cappuccino. Flavored syrups made espresso drinks more approachable, appealing to customers who found traditional coffee too bitter.
By the 1990s, Starbucks and other chains fully embraced flavored lattes, popularizing holiday classics like the Eggnog Latte (1986), Pumpkin Spice Latte (2003) and Chestnut Praline Latte (2014).
Beyond flavor, lattes became a form of self-expression. Syrups and customizations allowed customers to craft drinks that reflected their personal tastes.
The peppermint latte owes much of its popularity to Starbucks, whose Peppermint Mocha has become a holiday icon. After the success of the Gingerbread Latte in 2000, Starbucks’ research and development team set out to create another festive drink inspired by the season.
Inspired by the candy canes and peppermint candies that dominate the season, the team developed a recipe combining espresso, bittersweet mocha sauce, peppermint syrup and steamed milk. The final touch was whipped cream and red sprinkles, later swapped for dark chocolate curls.
Debuting in 2002, the Peppermint Mocha quickly became a fan favorite, earning a permanent spot on Starbucks’ seasonal menu. Today, it’s available hot, iced and blended, and it can even be found in grocery stores as pre-made drinks and limited-edition ground coffee.
National Peppermint Latte Day is the perfect excuse to create meaningful moments and foster community connections. From interactive workshops to indulgent tasting experiences, there are countless ways to make this day special. Below are fresh, festive ideas to inspire your celebrations:
Grab your favorite SipWithMe espresso or coffee and brew up some holiday happiness with this delicious recipe from Recipe Rebel:
Ingredients:
Directions:
National Peppermint Latte Day is a delightful opportunity to unite your community while savoring the season’s most beloved coffee flavor. From crafting personalized lattes to hosting festive workshops, these engaging activities encourage residents to connect, share joy, and create lasting memories.
With SipWithMe, you can make premium, café-quality beverages a seamless part of your community’s lifestyle. Whether it’s a festive event or an everyday indulgence, SipWithMe makes it easy to create memorable experiences for your residents. Bring the joy of the season home - reach out today to see how SipWithMe can transform your coffee amenity.