Create a Kitchen Designed for Hosting
Entertaining season is upon us! If you're in the midst of considering or planning a kitchen renovation, use the next few months as serious experiential research. Paying attention to the benefits and shortcomings of your current home layout and function while you're entertaining a crowd will help you figure out how to create a kitchen designed for hosting. To jumpstart your thought process, we've gathered a few of our favorite ideas from projects' past.
Install an oversized island.
A kitchen island can serve multiple purposes during a party. It can be a place to set out appetizers or the night's buffet. Or, it could be an out-of-the-way prep space for friends who want to lend a hand in the kitchen. Finally, an island can also simply serve as a natural gathering spot for guests, since it gives them a place to set their drinks and plates while standing and enjoying conversation, almost like a makeshift cocktail table.
Bring the wine out of the cellar.
A bar area or wine storage in the kitchen or dining area makes hosting duties easy because it allows guest to help themselves. Stock yours with cocktail and wine glasses, mixers, ice, and stirrers, along with the necessary libations (just be sure to keep anything you don't want guests to drink in a different area).
Create a layered lighting plan.
Mood lighting is never more important than it is when hosting a party. A brightly lit room signals a lively affair while dimming the lights makes a party instantly feel more intimate. Having multiple lighting options also allows you to change up the vibe throughout the night as the party gets started and winds down.
For more creative kitchen ideas, visit our Houzz profile to check out hundreds of photos of completed projects.