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How To Plan A Kitchen For Hosting

From dinner parties and children’s birthdays, to festive celebrations and evening drinks, entertaining friends and family is what makes a home come alive, so it is important to know how to plan a kitchen for hosting to get it just right. Whether the gathering is large or small, these ideas will help you plan functional features within a space, so your social occasions run without hiccup.

1. Go for a dual look

Wave goodbye to stressful dinner prep with a double oven, which makes cooking for big family events simple.

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1. Go for a dual look

Whether you are catering for large parties or cooking for different dietary requirements, a double oven offers much-needed room for additional dishes. Positioning the devices in a tower formation or side-by-side makes it easy to move crockery around and will also help to zone a space. This will take the stress out of cooking, leaving more time to enjoy socialising with guests.

EXPLORE BUILT-IN DOUBLE OVENS
2. Make it minimal

Cooking via induction is fast and efficient, while also offering a modern, party-ready aesthetic that will be the star of your interior.

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2. Make it minimal

Sleek, flush-fitting devices are a great choice for creating a sophisticated space for hosting. Induction devices feature a contemporary, reflective appearance that sits subtly against a counter, which is also easy to wipe down and keep clean. Alongside the stylish look, it is also safe for children as the smart technology ensures that the surface is cool to touch after use.

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3. Create a clean space

Ease the senses with a flush-fitting extractor that disperses cooking odours to add to a clean and fresh space – great for post-dinner socialising.

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3. Create a clean space

When hosting, it is essential to impress guests with your best dishes. However, it is also vital that fragrant smells from cooking do not ruin the atmosphere. Including a flush-fitting extractor will diffuse the scent of food and also create a fuss-free design. Some models can be installed into a ceiling to reduce visual distractions and clear sight lines when socialising.

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4. Warm and welcoming

Be the host with the most by keeping dinner plates and meals heated in a warming drawer, ready for serving.

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4. Warm and welcoming

Keep your attention on guests and worry less about keeping food heated, by adding a warming drawer into a design. Timing can be the trickiest part of cooking, whether serving up an elaborate roast dinner or party snacks, a drawer can help to keep food and crockery warm and ready for serving. Position below other built-in equipment to easily transport dishes, for a truly practical space.

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5. Work in a wine fridge

Make sure you have tipples on hand for guests by including a wine fridge, which creates a boutique-like bar area.

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5. Work in a wine fridge

The secret is in the detail when it comes to designing a kitchen for entertaining, particularly with sophisticated additions that will upgrade a space. Wine fridges come in a variety of sizes to suit any hosting needs and can be positioned in a prime place, like a breakfast bar as seen in @project_ivel’s design. The temperature-controlled environment will keep drinks ready to serve and within arm’s reach.

See wine coolers
6. Opt for an island

Mix and mingle with guests over an island. Forming a central point to socialise will ground a room and make hosting a breeze.

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6. Opt for an island

One of the simplest ways to create a hub that will attract friends and family is to add an island, just like @renovatingcliffhouse. It optimises floor space and can be utilised for preparing dinner, evening drinks, and after-school playdates. This versatile feature can include casual seating to perch for drinks and nibbles and will also allow the chef to join in on the fun.

See kitchen island layouts

7. Break it up

Save on space with a breakfast bar that acts as a practical pocket for after-school play-dates, or coffee catch-ups with friends.

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7. Break it up

A great option for smaller rooms, a breakfast area provides sought-after seating for hosting, whether its for a quick bite to eat or a special occasion tipple. @ourhome_at1 has included stools that sit alongside a counter to divide an open-plan design, creating a multi-functional space that allows guests to mingle in both the cooking and living areas.

See breakfast bars
8. Pick practical surfaces

Entertaining guests can sometimes get messy, so a hardwearing surface will prolong the life of a cooking space and protect against any mishaps.

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8. Pick practical surfaces

Spillages are guaranteed to happen when hosting, so an easy-to-clean surface is critical in a design. A hardwearing, moisture-resistant counter, like @home_at_51's, will ease the stress of entertaining, by offering peace of mind that your work areas will withstand any accidents. Quartz surfaces are a great option, as they are stylish and practical.

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9. Create a dedicated bar area

Hosting can be a busy affair, so create an easy-to-navigate zone with plenty of storage that keeps drinks organised.

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9. Create a dedicated bar area

For the ultimate hosting feature that brings a bit of Gatsby style to your home, try creating a bespoke bar area like @hopyard_home. Using cabinetry in a soft grey shade, such as our Allendale slate-grey collection, and a marble-effect counter they have built an art-deco-inspired space for pouring drinks and making cocktails. Just add copper handles to complete this look.

See Bar Ideas
10. Illuminate a look

Ensure your home is ready for hosting at any time of the day by adding plinth lights to create a welcoming environment after dark.

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10. Illuminate a look

As evenings draw in, creating a cosy ambience will transform a space for hosting. Getting the right lighting within your home will help create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is soft, subtle, and visually pleasing. Including plinth lights, like @ourdollyhouse, will set the mood for evening drinks and games nights, while also shining light on a statement floor.

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