Turn your kitchen into the perfect party space

The holiday season is upon, and that means holiday celebrations! Is your kitchen party ready?

If you love to entertain, it’s important to have a kitchen that is accommodating to large groups of people for dinner or cocktail parties. This heart of the home often has a cozy, inviting feel that’s perfect for a party with friends and family, and parties often up end in there because that’s where the food is! Make entertaining easier on yourself and more enjoyable for your guests by considering these ideas for your kitchen design:

Make appliances easily accessible
Use your kitchen island to store appliances that your guests are likely to use, whether they’re a portable ice maker, a wine chiller or an ice cream maker. These items should be located near the end of the island so that friends and family can reach them without getting in the way of any dinner preparation.

Pay attention to lighting
Lighting really helps to set the mood for a party. You want to stay away from harsh lighting that you can often get with a single overhead light. Instead, hang colorful pendants from your ceiling above your kitchen island to produce inviting lighting and a well-lit space for your party guests. You can even switch out light bulbs to soft pink varieties before the party to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. When the event has come to an end, switch them back to the normal bulbs for everyday use.

Choose durable finishes
During parties, your kitchen’s faucet is going to be handled frequently. Therefore, you’ll want to choose a finish that doesn’t easily show fingerprints, dirt and debris. For example, satin brass brings color to your kitchen without putting water spots and fingerprints on display. Other finishes that would stand up well to frequent use include oil-rubbed bronze, copper and brushed nickel.

Have an extra sink
Many homeowners are opting to install two sinks in their kitchen – having dual basins is great for everyday use as well as entertaining. You can use one sink to store drinks or ice for the party, and the other can be used to prepare food for dinner. Cover the extra sink with cutting boards to disguise the basin when it’s not in use.

Consider an unconventional countertop
If you frequently host parties, it’s likely that your kitchen countertop can be vulnerable to spills and stains. While natural stone is a beautiful material to use for the countertop, it isn’t stain-proof. Instead, opt for a material like glass that is beautiful, durable and extremely easy to clean.

Make room for a bar
You don’t have to have a giant wet bar in your kitchen in order to throw fun parties. Instead, you can create your own bar using a kitchen island, countertop, vanity or a bar cart. All you need on hand are the essentials, like a few buckets filled with ice, glassware and drink ingredients. You can even include a bowl of fruit slices that your guests can use as garnishes on their cocktails. When the party is over, you can easily clean up the bar and put everything into storage until your next get-together.

Now all you need is food, drinks, decor, and of course your closest friends and family, and you’re ready celebrate any occasion!