Entertain Like a Pro: Kitchen Features That Make Summer Hosting Easy

Bottlenecking crowds, balancing socializing with timely food rollout, and a handful of near-misses with knives and glasses. And to top it off, it’s getting hot in here. You’re not an inept host; entertaining guests from the kitchen is an art.

Today, we’re looking at a few of the best kitchen features for summer hosting. From mood lighting to knockout beverage service, you’re a few upgrades away from scheduling the season’s most memorable parties.

Layouts and floor plans

Designing a new kitchen or remodeling your current space to be more gathering-friendly? You’ll be in luck with an updated kitchen layout. You won’t need a ton of space, either–small kitchens are ready to party when they emphasize natural light, deliberate seating areas, and entrance to adjacent spaces, like patios and balconies.

Open floor plans also help you entertain like a pro. Set up various “stations” and mingling areas that follow a sensible, natural traffic pattern. It’ll prevent people from clogging up one area.

Speaking of which, no matter the layout you choose, keep your workspace sacred. Don’t sacrifice efficient workflows or areas you need to dedicate to prep, storage, or other important daily functions.

Beverage centers and bars

Beverage centers, wine refrigerators, wet bars–they’re the number one feature hosts are after. Swap out the old liquor cabinet for a custom console that offers self-serve refreshments. 

Beverage centers can be decked out for all manner of merriment with a sink, coolers, refrigerated drawers, and coffee service. It’s also a great opportunity to choose striking hardware and other custom fixtures and finishes that make every visit feel like an occasion. 

Pro tip: Short on space? Take this one outdoors! If you’re not in the market for a full outdoor kitchen, adding a beverage station or wet bar adds a serious upgrade to your summer barbecues. 

Light sources

Look into lighting concepts that serve both you and your guests well. Soft lights from stylish fixtures add great ambiance during evening gatherings. Daytime is dominated by summer sunshine, so maximize natural light exposure where possible.

Most importantly, task lighting makes prep safer and more efficient. Add under-cabinet lights that illuminate your working surface. Pendants over an island also allow guests to get a clear view of the spread you’re offering.

Easy to clean surfaces 

Cleaning crew got the night off? If you want to invest in a kitchen perfect for summer entertaining, durable materials that resist staining are a must. For example, the average spill won’t damage a quartz countertop and can be wiped away in seconds. 

Then there’s flooring. Heavy foot traffic can put undue wear on some woods, as can persistent pinot noir spills we didn’t notice. Expertly installed luxury vinyl plank flooring holds up under heavy traffic, even if your gathering turns into a dance party.

Smart appliances 

Greeting, hosting, catching up, answering questions, and cooking (all at the same time!) require coordination. Smart appliances take tasks off your plate by controlling oven temperature and timing. Some can even follow recipes, going from bake to broil automatically.

Other smart systems can let you control lighting, music, and more from a remote device or by voice. You won’t believe how smoothly the event goes when you aren’t rushing across the room instead of staying present in the company of your guests.

Serving counters and islands

Bump traditional islands and counters up several inches, and you’re ready to serve. Serving counters are a great venue for the most interesting slabs of granite.

Functionally, they help you clear food and drink that’s ready for guests from your workspace fast. No teetering trays or expeditions to locate the next plate of bruschetta. Add seating and settings, and it’s the perfect environment for an intimate gathering where you can enjoy an audience in the kitchen. 

Elevated islands can do the same, providing a location for the latest refreshments and chatting attendees while you work in the kitchen. They also still provide vital storage and surface for everyday use.

Make your home the place to be this summer

Remodeled layouts, custom cabinets and islands, chic fixtures, clever beverage center designs, premier countertops, and low-maintenance flooring. Everything you need to upgrade your kitchen for summer hosting can be found at The Designery. 

Book your complimentary consultation now and get excited for your next event.