GET READY TO PARTY

The kitchen is where guests instinctively gather at parties, so design an inviting layout where style and sociability meet, whatever the occasion

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ENTERTAINING STATION

A dresser, separate from the main cooking area, can make a practical entertaining station, ideal for making hot drinks away from the working zone. For serving teas and coffees, you need accessible plug sockets, a durable worktop and adequate lighting,' advises Libby Hobbs, designer at Thomas Ford & Sons. She also recommends adding deep drawer storage to accommodate mugs and plates, a cutlery tray for teaspoons and coffee accessories, and shelving to display favourite jugs, as well as tea and coffee pots. 'To maximise functionality, in this dresser we also integrated fridge drawers for milk and spreads, making it a fully self-contained unit,' she adds.

OPEN-PLAN SUCCESS