Entertain family and friends

Whether your entertaining style is a casual potluck, a martini mixer, or a formal dinner party, you’ll want your guests to feel at home without feeling in the way.

• When designing your home
  • Maintain a great room effect between the kitchen and the living room so that nothing is closed off.
  • Install a whole-house stereo system with speakers hidden in your kitchen cabinets.
• Keep serving utensils near the serving area for easy access.
• Make the most of an island or peninsula
  • Place electrical outlets toward the back to keep cords from crock-pots and warming trays out of the way.
  • Install a sink located out of the cook’s way
  • Install a separate ice-maker under the island counter for preparing beverages.
• Seating around the island is a must.
  • Use swivel bar stools without backs so guests can visit in various directions during meal prep
  • Tuck the stools under and out of the way for serving.
  • You could also have a raised bar area for standing.