5 Ways to Design the Perfect Entertaining Home

Mar 29

Looking to be the host with the most, but not sure if your home is up for the task? After decades of strategically designing spaces with the entertainer in mind ( & throwing a few hundred parties myself), I have paired down the ins and outs of what makes an entertaining home just that. Read on for my five tips to creating the ideal entertaining space to welcome guests!

Our Personalized Coastal New Build project focuses on colors the client liked and materials that were appropriate for a family with active pets. — *Personalized Coastal New Build*

Parks East Bluff project is a perfect balance of traditional and contemporary, this home reflects the beauty of the California coast. — *Parks East Bluff*

AMD Modernized Hawaiian Retreat created seamless interior and exterior living, including balancing a room's function and layout with the sunlight to prevent glare and excessive sun exposure. — *Modernized Hawaiian Retreat*

1. FUNCTIONAL & FLEXIBLE

The dining table is the heart and soul of the entertainer’s home and there are a few key elements to keep in mind, the biggest being flexibility. Entertaining for large crowds? choose one with either extension or smaller tables to add to the main dining room table when gathering for larger parties or accommodating fewer guests. Having enough elbow room while chatting and eating is important, so you will want to create enough space for diners to sit without being cramped.

2. THE KITCHEN

If you frequently find yourself wishing guests could interact with you while you cook, then a large island is perfect for you. The most important factor to consider when designing a freestanding kitchen island is that its size is dimensionally appropriate for the space. I always recommend maintaining 42 inches between the perimeter of the kitchen and the island. This creates the perfect amount of space for guests to comfortably mingle and sip their cocktails while you sauté!

*Architecturally Streamlined Mediterranean*

3. POWDER ROOM

The Personalized Coastal New Build project focuses on colors the client liked and materials that were appropriate for a family with active pets. — *Personalized New Coastal Build*

A dramatic powder room is a perfect way to introduce your guests to your style and your home. The ideal space for patterned wallcoverings, bold tile, or perhaps decorative mirrors and lighting. Big design statements can help to make the small room feel spacious the fun is really in the versatility! I recommend keeping this room accessible on the first floor for easy access!

4. EXTENDED SPACES

An open floor plan is the pinnacle of design in an entertainers’ home! Seamlessly weaving the indoor and outdoor spaces encourages your guests to wander, allows for wonderful ventilation, and allows for an abundance of natural light. I love to add entertaining elements in all areas- indoor and outdoor bars, seating clusters and ample dining space is a must!

The Relaxed Tuscan Meets California Coastal project is relaxed yet elegant and embodies California’s seamless indoor-outdoor living, which makes it a wonderful home for entertaining. — *Relaxed Tuscan Meets California Coastal*

The New Waterfront Build project incorporated modern features seamlessly into the design, so people would wonder whether it was remodeled or a new build. — *New Waterfront Build Blending Classic & Modern*

5. DEDICATED BAR

Create a serve-yourself drink station using a cute and functional bar area. Provide extra essentials so guests can help themselves. Less back and forth to the kitchen means more time to enjoy your guests!

xx,

Anne

Photography by Ryan Garvin

Alexandra Generales

5 Ways to Design the Perfect Entertaining Home

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