Summer Hosting: Create the Perfect Kitchen for Entertaining

Reports have confirmed it - we’ve had our sunniest spring on record and experts are predicting that we’ll have a beautiful summer (fingers crossed). Naturally we’re spending more and more time outdoors! As a nation, we Brits love to entertain, and summer is the perfect season for hosting at home. But whether it's a casual barbecue, a family brunch, or drinks and nibbles with friends, your kitchen often becomes the heart of the gathering - the place where food is prepared, conversations flow, and everyone naturally gravitates.

At Gardiner Haskins, we believe your kitchen should work as well for entertaining as it does for the day to day life. That’s why we’re sharing ideas and design tips to help you create a sociable, stylish space that’s ready for whatever the summer brings.

Open-Plan Living

Open-plan kitchens continue to be a favourite for good reason. Removing barriers between the kitchen, dining and living spaces creates a seamless flow so the cook isn’t cut off from the fun, and guests feel more connected. A kitchen that opens straight out into the garden is also very popular, bringing the outside in and maintaining that flow.

Our top design tip:

Use a kitchen island or breakfast bar to subtly zone your space. It creates a natural gathering point for guests to perch with a drink, chat while you cook, or lay out food buffet-style.

At our Bristol showroom, you can explore a variety of open-plan kitchen displays that show how clever layout, lighting, and styles can make your kitchen feel both practical and party-ready.

Kitchen Islands and Breakfast Bars

Nothing works as a better centrepiece in a sociable kitchen than a well-designed island. Not only do islands and breakfast bars provide extra prep space and storage, they also offer a central hub for casual dining and conversation. If you are lucky enough to have space for an island, consider adding:

• Built-in wine chillers or under-counter fridges to keep drinks within reach
• Integrated hobs or sinks so you can stay part of the action while cooking
• Statement pendant lighting to define the space and add a warmth
• Stools for people to relax while they chat

Whatever size or shape of your kitchen, our design team can help you find the perfect solution for the social flow.

Smart Storage = Effortless Hosting

The key to enjoyable hosting is a clutter-free, well-organised kitchen. Clever storage means everything has its place - making food prep smoother and cleaning up quicker. When you start to design your kitchen with one of our designers, features worth considering are:

• Deep drawers for pots and pans
• Pull-out larders to store your summer ingredients in easy reach
• Hidden bins and recycling units for a tidier aesthetic
• Open shelves or glazed units to showcase glasses and statement items

Our designers often say that our customers love the combination of concealed and open storage. It lets you hide the practical things while displaying the items you’re proud of, perfect for a kitchen that’s both functional and personal.

Get Inspired at Gardiner Haskins

If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen, whether it’s a full renovation or just exploring ideas, there’s no better place to start than our Bristol showroom at 1 Straight Street, Broad Plain, Bristol. Come and browse our beautifully styled displays, get hands-on with different finishes, and chat with our expert designers about creating a room that works for your lifestyle.

With bespoke kitchen designs, premium brands, and a focus on both practicality and style, we’re here to help you build a kitchen that’s made for summer gatherings, and everyday living too.

If you’re ready to start planning your dream kitchen, visit our showroom in Bristol and book a design appointment with one of our friendly, expert designers. Let’s make this summer your most stylish and sociable one yet.