Keep a well-stocked bar
Dedicate a kitchen cupboard or shelf to a varied collection of good quality spirits. Building your bar up gradually means you won't have to spend a fortune on drinks every time you throw a party, and will make kitchen cocktail creations a lot more imaginative!
Buy some affordable glassware
While we're all for having some best crystal on hand for fine dining, we also recommend equipping your kitchen with some less expensive glassware for parties that might get a little more raucous… particularly if you have a tiled kitchen floor!
Browse our range of stylish and affordable glassware
Choose some elegant table linen
Nothing adds a touch of formality to your kitchen like a beautiful tablecloth and napkins. Elegant dining textiles will transform your kitchen supper into a stylish dinner party in a second.
Choose some dining textiles for your kitchen table
Start a collection of stylish serving dishes
Pretty platters are just the thing for laying out buffets and canapés, and look great displayed on your kitchen worktop or kitchen island. Keep an eye out in antique shops and on your travels abroad: serving dishes don't need to match – an eclectic mix is much more stylish.
Buy a fondue set
A fondue evening is one of the easiest ways to throw a kitchen supper party. This wonderful Swiss tradition is perfect for last-minute entertaining: all you need is meat or cheese and a few extras. It's also a great option for a simple dessert – just add chocolate!
Buy your fondue set now
Make proper coffee
Instant coffee just doesn't cut it at a dinner party. This doesn't mean you need to buy an expensive coffee machine for your kitchen: a simple cafetière or stove-top espresso maker will do the job perfectly.
Browse our coffee and tea range
Perfect your recipe repertoire
If you're cooking for a party don't try something you haven't made before. Instead, why not develop a selection of tried-and-tested recipes, and practise new ones on willing guinea pigs first? Perfect a few canapé, starter, main and dessert recipes, and soon you'll have turned your humble kitchen into a fine-dining establishment.
Invest in a decent sound system
Most of us are likely to spend more time in our kitchens than anywhere else in the home, so treat your kitchen to a proper stereo. Music will transform your kitchen into a party venue.
Light it right
Stark lighting just won't do for kitchen parties. Coloured task lighting looks great after dark, as do low hung pendant lights. If you're stuck with bright overhead lighting, then fill your kitchen with candles and lanterns for a romantic dining experience.
See our kitchen integrated lighting options
Cater for children
If you've got small children, then your kitchen is the perfect place for a kids' party. Just add a wipe-clean oilcloth to protect your kitchen table, a stack of arts and crafts materials, and some plastic beakers and plates…
Kitchen safety for kids
Top 10s
See the full range of top tips from around the site
