Get your kitchen ready for hosting and entertaining with these easy ideas and affordable updates
Feature Hayley Gilbert
Houghton kitchen, from £20,000, Naked Kitchens
Whether it’s mince pies and coffee with the neighbours, or a glitzy do with your nearest and dearest, the festive period is a season of hosting. And the sociable features of your kitchen aren’t just for Christmas – they’ll lend themselves to gatherings all year round. As well as layout and appliances, it’s important to consider storage and the atmosphere you’d like to create. In open-plan kitchens, flexible furniture is a great way to zone the space for get-togethers.
Scandi chic
Grigio corner dining set, £1,899; Ives rug, £129; Anders pendant, £249, Furniture Village
‘A festive table setting can truly elevate the room, and a key trend is a modern twist on Scandinavian Christmas décor. Enhance the theme by decorating the table with greenery from the garden for a natural, organic feel.’
Diana Halim, Brand Marketing Manager at Viners
Angel 24-piece cutlery set, £61, Viners
Layer up
Arlo Oatmeal curtains, from £44.06; Leone Cream voile curtains, from £40.18, Blinds 2go
‘Layering curtains is a great way to create a warm and inviting space. They add a stylish look to your windows due to the sumptuous fabrics and luxurious drape, as well as helping t
