Have you ever noticed how the best parties usually end
up in the kitchen?

That’s why it should come as no surprise that when planning and getting ready for a party, the kitchen is king. So, if you’re thinking about throwing a soirée, here are some crowd-pleasing tips, tricks and ideas that will ensure you have as much fun as your guests.

Starting with a theme, like spring, is always a good idea. After a long winter, a springtime party concept will give you a lot of ideas to work with; like welcoming in the sunshine and adding small touches from the outdoors.

For instance, you can start with a floral display. Unique containers to house your creation are easy to find – just open up your cupboards and take a look for something inspiring and whimsical. For example, use an assortment of bottles, jars or even champagne flutes of various shapes and sizes and then place branches of fruit blossoms inside. Another way to bring the sunshine in is to fill a pitcher or a teapot with yellow or pink tulips.

Having cocktails prepared when your guests arrive is not only a great way to get the party started but also a great idea if you want to spend more time mingling and less time serving. Set up a user-friendly beverage station in the kitchen so guests can feel free to serve themselves.

For food, consider a tapas style dinner using fresh seasonal ingredients. You can prepare this before hand so there’s little to do when your guests have arrived. Asparagus stems and cooked long beans served with a cheese fondue is a light dish that is fun, easy and delicious. You can also prepare appetizers in an unconventional way to add style and panache to your event. Using white Chinese porcelain soupspoons to serve shrimp cocktail or bite-sized scallops not only looks sharp but helps everyone keep their fingers clean too.

Seating is also something to consider. An informal gathering style helps encourage conversation. Guests that feel free to roam can mix and mingle and congregate where all the action is taking place. Kitchen islands have become very popular in recent years. They’re convenient, stylish and are fantastic at parties as an informal meeting place.

Clutter-free kitchen counters are integral to any event. They’re not only necessary so that there’s room for drinks, napkins, cutlery and empty plates but also for platters of warm or cold appetizers.

Also, consider complimenting what you’re serving with a decorative flare. For instance, if bite-sized lemon squares are for dessert, you can tie lengths of silky ribbon in citrus hues around whole lemons and place them in a clear glass container to emphasize your theme.

Add sparkle, light a few candles and place them sporadically around your kitchen. You can even make your own votive holders for mini tea lights by hollowing out a dozen or so red apples, limes or lemons – a beautiful way to accentuate your spring theme.

A party isn’t a party if you have to spend the entire time working. By preparing everything beforehand, and offering easy tapas style finger foods, your time is better spent and your guests get to enjoy their host as much as their host’s incredible hospitality.