If you could build a custom kitchen specifically designed for entertaining, what would it look like? That's what Sunset magazine asked its readers, and after they voted, Sunset built the results. Can you guess what elements made it into the final design?
A few must-haves in a kitchen made for entertaining:
• A kitchen island for socializing: Sunset's version was large and circular, with plenty of countertop space.
• A custom drink station with glasses, wine and cocktail fixings all within easy reach.
• A separate small pantry room with shimmering backsplash tiles and a bar sink.
• A window nook, for relaxing and menu planning!
What are your dream entertaining kitchen details?
Read More: See more photos and design details at A Kitchen for Entertaining via Sunset
(Images: Thomas J. Story/Styled by Miranda Jones for Sunset)
How to Bake a Potato: Three Easy Methods
How To Cook Tender, Chewy Wheat Berries on the Stovetop
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Straw Mat from The ...
Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Two
Beth's Romantic & Retro Residence
My dream kitchen has two of everything: two sinks (and I don't mean a double sink), two ranges, two dishwashers, two refrigerators. Twice as many lights, two pantries, and double the counter space. Better give me two water heaters, too.
My dream kitchen would be like Pam's from Retro Renovation. A big circular table for eating in the middle, and pristine steel cabinets well fit for the space.
An island with a stovetop allows the cook to socialise, and guests to help out if they wish. A wine fridge/cellar is useful (also does triple duty for cheese and chocolate storage). Open shelving/cupboards sited near the dishwasher (two, ideally) so anyone who wants to help unload can do so easily. A deep, wide sink with pot-filler faucet for cleaning all the huge pans and platters that entertaining large numbers generates. Large trays for transporting glasses, cutlery, etc to and from the table..
My entertaining kitchen would include;
1. An island for appetizers, so guests can gather around and catch-up while taking the edge off their appetite. And if serving buffet style, it makes a perfect buffet with good traffic flow.
2. Since we're not wine drinkers, my beverage station would include a coffee/expresso maker, mugs, glasses, teas, hot chocolate, punch bowl, etc... with a fridge close by for the juices and soda.
3. A table large enough to set 8-10 guests.
Of the items listed above, my new house will have a kitchen island for socializing - large and oval, with plenty of countertop space.
A custom drink station with glasses, wine and cocktail fixings all within easy reach – this is actually an optional planning desk that was made into a bar area. Can’t install the bar sink, but it has a place for a wine refrigerator, a cabinet for liquor, countertop for mixing drinks, a blender & coffeemaker, and I will install cabinets to the side for glasses.