THE FURNITURE

Siting a bar inside a dining room or adjacent to it is a popular choice among Roomscapes’ clients. “In these cases, a large emphasis is placed on making the bar look elegant,” notes Aza. “The cabinetry tends to be more custom with delicate finishes, versus the lighter colors you would use for a bar in the kitchen.”

In smaller spaces, the bar is usually concealed behind a closet door or in a cabinet or hutch. This scenario is ideal for homeowners who don’t want their bar’s contents on display all the time.

The Breakfast

One interesting and popular addition to the kitchen is the breakfast bar, a separate section dedicated to breakfast prep. The most important meal of the day requires a lot of small appliances—coffee maker, espresso machine, milk frother, toaster, juicer, blender—which contribute to countertop clutter. The solution: grouping them all inside a hidden appliance “garage” in the breakfast bar.

And don’t forget all the mess-inducing accouterments of lunch preparation: travel mugs, lunch boxes, sandwich bags, thermoses and Tupperware. Roomscapes corrals these items with specially designed rollout and adjustable shelves.

Besides its functional features, the breakfast bar offers a variety of aesthetic opportunities. Homeowners can opt for different colors and materials than those used in the kitchen proper, and the latest trend is to conceal a breakfast bar inside a hutch, which looks just like a piece of furniture when closed.

The Snack

Families with young children usually like to designate a specific cabinet for snacks and munchies. Roomscapes takes this concept to the next level with a snack bar, outfitted with an easy-to-reach under-counter microwave and a Sub-Zero drawer or small refrigerator for accessible beverages. Snack bar positioning depends on the family’s lifestyle but possibilities include in the kitchen or media room or near play or homework zones.

BY RACHAEL DEVANEY

Mastering the art of summer entertaining.

When spring showers wash away winter’s remnants, southern New Englanders look for ways to step out into the sunlight in style. Whether it’s a family barbecue, al fresco dinner party or small family gathering, guests always enjoy sun-kissed produce, fruit-enhanced cocktails and nature-inspired details. To help with the planning of your next outdoor fête, we sat down with the region’s top caterers for their insider tips and tricks. Here’s what they had to say.

Blueberry Cobbler Cocktail

Recipe by The Catered Affair

1½ ounces lemon vodka ½ ounce simple syrup muddled blueberries (6-9 depending on size of glass; add more to taste)

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail glass, fill with ice and top off the remainder with club soda. Garnish with lemon wedge. Serves one.

ENTERTAINING OUTDOORS: WHAT TO CONSIDER?

For Andrew Marconi, vice president of sales at The Catered Affair, there is a spectrum of situations to consider when planning an outdoor event, the first of which is the elements. The catering company, which has locations in Boston, Hingham and Cambridge, advises clients to always incorporate a “plan B” in case Mother Nature chooses to rain on your parade.

“Create a solid rain plan with your caterer and be ready to implement it at a moment’s notice,” says Marconi. “That way your party will be safe—and delicious—no matter the weather.”

Aaron Messina of Russell Morin Catering & Events, located in Attleboro, Mass., and Newport, agrees and feels that the one thing that can’t be controlled is the weather. “Part of your rain plan should always include a tent for guests and for your food,” he says. “Tent companies are ready and waiting and can have a tent delivered to your party at a moment’s notice. Hosts can also put tents on hold and confirm or cancel on the same day of the event.”

Messina also suggests using disposable plasticware in place of glass and china, which can easily break from a swift gust of wind. “We often sway folks to use nicer plasticware when poolside or in a backyard because china and expensive glassware can be difficult to manage,” he says. “There is also the option to go hands-free with grab-and-go foods like fresh lobster rolls and kebabs.”

Other considerations include ensuring adequate power for buffet stations and outdoor lighting. If the event site is far from a home’s outlets, or if the required power exceeds that provided by existing circuits, a generator is in order.