Ultimate AYA Party Kitchen ~ Island Style!

I'm late to the party, considering today is the deadline for the Aya Kitchens & Bath BlogPodium contest. In support of Canadian bloggers, Aya is sending one lucky blogger to BlogPodium in Toronto and I'm hoping that someone could be me! I would be the most excited girl in PEI if I was selected to head to the big city to hang out with other Canadian bloggers for a weekend!

Speaking of parties, the challenge was to create a mood board of the ultimate party kitchen. We are known for our lively kitchen parties here on the island but for my kitchen party, I envision something a little more laid back. What better place to host a relaxing summer party than at a Prince Edward Island cottage on a warm summer evening?

If I were lucky to have a cottage somewhere along the miles of sandy beaches on Prince Edward Island, my kitchen would be the center of the action with a wall of windows overlooking the water and rustic wood beams lining the ceiling. The perfect backdrop to a neutral yet glamorous kitchen. Who says a cottage can't have a heavy dose of style and luxury?

My ultimate party kitchen includes the Aya Manhattan panel doors in Maple Slate Grey for the large kitchen island and base cabinets and white open shelving in place of uppers for an airy feel. Each door is adorned with a cheeky, yet stylish, bronzed potato knob from Rocky Mountain Hardware. How fitting for PEI where we are know for our spuds! Cabinets are topped with Caesarstone in Misty Carrera and the island with a light maple butcher block. Timeless white subway tiles line the walls above the cabinetry.

For preparing delicious seasonal food, this kitchen has all you need. A deep sink and articulating faucet from Kohler are perfect for filling and cleaning those large pots after lobster, mussel and potato boils. Modern Jenn-Air appliances complete the package. 

Guests sit around the island in rustic modern counter stools from West Elm. Classic large Hicks Pendants in hand rubbed antique brass have big impact hanging over the island and will never go out of style. 

Party-goers will be served champagne and an island classic: shucked oysters. Served three different ways (red wine mignonette, with a green apple slaw or simple with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of sea salt), these wont disappoint. 

Red Wine Mignonette

2 cups red wine vinegar

2 shallots, minced

1 tablespoon crushed black peppercorn

Mix in a jar and keep refrigerated.

Green Apple Slaw

1 Granny Smith apple, peeled

1 celery stalk

1 teaspoon horseradish

1 teaspoon creme fraiche

Julienne the apple and celery, then mix gently!

Spoon onto fresh Malpeque Oysters.

A huge thank you to Aya Kitchens & Bath for sponsoring this opportunity! Be sure to check out their gallery of images. I'm sure you'll find many to add to your inspiration folders. Here is my classic favorite.

source: aya kitchens & bath

Best of luck to all the other participants!