A survey from wine producer Rosemount on dinner party and home entertaining trends has revealed that an ever-higher premium is placed on the kitchen.With formal dinner dates now receding, a third of those who entertain in their home now opt to do so around the kitchen table, in a room that for many is both social space and cooking area.Making it the social centre of the house has entailed an evolution in kitchen design, with many prioritising essentials like sinks, taps and cookers and keeping other appliances to a minimum, in order to create a welcoming and uncluttered space.The Rosemount survey also revealed further moves toward relaxed and informal entertaining, with as many as 12 per cent of UK hosts now ordering in take-away or making ready meals for guests.However, despite the fall from fashion of dining room entertaining, the evolution of kitchen design to provide an open and informal space has allowed some 90 per cent of Brits to continue regularly inviting people to dinner.