6 ways to get your kitchen ready for entertaining |
Posted: August 11, 2018 |
Whether it's a romantic dinner for two, or a party for fifty, a few simple considerations will help you transform your kitchen into an inviting, communal space thanks to EKCO Kitchens Glasgow
The kitchen is the most important room in the home. On an ordinary day it is a place in which meals are prepared, children play, and family bonds are strengthened, but every once in a while it becomes a place for you to entertain guests, and make a special occasion even more memorable.
Whether it's a family hub or an elegant dinner party setting, the kitchen has a lot of expectations to live up to. Consider how you use your kitchen – how many people do you usually host, and for what kind of gathering? – and by following some of our tips listed below, you can create a kitchen your friends and family will never want to leave.
A kitchen islandYour kitchen needs to be multi-functional, and kitchen islands are just that. They provide you with a lot of extra storage, as well as more surface area on which to prepare and/or serve food (being in the centre of the room makes it an excellent place to have a birthday buffet, or to proudly display a stunning cake). By adding a few bar stools, you give your guests extra seating, so you don't miss out on the pre-dinner drinks and gossip, as well as providing a handy homework space for your children.
If you have a smaller kitchen, a curved island takes up less floor space, and provides a more social seating layout than a rectangular island in any case.
Plenty of seatingNo guest wants to lean awkwardly against the counter, getting in the way of your cooking, so be sure you have enough seating. Integrating a butcher's block into an island gives you an additional kitchen table, and a place for friends to have a drink while you prepare the meal.
Lots of storageIf you throw a lot of parties, you will have a lot of stuff. Dishes, food, platters and booze quickly pile up, and if you don't have adequate storage, they will soon encroach on the food prep and dining areas. Allocate enough space in kitchen cabinets and drawers (cleaning them out the day before a big gathering is a good idea), and be sure you're using your corner cabinets optimally.
If you're considering asking guests to bring their own food and drink, check that you have enough oven, fridge and microwave space beforehand.
GadgetsWow your friends and make meal times a lot easier with a few choice gadgets. Pizza ovens, rotisseries and espresso machines help you create delicious food and beverages, while installing things like USB outlets are a good idea if you work from home.
A bar or drinks stationGiving yourself a designated space away from the cooking area to store and make drinks will make your kitchen feel more organised. Having your own coffee bar for the mornings will help you start the day on the right note, while a wine fridge will keep your drinks fresh (and more importantly, let you see when you're in danger of running out).
A personal touchLet your personality shine through your kitchen decor. This is your kitchen after all, and you should love spending time in it. Custom tile work, splashbacks, mouldings and artwork will make the kitchen feel like your own personal haven.
Entertaining in your kitchen should be a joy, and there are plenty of ways in which you can enhance your guests' (and your own) experience. For more ideas, visit EKCO in Glasgow.
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