Hosting at your place this Summer? Don’t panic, we can help with a few tips to ease the stress and make both yourself and guests enjoy themselves.
Setting up for Holiday Entertaining:
- Always have a Plan
Allow a day to set out a plan of how you would like to decorate and organise your kitchen to create a perfect setting for upcoming holiday entertaining. First, mark what you are hosting – Birthday, Christmas Lunch, New Year Eve- to assist in a timeline to do everything. Next, map out how you would like your kitchen to look, tablescape, feel and meals you want to serve. Our top tip for hosting events is to have about 90% of your food prepared and ready to serve before your guests arrive to limit you being a shadow working away in the kitchen. We highly recommend finding inspiration from photos online like our Pinterest page.
- Prep Your Kitchen
Rearrange your kitchen for easy entertaining over Summer. Bring all off your entertaining tableware, silverware and utensils down from their storage area and store in easy to reach cupboards at eye level for easy accessibility. Decorate your benches and island with fresh flowers or greenery to liven up your kitchen space. Add extra storage with a wine rack above your fridge and utilise the space behind cupboard doors with hooks or small baskets to easily place things away.
- Change textiles
Mix and match bold vibrant colours with unusual patterns to bring your space to life. Textiles like these will create focal points that people are drawn to when you entertain. If a well-loved piece of furniture needs a facelift get it re-painted and ready for guests. Also, swap out bulky blankets, throws and tablecloths for lighter linens to open up your space.
- Use functional pieces
Utilise what you have by using everyday pieces from your kitchen for entertaining. For example, a utensil crock becomes a wine chiller or your cutting board and décor trays can become serving boards by simply adding some cheese, olives and bread. Voila! Good looking, functional and adds a rustic feel without spending a cent.
- Create Ambience
When entertaining an amazing atmosphere is a vital for your guests to enjoy themselves. Switch off your harsh overhead lighting and opt for some soft lighting from candles. Add a mix of tea light and fruity candles – no smell that overpowers your food though – to create a delicious scent that wafts throughout your home and still illuminates your kitchen for food prep.