Even the best hosts can use a refresher. That's certainly true when it comes to a room that many of us neglect to consider before inviting people over: the kitchen. Cooking aside, the kitchen tends to be a natural gathering place, with guests coming to get water and help with meal preparation. With that in mind, it's important to keep enough supplies in this space. So we consulted a home professional about what we needed in our kitchen when we had guests over. Read on to discover 11 essential kitchen items to always have on hand when entertaining.
Related: 11 things you should put away when you have guests over, experts say.
Yes, you can always pack water bottles in cases, but this can be expensive and isn't very sustainable either. A pitcher of fresh, cold, filtered water is something everyone appreciates. Make sure it's full and easily accessible.
“It's great to have a pitcher of cold water and a bottle of soda with fresh citrus slices in the fridge.” Rachel Liedermanfood stylist, photographer, and author. Once Upon a Lind in HollywoodIs called.
jane storeraka Organized Jane, is a productivity and organization expert and author of Tidying up for beginners, also emphasizes the importance of ice, especially if your refrigerator doesn't have an automatic ice-making feature. She recommends buying a spare bag from her store.
“As a host, you never want to offer someone a hot drink. [ice] It’s mandatory.” Virginia Frischkornevent planner and founder of party planning platform Partytrick, adds.
An easily accessible bottle opener is also essential if you want to open that beer that a friend kindly brought you.
“This provides a safe, convenient and efficient method. [guests] Frischkorn says, “It's useful for opening beer, wine, and other glass-bottled beverages. Opening bottles can be difficult for some guests, so you may want to consider having both manual and automatic openers. “Sho.”
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It's important to have easy-to-grab snacks so your guests can snack and socialize comfortably.
“When I have friends over, I love throwing a party and setting the table with a variety of snacks that everyone will enjoy.” Martin BosThe owner of Bosca Food Tools says: “It all starts with a long cheese board that covers most of the table so all of your guests can reach it.”
When it comes to what goes on the board, Boss typically chooses five types of cheese: “fresh, white, blue, red (washed rind), and hard (old Gouda).” And don't forget to include a separate knife or spreader for each “so there's no cross-contamination.”
Stoller says guests are more likely to offer to help with cooking and serving, so it's nice to have a cute apron in the kitchen.
“We all want to keep our clothes clean, so it's super handy to have on hand when hosting,” she says.
Especially if the timer goes off while you're busy with other fun errands, your guests may immediately jump up and try to take the food out of the oven.
To avoid accidental burns from hot dishes, Rory Adamsa party planner, consultant, and television writer, points out that you should keep a quality oven mitt and potholder set in your kitchen when hosting.
“A cloth one with a silicone grip is best for a firm grip,” he shares.
Sponges are one of the main kitchen items that can harbor germs and bacteria, especially if you wait too long between replacing them.
“You can disinfect it, but I would like to use a new sponge when you have guests.” Zach Dunnettsays the co-founder of washable rug company Tumble. “I want [guests] Seeing my kitchen clean and feeling that the food I serve, the utensils and kitchen utensils we use are all clean. ”
Also, kind guests may help you wash the dishes, so you need to make sure the sponges they pick up are nice and fresh.
Related: 5 kitchen appliances you should replace more often.
“Coffee is often served with dessert or after a dinner party to prolong the evening.” ben hewittZend Coffee founder and CEO says: Therefore, every home entertainer should have both decaf and regular tea and coffee on hand, even if they don't drink it themselves.
Additionally, you will need sugar and milk options.
“Everyone has different dietary restrictions these days, so be sure to stock up on different types of milk, including oat, almond, soy, coffee creamer, and old-fashioned milk,” advises Stoller.
Or ask your guests about their preferences before they arrive.
Guests don't have to hunt around for basic kitchen essentials. In other words, hosts should always have plates and utensils available for guests to access. Areca Schunkthe hosting expert and recipe creator behind Areca's Get-Together blog.
“I like to set everything in an organized caddy: plates, napkins, straws for plastic or silverware, and condiments if needed,” she says. “This makes it easier to move around and not inconvenience guests when they need something.”
“Music sets the mood in any kitchen.” Genevieve “Jenny” Dreisensays etiquette expert and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry. best life. That's why she always recommends that hosts have speakers in the kitchen to listen to music.
“You can get a simple Bluetooth speaker and use your phone to control your music,” she says. “This helps fill in ambient noise, especially as people become accustomed to each other.”
Related: 7 of Ina Garten's most popular kitchen items that are surprisingly affordable.
Sure, there might be hand soap and lotion near the bathroom. However, it is said that it is a good idea to have these in the kitchen when entertaining or entertaining guests. melanie massonHome Experts in collaboration with Clearsurance.
“Guests may want to wash their hands before eating, and in some cases it may be more convenient to do so in the kitchen than in the bathroom,” she explains.
If you really want someone to feel at home, keep a set of universal chargers in the kitchen.
“In today's digital age, helping someone keep their devices charged can be as comforting as providing them with a homemade meal.” Steve SchumacherA landscaping expert who has often welcomed clients and vendors into his home for many years says: “This small, but thoughtful act can often turn an elaborate planning session into a stress-free and productive meeting.”
This story has been updated with additional entries, fact checks and copyediting.
