Entertaining guests and hosting holiday gatherings can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have prior experience. Interestingly, kitchens tend to be natural gathering places for friends and family members. Although you might not want everyone in your kitchen, you should still prepare it in advance rather than scramble to declutter the area. If you have an island or bar countertop, consider a few helpful tips for entertaining at your kitchen island.
Use a Table Cloth
If you’ve ever had people over for a meal, you know it can get messy. Rather than having to clean your island’s countertop multiple times, consider using a large tablecloth to cover the whole thing. Tablecloths look festive and pretty. They also protect the surface from damage and messes. Whether it’s disposable or cloth, you can simply remove it and throw it away or put it in the laundry without a mess.
Choose Comfortable Stools
It may not be possible to have a relaxed meal or conversation at the kitchen island without suitable stools. Whether you have space for 2 or 10 modern counter stools, choose some comfortable enough to sit in for extended periods. Otherwise, your guests may complain about the seating or decide to carry their food into another room in your house. It’s always best to keep food in the kitchen. Opt for high-quality kitchen seating options.
Remove Personal Items and Décor
Many people decorate their islands and keep tons of personal items there. However, you should remove these if you plan to entertain. You’ll most likely need the entire surface to make space for everyone, so you might as well take unnecessary items out of the way. If you want to add a centerpiece, ensure it doesn’t take up much space on the island.
Lay Out the Food
Because your island is most likely in the middle of your kitchen, it’s the perfect place for everyone to gather around. That said, it’s also the best spot to lay out the food. Put everything in a line to make it easier and quicker for everyone to make their plates and sit down. If you’re having more than one course, you can put the snacks and appetizers on the island and swap them out for the meal when it’s ready.
Hopefully, these tips for entertaining at your kitchen island will help you make the best use of your home when it comes to gatherings. Groups tend to gravitate toward kitchens, so make yours welcoming and cozy by using the island.