Regardless of the occasion, the kitchen is always the hub of any gathering. While the COVID pandemic has meant that the size of our gatherings has had to shrink, this doesn\u2019t mean that you can\u2019t still celebrate. Even if you\u2019re planning a small gathering, your kitchen will still need a little care and attention to get ready. So, here are some tips to help you prepare for your small gathering.<\/p>\n
Have a Checklist:<\/strong><\/p>\n Preparing for any event is difficult if you don\u2019t know what you need and what you should be doing. So, start with a checklist. Since the kitchen’s focus is food, create a list of the necessary ingredients for what dishes you plan on serving. Think about what plates, utensils, and serving dishes you will need for the meal. You will also need to consider if you will reheat the food or cook everything fresh. Jot down all these details on your checklist, so nothing is left to the last minute and forgotten.<\/p>\n Clear the Clutter:<\/strong><\/p>\n Since your kitchen is likely to be the busiest room in your home, it is also likely to be the one place where clutter rapidly accumulates. Whether it is pieces of the kid\u2019s schoolwork on the table or bills, keys, and other items left on the countertop, you won\u2019t want all of these things around when you\u2019re entertaining. So, ensure that all the surfaces are clear of clutter, and everything is tidied away.<\/p>\n It is also a good idea to clear the clutter from inside your refrigerator. When you\u2019re having a gathering, refrigerator space will be at a premium. So, get rid of any old food. You could even plan a few leftover meals in the days before your event, so you can free up more refrigerator space. Even if you\u2019ve not asked guests to bring food items, they may bring a bottle of wine out of courtesy. So, it is a good idea to have some extra space in your refrigerator.<\/p>\n Do Your Prep Tasks:<\/strong><\/p>\n Preparing foods and doing some cooking the night before your event can help you to have everything ready. It will also mean that you don\u2019t need to spend most of the time in front of the stove rather than chatting with your guests. Additionally, if you\u2019re running around at the last minute to finish cleaning, setting up, and cooking, you\u2019re sure to feel overwhelmed.<\/p>\n There are a variety of tasks that can be done ahead of time. Since kitchen space will be precious, you\u2019ll want to maximize your serving space. This is far easier when you\u2019ve done most of the cooking and clean up in advance.<\/p>\n Once your guests arrive, and the party has begun, you\u2019ll be able to focus on your family and friends and enjoy the inviting space you\u2019ve created.<\/p>\n Cook Something Tried and Tested:<\/strong><\/p>\n While you may want to wow your guests, a gathering is not the time to experiment with new dishes. When you\u2019re serving a larger number of people, stick with dishes that you\u2019ve already tried and tested. You want to prepare something that you feel confident cooking. If it is something that you make on a regular basis, you\u2019ll feel far less stress during the meal prep.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning on serving buffet style rather than a sit down meal, it is a good idea to label the dishes. This will help to avoid guests constantly asking what something is or what ingredients are in it. You can print labels or get crafty and create unique or fun designs. It is also a good idea to label foods if you know some of your guests have food allergies or dietary restrictions. This will allow these guests to feel confident you are aware of their restrictions and have accommodated them, so they can also relax and enjoy the party.<\/p>\n Consider the Temperature:<\/strong><\/p>\n Another important aspect of hosting in your kitchen is to make sure the space is at a comfortable temperature. Before your guests arrive, open up the windows. Once your range is on, it\u2019s likely to get warm quickly, particularly when there are more people filling the space.<\/p>\n Create a Happy Hour Atmosphere<\/p>\n Food isn\u2019t the only important feature of a good gathering. You\u2019ll also need to provide great beverages. Whether you\u2019re serving wine or making a fresh cocktail, once everyone arrives, you\u2019ll have little time to prepare anything.<\/p>\n Your guests will want to catch up with you and find out what\u2019s been happening in your life. So, ensure everyone feels their thirst quenched by having drinks ready to serve and chilling in the fridge.<\/p>\n