Here's How To Make Your Kitchen Family-Friendly During the Holidays - Premier Homes

Here’s How To Make Your Kitchen Family-Friendly During the Holidays

If you are entertaining this holiday season, you know that no matter how hard you try, the kitchen tends to be the place where everyone gathers. Your kitchen is a hub for your family’s activities morning, day, and night all year long, but you may find you gather more in the space during certain times of the year—especially during the holidays. That’s why It’s important to ensure your kitchen is equipped to handle the needs of your household, no matter its size or event. So the key to enjoying the holidays in your kitchen with all your family and friends gathered around? Having a plan. Try these ideas and see how easy it is to create a place for everyone to gather, chat, eat and have fun.

1. Embrace An Open Floorplan

Open kitchens allow for interaction with everyone while cooking and cleaning up. When your kitchen and living areas blend seamlessly together, it improves movement and flow in the room. If you have a center island, be sure to leave space for guests to easily gather around and chat.

2. Two Islands

One is convenient, but two islands double the workspace and gathering potential. Ideal for entertaining, a second island also allows for the opportunity to split up food, such as cold and hot dishes, or dinner and dessert items. Don’t have one? Get creative with tables or other countertop spaces.

3. Multi-purpose Nook

Think banquette or breakfast nook with a bench and chairs. This is a great way to set out breakfast items while cooking in the main area. Guests have a comfortable space to sit and chat while meals are being prepared. Also ideal for children, a nook gives the kids a place to play while staying close by.

4. Mobile Workstation

Adding an additional work zone to accommodate extra hands can be as easy as including a sturdy wheeled cart that can be moved to where it’s needed. Choose a stone, quartz surfacing, or metal top to accommodate food prep, and use lower shelves to store utensils, dishes, or ingredients.

5. Computer Corner

Guests bring their laptops or tablets during their holiday visit? Give them a corner to plug in, log on, and check emails without missing out on the festivities. Kids can plug-and-play in full view of mom and dad.

6. Easy-access Pantry

Keep all the extra food and sundries organized and clutter-free so things don’t get too messy and cluttered. Label locations of essentials, such as canned foods and paper products for easy access and clean up.

7. Clutter-Free Counters

Clutter starts at the countertop, which is why clutter-free kitchens, you’ll notice, always have clean and clear counters. Resist the urge to use the countertop as a drop-off place for mail, keys, magazines, dirty dishes, and all of life’s miscellanea—which always seems to multiply when you have guests. Instead store small appliances and any non-essential countertop decor in the garage or closets for now. This will keep your countertop as functional as possible, while creating a feeling of more space in the room.

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