Throw a Party in your Kitchen

Is your kitchen one of your favorite rooms? If so, it’s no surprise that people tend to congregate in your kitchen when you have a party. How about changing the rules for once and having a party in your kitchen?

To make this plan a success, plan everything ahead of time so you don’t have to work on anything but spending time with your guests. Choose finger foods that require no last-minute prep and avoid the oven and stove top. Instead, have cool foods you can pull out of the refrigerator already plated, or smaller appetizers that will fit in your toaster oven.

Decorating is easy in a kitchen. Use napkins, placemats and small tablecloths to add color and personality, and serve the food on your countertops. Choose colors and textures that complement the look of your kitchen. With neutral cabinets and countertops like the kitchen in this photo, bright colors and accessories will add splash. Choose earth tones if your kitchen is darker and more neutral. Place fresh flowers or pots of herbs around the counters to add charm.

If you have a snack bar or an eat-in kitchen, set those up for people to take a break. If not, how about adding a small area rug in one corner and bringing in a few chairs from your dining room? Remember you don’t have to use any of your cabinets or large appliances, so you can place a seating area in front of almost anything in your kitchen.

Like the people in this kitchen, having fun is not about going fancy. Even a few snacks and laughter can make a get-together special.