Whether you’ve been to a party in an open-concept space or you’ve hosted one yourself, you know that giving guests a full view of the kitchen can create unique problems.
“The best hosts make it look easy,” says etiquette expert Nick Leighton. “This is definitely harder when dealing with an open-plan home!”
If you’re hosting a party this season in a home that’s open-plan, don’t panic. This layout can definitely make things trickier, but it’s not impossible. Here are some top tips from a hosting expert.
Don’t Try to Hide
The first thing you should do, says Leighton, is embrace the situation and treat your kitchen like a stage. This means your guests are the audience.
“They’re going to see everything, so move anything you don’t want visible to the wings or backstage,” Leighton says.
Set the space to feel like it’s a part of the party, and don’t try to usher anyone out. The natural flow of the party should still be top priority.
Plan Ahead
Party prep is always important, but Leighton says this is particularly true of an event held in an open layout.
“The more you can do in advance, the easier it’ll be to keep everything organized and tidy,” says Leighton.
If you can, accomplish all the messiest tasks before any guests arrive, and be sure to leave enough time to clean up after yourself.
Start With an Empty Dishwasher
It might seem like a good idea to hide any final dishes in the dishwasher, but you might be better off handwashing, drying, and putting them away quickly. This will leave you with an empty dishwasher, which Leighton says can be used to stash away dirty dishes as they’re cleared.
Create Other Destinations
Even in a non-open layout, guests are known to drift into the kitchen. That’s because they tend to congregate wherever the action is, but you can help guide them elsewhere.
“Create other destinations for them away from your prep area,” Leighton says. “For example, create a beverage station out of your way and have another area for snacks and nibbles.”
Design the Right Menu
For a sit-down dinner in a formal dining room away from the kitchen, you have more menu freedom. But if you’re working with an open layout, Leighton suggests considering a menu with your space in mind.
“Avoid menus that involve frying, searing, or anything too smoky,” he says. “And avoid anything that chains you to the stove, like risotto.”
You also don’t need to be afraid of relying on pre-made items for this kind of party. If it makes your life easier, your guests will be just as happy.
“Use ramekins and prep bowls and hide original packaging whenever feasible,” says Leighton. “It’ll make your kitchen look tidier and more like a cooking show.”
Keep It Simple
You can still have a sit-down meal, but an open layout is not the time to show off your elaborate kitchen skills. You’re only setting yourself up for a high-pressure scenario, and your guests will catch on quickly.
“The best hosts know that there’s no need to get fancy,” Leighton says. “Guests just want to have a good time. People come for the company, not the cuisine.”