A Checklist: Preparing Your Kitchen for Summer Entertaining

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Colorado summers are extraordinary, making the season the perfect time for entertaining guests in your home. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, pool party, cocktail hour, or a laid-back family dinner, your kitchen is likely to be the hub of all the action. To ensure that your kitchen is ready to tackle all of your summer entertaining plans, here are some tips to help you prepare.

Declutter and Deep Clean

Before you start preparing for hosting guests, it’s important to declutter and deep clean your kitchen. This will result in more space for food preparation, as well as make your kitchen appear more inviting.

Stock Up on Essentials

The last thing you want to do is realize mid-event that you don’t have something you need. So, at least a few days before your first summer event, make sure you have all of the necessary dining essentials. When hosting a large group, many turn to disposable paper and plastic, but if you want to wow your guests and be more sustainable, opt for quality, reusable plates, cups, napkins, utensils, etc. Also, make sure you have any special equipment you might need for outdoor cooking, such as a grill or a smoker.

Create a Beverage Station

Summer entertaining often involves lots of drinks, especially in the hot Colorado sun, so consider creating a beverage station in your kitchen. This could be a simple setup with a few pitchers of water, lemonade, and iced tea, or a more elaborate setup with a bar cart and a variety of cocktails.

Prep Food in Advance

To save time and reduce stress on the day of the event, try to prepare as much food as possible in advance. Marinating meats, chopping vegetables, or making desserts ahead of time will make your day go smoother and allow you to enjoy the event just as much as your guests do.

Have a plan for cleanup

Keep your plan simple and easy to follow. Designate a place for guests to stack dirty dishes and utensils when they are finished. Make sure trash/recycle/compost bins are readily available. Most importantly, save clean up for after the party so you can enjoy mingling with your guests.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your kitchen is ready for all of your summer entertaining needs. With just a little preparation, you can host a successful and stress-free event that your guests will remember for years to come.

Tom Hartman is President at Kitchen Distributors, an award-winning kitchen design firm creating beautiful designs throughout the Rocky Mountains. View their profile or contact them at 303-795-0665.

Content for this article provided by Kitchen Distributors.