Kitchen Set Up

When we have moved into our last two houses, the first thing we’ve done is take the cabinet doors off so people can easily grab glasses and dishes for themselves. It doesn’t look fancy, but it’s crazy functional.

When our kids were younger and had friends over, I would pull out the drawers to show them where the silverware was and show them the pantry. There's the fruit bowl. Here's the string cheese. Need a sandwich. Here's where we keep the bread, and there's the peanut butter. My instructions were to help themselves. Don’t go hungry. Grab a snack. Ask me if you can’t find what you need.

The same vibe goes with Soup Night. I hope, at least. Make yourself at home, for heaven’s sake. I have all my silverware in a tray. Pull that sucker out of the drawer so people can grab what they need. Pull down plates and bowls and put them on the counter. Place a pile of napkins on the counter. I usually use cloth, but they are not fancy. They are mismatched and are not ironed. I make a drink station with my water dispenser and all my glasses set out so people can help themselves to water or wine. I put someone in charge of the wine.

My goal is for people to feel relaxed. Cared for, but not fussed over. Comfortable enough in our house that they'll open the fridge and root around for what they need.

Are you picturing this? You can do it!