Today we introduce you to the secret of home entertaining - the Entertaining Triangle. Essentially, just like the well known Kitchen Triangle, it’s setting up a space for efficiency and success.
First, you want to create zones, ie. cocktail station, food areas, and seating. Then, it’s deciding on where each of the zones will go and how they work together is key to creating a fluid and comfortable space that is also efficient.
Here are some of our favourite tips when it comes to setting up for entertaining:
1) Separate the bar from the food to help avoid overcrowding while also encouraging movement and flow.
2) Never set up a bar near the entrance of the home or somewhere that requires guests to walk through the kitchen. Either of these spots will generally cause bottlenecks (excuse the pun) as everyone congregates around the bar.
3) Consider if space is tight, or your group is large, offering batched or pre-made cocktails which can easily be served to guests as they arrive for that extra little ‘chic’ touch.
4) When placing grazing platters or stations make sure to place them somewhere convenient and ideally in
a position where guests can help themselves without leaving the main entertaining area. The idea of putting the smoked salmon platter in the dining room just because there’s room will undoubtedly lead you to move it eventually or, even worse, throw it out at the end of the night when it remains virtually untouched.
While it may sound overwhelming, spending a little time planning out your space, whether physically or just around placement of food and drinks, will improve the flow of your entertaining by leaps and bounds.
Of course, if you have any further questions on this topic, feel free to drop it in the comments!