The 5 things you need for hosting in a small kitchen to take the stress out of entertaining
From the perfect plates to mood lighting - these buys will have your kitchen prepped for hosting
It's officially hosting season, and while that unlocks a never-ending possibility of recipes to try and tablescapes to create, hosting guests in a small kitchen can be tricky.
Many of us are faced with smaller-than-we'd-like cooking spaces and while small kitchen ideas are often perfectly manageable for day-to-day life, limited storage, seating and surfaces can make the art of hosting feel complex and cluttered.
We can't magically create more room, but what we can do is come up with innovative ways to streamline hosting in a small kitchen. Think clever kitchenware that works for you rather than against you, flexible seating so that friends can pull up a pew and mood lighting you can take from kitchen worktop to tabletop - these must-have buys and function-first ideas will make hosting a breeze.
1. Versatile dinnerware
Dinnerware can be one of the trickiest things to manage when you have a small kitchen. With limited kitchen storage, it's not feasible to have multiple sets of plates and bowls to use on special occasions, but you also want it to be nice enough to impress guests.
The solution is a set of plates and bowls that feels like a treat to use everyday, includes all of the additional plates you might not use day to day and stacks neatly to save space.
Ever since seeing the Our Place stacking sets I was hooked and invested in some for my very own small rental kitchen and the clever stacking solution has been a real game-changer.
Shiza Shahid, Our Place's co-founder, also recommends 'Look for pieces that are sturdy but not bulky, so they don’t take up extra room. For a streamlined look, consider colour-coordinated sets that feel cohesive when stacked. And if you’re working with especially limited space, try organising by frequency of use, placing everyday plates on more accessible shelves while reserving higher or tucked-away spaces for special-occasion items.'
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
2. Mood lighting
Kitchenware is essential for making hosting in a small kitchen easier, but the biggest way to make an impact that your guests will notice is with mood lighting.
Sometimes, small kitchen lighting ideas will be cool-toned and well-illuminated for the purpose of making a compact cooking space feel larger and brighter, but leaning into a cosy atmosphere will make your space better positioned for entertaining.
Opt for flexible lighting choices like rechargeable table lamps - this way you can transport them from worktop to tabletop for illumination wherever you may need it, without cluttering the room with too many wires.
This Lutris gold lamp is a favourite in my own home and adds a luxe feel to any corner, but there are also so many budget options to choose from.
If you adore that boho look this rattan number is for you. M&S are excelling with their lamp collection lately and the Amie lamp is further proof.
3. Flexible seating
Kitchen islands are a lifesaver for hosting as you can have guests gather around a central point to sip and mingle. But what if your kitchen is too small for an island? Well, it's still possible to add sociable seating without overwhelming the space.
A peninsula kitchen is the next best option after an island if you don't have a lot of room. Day to day it acts as extra surface space as well as providing storage beneath it but when guests come round, you can easily join in on the action when cooking and use it as a spot to enjoy nibbles and drinks.
Paul Richardson, showroom stylist at Wren Kitchens adds that 'In a small kitchen, flexible seating like stackable stools or foldable chairs is ideal for accommodating guests without taking up permanent space. These pieces can be easily tucked away when not in use, freeing up room for meal prep while still allowing for quick rearrangement when hosting.'
'Small benches or low-profile stools under countertops also keep the area versatile. Make sure work surfaces are uncluttered, and appliances stowed away in cabinets or larders to provide clear spaces for hosting.'
4. An impromptu bar cart
The key to kitting out a small kitchen with everything you need without making it cluttered and disorganised is to opt for moveable kitchen storage solutions.
We've spoken before about our love for trolleys, and while they're great for storing baking supplies or even as a makeshift coffee cart, they're also perfect for hosting season. Whether you go for a traditional drinks trolley design or stick to a more low-key style like the IKEA RASKOG trolley, it will provide a handy spot for storing glassware and drinks, so guests can help themselves.
You can even go one step further and build in a kitchen drinks cabinet if you have the space - it's a simple way to take hosting to the next level.
5. The perfect scent
When you're getting everything ready to host, a candle might not be top of your list. However, aside from adding ambience to an evening spent enjoying your home with family and friends, a candle is vital for neutralising any bad odours in a small kitchen.
The best scents for small kitchens will be an essential way to make sure cooking smells are left at the door and will have your guests complimenting your choice of sophisticated scent, as opposed to worrying about having to wash cooking fumes out of their clothes.
There are a number of odour neutralising scents out there, including the ever-so-luxe La Droguerie collection from Diptyque. A special candle also makes the ultimate hosting gift - hint, hint.
This candle might be small but it packs a serious punch. Pop this on open shelving for the perfect swathe of scent.
Are you ready for hosting season?
After starting out her journey at Future as a Features Editor on Top Ten Reviews, Holly is now a Content Editor at Ideal Home, writing about the very best kitchen and bathroom designs and buys. At Top Ten Reviews, she focussed on TikTok viral cleaning hacks as well as how to take care of investment purchases such as lawn mowers, washing machines and vacuum cleaners. Prior to this, Holly was apart of the editorial team at Howdens which sparked her interest in interior design, and more specifically, kitchens (Shaker is her favourite!).
-
Inexpensive bedroom flooring ideas to transform your sleep space
Don't let your budget stop you from creating the bedroom of your dreams, with our round up for flooring ideas that won't break the bank
By Holly Walsh
-
I got my hands on Ninja's sold out espresso machine. Here's why this one is worth signing up to the mailing list for
Ninja's first foray into the world of coffee will have newbies to bean-to-cup machines becoming pros with ease
By Molly Cleary
-
What to do if your neighbour's tree is dropping leaves in your garden
It might be frustrating, but it's not all bad news...
By Kayleigh Dray
-
I always failed at keeping my sourdough starter happy - that all changed once I tried the Goldie keeper
The Goldie made looking after a sourdough starter a much more achievable task
By Molly Cleary
-
Are boiling water taps easy to install? A breakdown of the process so you can decide if it’s DIY-able or best left to the pros
Considering fitting a boiling water tap yourself? This is everything you need to know first
By Linda Clayton
-
Le Creuset held a huge half-price sale requiring police back-up - If you missed out these are 3 affordable Le Creuset lookalikes you'll love just as much
Find your dream cast iron cookware, without breaking the bank
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I tried the OXO Reusable Silicone Bags and they saved me so much time when food prepping
I won't be going back to plastic tubs
By Kezia Reynolds
-
The 4 best scents for hiding bad cooking smells – get your kitchen ready for hosting season
Banish any bad odours while adding ambience
By Holly Cockburn
-
I’ve renovated four kitchens - these are the 7 trends I regret falling for, and what I'd now do instead
Learn from my kitchen trend mistakes
By Linda Clayton
-
Do you need an air fryer cleaning spray? I've tested air fryers from all the big names and this is why I'd save your money
An air fryer cleaner is no different from an ordinary one, really
By Molly Cleary
-
Argos is selling the Kenwood kMix standmixer for just £180 in its Black Friday sale - our reviewers rated it better than a Kitchenaid
Any bakers will want to add this steal to their shopping basket this Black Friday
By Kezia Reynolds