Every kitchen needs these 6 staples
We’ve all been there. You’re hosting a dinner party, guests are around, and there’s that one thing that you’re missing. You’ve got no time to run to the shops, and you’re kicking yourself for not having something so simple but essential in your house.
Spring is one of the most popular times that people buy a house and begin investing in property. Between March and May, more houses are thought to be advertised as people look to move into a new property before the rush of summer begins.
You may be looking to invest in some new décor for your home, and the kitchen is a great space to start. It’s a social hub, a recharge station and likely what most visitors will see in your home.
With these six essential items, your kitchen is prepared to tackle the most intense of parties (or culinary adventures):
1. Fresh herbs
Gardening is a therapeutic act, and bringing in that breath of fresh air into your kitchen with some plants that are packed with flavour. Fresh herbs don’t just elevate your favourite foods, but they send a message to your visitors that you’re not afraid to take risks in your cooking – and responsible enough to keep a houseplant alive.
For a first-time investment into your herb garden, why not try growing some basil, mint, coriander or thyme. You can typically find these plants in your local garden centre.
2. Extra chairs
Nobody wants to be the person sitting on a makeshift chair at a dinner party. When everyone else is sitting on a chair, and you’re left on a small stool or box to sit on, it can feel a bit like you’re a kid sitting on the adults’ table.
Having a spare chair to use when needed can help to accommodate all of your guests when you have lots of visitors around. A collapsible chair saved in a cupboard for emergencies sends a message that you’re a household prepared for every occasion.
3. Lemon squeezer
A burst of citrus can elevate any gin and tonic or marinade. While using your hand to squeeze the lemon and catch the seeds can be a quick and easy fix to add some zest to your cooking, it may not get the most out of your lemons. A press or squeezer can enhance your muscle work for you, helping you to get all the juice stored inside the fruit.
There’s a variety of lemon squeezers you can buy that come in all shapes and sizes, making them the perfect addition to your bar cart aesthetic.
4. A full set of plates and cutlery
We never claimed they had to be matching, but a full set of plates and cutlery is the foundation of any good meal – otherwise, how would you be eating it?
Whether they’re matching, thrifted, or borrowed, a full kitchen set means that you don’t have to worry about whether you need to rely on paper or plastic plates when guests visit. A full set can include plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons, mugs, highball glasses, and wine glasses.
For smaller homes, a set of 6 plates and bowls should do the trick. If you enjoy hosting or have a larger family, scaling up your full set to 12 plates and bowls can be a smart investment in creating a kitchen that can accommodate everyone.
5. Silicone spatula
A silicone spatula can be one of your most used utensils, fitting around food without risking any sauces sticking and burning to the bottom of your pans. A wooden or metal spatula may do the trick, but a silicone spatula is less likely to scratch away at the surface of your favourite pots and pans.
Plus, they're especially useful if you’ve invested in non-stick cookware, as they won’t be as abrasive to the protective coating you’ve paid for.
6. Portable bottle opener
Not every drink comes in a can that you can open straight away. With a portable bottle opener, you’ll never be left scrambling to try and open a bottle again, or risk trying to open it by banging it onto a surface.
You can even leave it in your handbag for impromptu picnics in the park or beers with a friend after work, so you’ll never be stuck with a drink you can’t have again.
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