A Catered Affair – At Home
Perhaps you feel as I do – the uncertain economy has you thinking that this may not be the best time to undertake a major kitchen remodel. Nor does treating your friends to a fancy dinner out sound like the kind of holiday entertaining that’s in your budget. The good news is there are so many easy, inexpensive ways (and helpful products) to give professional polish to your kitchen that you’ll be making up reasons to throw dinner and cocktail parties in your own pad. And, these five affordable enhancements add intrinsic and practical value to your kitchen – a wise investment indeed.
1. Bunn BTX Thermal Coffee Brewer, BlackCoffee is the quintessential drink for entertaining – a good cup is reason enough to take a break and spend some time relaxing with friends. Why not make coffee like the pros in your kitchen instead of paying a premium at the local café? BUNN home machines are designed to do exactly what their commercial brewers do: produce consistently great tasting coffee very easily. The Bunn BTX makes 10 cups and keeps them warm for hours. An accurate brewing system thermostat means your cuppa will be piping hot. Available online at www.chefstools.com, S149.95.
2. Wine Enthusiast Cocktail Shaker and Fred brand Frozen Smiles Ice Cube Yray This stainless steel cocktail shaker features double wall construction and 18/8 stainless steel construction to insulate the liquid inside and prevent condensation. A built in strainer keeps ice and flavor enhancements like herbs and lemon peel at bay when pouring. Adnd the 23 ounce capacaity? Well, that means your friends can have seconds. Just make sure they take a taxi home. For serving drinks on the rocks, check out Fred brand frozen smile ice cube trays. That’s for when your mother-in-law pops over for a visit! Shaker available at Linens n Things and online at www.lnt.com $24.99;
ice cube trays available in gift shops and on www.amazon.com $6.00.
3. GE Countertop Convection Microwave Oven
This 1.2 cubic foot capacity 1000-watt combination convection microwave oven combines microwave power with traditional radiant heat (top and bottom) to bake and roast with accuracy and speed. It gives food like chicken and cupcakes the taste and appearance of having been cooked in a conventional oven too. But microwave technology is efficient and saves energy. Great for those of you who truly want to whip up a meal in minutes while your friends are enjoying a few cocktails. The child lock feature enables you to lock the keypad to prevent the oven from being accidentally started. Available at the Home Depot, model # JES1290SK, $259.00.
4. Stainless Steel Top Work Island
Having an island built in to your kitchen can cost thousands of dollars. Add a readymade rolling cart with a built in look to give your kitchen great functionality and value (or, take it with you when you move on). Great for both prep and extra serving space, this stainless steel top work island from Home Decorators is perfect for party planning. There are plenty of drawers and shelves for storage, built in paper towel holder, and wine storage for 12 bottles. Casters mean you can roll it wherever you need it, including out of the way. Cherry finish, 34.25″H x 54.75″W x 21″D. Available at homedecorators.com, along with other great deals on other kitchen islands. This one is $469.00, plus $40.00 shipping.
5. Green and More Touchless Recycling Bin
Once the party is over, you have to clean up. With Green and More’s hands free recycling bin you can do it cleanly and neatly. This bin has two 8-gallon separated compartments, which can both be used for recyclables or as a recycling/ trash combo bin. The bins use sensor technology to open and close the container lids so you don’t even have to touch them. Available at www.greenandmore.com, $129.99.
If I can do it so can you!
