Perhaps you feel like I do – the uncertain economy has you thinking that this might not be the best time to undertake a major kitchen remodel. The good news is there are many easy, inexpensive ways to give professional polish to your kitchen while adding space and practical value at the same time.
With these affordable enhancements, you’ll soon be making up reasons to throw dinner and cocktail parties!
* Coffee is the quintessential drink for entertaining – a good cup is reason enough to take a break and spend some time relaxing with friends. The BUNN BTX Thermal Coffee Brewer makes 10 cups in just three minutes and keeps it all hot for hours. $149.95, available at chefstools.com
* The Wine Enthusiast Insulated Cocktail Shaker (below) keeps the liquid inside cold while preventing condensation. And thanks to the 23-ounce capacity, it means your friends can have seconds. $14.99, available at Linens-N-Things, lnt.com
* The 1,000-watt GE Countertop 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, but microwave technology is far more energy-efficient. $259, available at homedepot.com
* Having an island built in your kitchen can cost thousands of dollars. Instead, add a ready-made rolling cart to give your kitchen great functionality – or, take it with you when you move on. Great for both prep and extra serving space, a stainless-steel top work island is perfect for party prep. There are plenty of drawers and shelves for storage, a 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. $469, available at homedecorators.com
* Once the party is over, you have to tidy 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 used for recyclables or as a combination recycling/trash bin – and uses sensor technology to open and close the lids. $129.99, available at greenandmore.com
* Use these tips to create space in the kitchen – even when there doesn’t seem to be any:
1. Unused corners can be fitted with triangular shelves for holding jars.
2. The space above and around a door is the perfect place for built-in shelves that can hold cookbooks and decorative china.
3. Cup hooks screwed into the bottom of the shelves can hold teacups and free up valuable shelf space.
4. A rack secured to the ceiling can hold pots and pans.
Now that you have your kitchen covered, invite some friends over for a recession-proof party.
If I can do it, so can you!