We threw a pumpkin painting party for a bunch of two year olds last week when it dawned on me…
It doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a forty person celebration or a pizza party for two, the key to a successful event always begins with a well run kitchen.
This didn’t always come easily to me. Organization is something I’ve always had to work really hard at. But over the few years I’ve picked up some tried and true formulas that work like a charm!
My New Secret Resource – Hudson Grace
One of the BEST things I’ve done recently is stock up on quality housekeeping items from Hudson Grace. Everything I own sparks joy and has turned dull chores that come with throwing an event into joy.
Based out of San Francisco, Hudson Grace recently opened a brick and mortar nearby me in Glencoe, IL. Known for their timeless and accessible home design and gracious entertaining, you will be amazed at how far their products really take you.
Here are my EIGHT tips for maintaining a tidy space while entertaining all in partnership with Hudson Grace.
You’ll feel more relaxed, enjoy yourself and you’ll find clean up is a sinch!
TIP #1
Grab EVERYTHING to be used for your event at-least three days prior.
Things like hard to reach china, tucked away linens, and special candles should be gathered and set aside. This will save you so much time the day of your event.
Hudson Grace carries these very sturdy, visually appealing {and surprisingly light weight} ladders that are incredibly handy! I use it religiously to reach those special-occasion entertaining pieces I keep way up high.
Tip #2
Clean your home one to two days before hosting. This allows you to quickly spruce up the day of and allows more time to get ready.
This black Barn Broom is the perfect all-purpose broom, and slightly larger than usual. I find a good sweeping right before guests arrive goes along way. This large light-weight dustpan not only lends itself around the house but also accommodates a lawn rake or push broom much better than a small kitchen dustpan.
HOT TIP: Be sure to get corners, under the stove and fridge too. This is typically where eyes are drawn and makes your home feel extra clean.
Tip #3
Probably the most important one of all. Your party should ALWAYS begin with an empty sink, dishwasher and trash.
You can easily fill your dishwasher with dirty pots and pans as you go and keep a clean counter space for prep and serving. It also ensures you have plenty of clean serving-ware too.
A few hours before my guests arrive, I empty our dishwasher and hand wash everything and put it away. Hudson Grace has this Essential Kitchen Brush Set (comes with three different brushes) that is awesome. And very Nancy Meyers might I add!
GET THIS…
The removable head doubles as a pot scrubber. The bottle brush is a must-have for cleaning champagne flutes or vases. And the vegetable brush, with both soft and coarse bristles, is ideal for prepping radishes, carrots, and other crudite favorites!
Tip #4
Kitchen counter essentials that are stylish to leave out and highly functional are the name of the game! I’ve found these few products allow me to breeze around the kitchen but also takes the decor up a notch too. My personal faves are as follows:
- Dish Soap and Hand Lotion on the Marble Tray Holder – the tart kumquat-scent is a daily treat and makes your entire kitchen smell heavenly with a single use. The marble tray (probably my favorite part) has perfectly honed circles to hold both bottles neatly sink side. HOT TIP: Get the dish soap {in lieu of the hand soap} as you can use it for both your dishes and your hands!
- Flour Sack Hand Towels (set of 6) – highly absorbent and versatile, I like to leave these permanently sink side for conveniency! I use them for everything from wiping down the counter, to drying dishes, to wrapping a bottle of wine and even keeping muffins warm wrapped up in a basket. Once you get them, you won’t go back.
- Marble Paper Towel Holder – incredibly elegant and the most undemanding paper towel holder I’ve ever owned. Towels tear off easily, while the marble’s weight keeps the holder from moving and slipping. No fuss – a kitchen MUST! Can pull off a towel one handed!
Tip #5
Keep your tabletops clean and your drinks stylish with these disposable, tear-off cotton cocktail napkins (roll of 50)! Truly one of my favorite Hudson Grace items in the entire store.
For easy clean up, you can simply throw them away. OR they can be washed and re-used up to five times!
They come in one million colors and can we talk about the green and red tartan print for the holidays?!
HOT TIP: They just came out with tear-off placemats too.
Tip #7
Flour, sugar and other baking goods are always within reach in these assorted glass canisters. Makes for whipping up treats a synch. A silicone gasket keeps contents at optimum freshness.
You can also showcase cookies and snacks by storing them on your counter, pantry and shelves.
Tip #8
Let guests help themselves to an already opened bottle of wine or champagne. This will allow you to stay on task with whatever you are doing and keep guests out of the fridge or kitchen!
HOT TIP: tie the bottle neck with a flour sack towel to prevent drips and spills.
Tip #9
Hudson Grace makes for wonderful gifts and stocking stuffers this season. I highly recommend perusing their gift selections and holiday items (think Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukkah alike!) . And if you plan on entertaining this season, now is the time to stock up before the party gets started!
HOT TIP: You can SAVE 15% if you sign up for Hudson Grace’s email newsletter! And I NEVER say this but their emails are actually enjoyable and filled with cute inspo and amazing tips!
A huge thanks to Hudson Grace for sponsoring this post!
Photos by Chicago Andrea Creative
