Tips for a Game Day Ready Kitchen Design

Everyone knows the kitchen is the place to be at parties and special events.  It makes sense, as this is where the food and drinks are, and quite often where you find the host.  Entertaining family and friends for a big game is no exception, and in fact the stakes are even higher.  No one (including you) wants to miss out on the latest score while getting a drink refill or piling up a plate of nachos.  If your family is sports crazy, or just loves to host parties to support your local team, make sure your kitchen design is as ready for game day as the athletes. Here are 6 tips to get you started.

Start with the basics: the kitchen design layout.

Every kitchen design starts with a layout.  This is based on several factors, primarily the size and shape of your available space.  Decide if you plan to stick to your existing footprint, or if you want to knock down a wall or reorient your kitchen work zones.  Who uses the kitchen and in what way will also be a key determining factor for your kitchen layout requirements.  Layout is especially important for a kitchen designed for entertaining.  When guests arrive to watch the big game, an open plan kitchen design is ideal to allow guests to relax, move easily between food and entertainment zones, and talk to you.  It also allows you to be part of the action, even when you are busy refilling drinks and snacks. 

Organized storage is essential.

Party time also means you need easy access to all your kitchen tools, cutlery, serving platters, and table linens.  Well-planned and organized storage makes it simple to find all your essential items, even those you don’t use very often like your chip and dip platter or football serving tray.  A kitchen remodel is the ideal time to plan for all your storage needs.  Focus on deep drawers, customized pull outs for your kitchen cabinets, and pantry storage.

Next, amp up your electronics.

Other than food and drink, the focus for a game day party is, of course, on the game!  Make sure your television is positioned where everyone can see and hear, including you.  In an open plan kitchen design, you might be able to position a wall-mounted television in your living area so that all key areas of your living, kitchen, and dining space have a good view.  If this is not possible, install more than one television to cover the kitchen and the living areas.  A wireless sound system allows you to broadcast the game, but also play music before and after. Include an electronics hub, with docking stations and USB outlets so everyone can charge their devices in one place, away from the food and drinks.

Make sure everyone has a seat with a view.

For prime game day viewing, everyone wants a place to sit where they can comfortably see the TV.  Make sure you set up ample, well-positioned seats for all your guests.  This can include your living room seating but also island barstools and kitchen table seats for those guests eating or talking to you.  Test all your seating areas in advance to make sure you can see the television.  If you need to bring in extra seats, make sure they do not interfere with the flow of traffic in and around the kitchen.

Set up beverage bars and food serving stations.

Think about what type of food you will serve, how much prep work can be done in advance, and how much you need to do during the party itself.  This will help you determine how to set up your kitchen in terms of work zones, food serving zones, and beverage zones. Game day is usually a casual event, so get as much prep work done in advance as possible to allow you to relax with guests and watch the game.  Use your island or peninsula, or a suitable stretch of countertop, to serve food buffet style.  Leave space to put out cutlery, napkins, dishes, and condiments.  If you have a Galley Workstation, utilize its full features to smoothly transition from food prep to serving! 

If your kitchen design allows, a full beverage bar is perfect for entertaining, especially if you include a coffee bar, undercounter refrigerator, and space to store all your glasses and cups.  Guests will be happy to pour their own drinks, without interfering with the cooking area.

Make your powder room a small oasis.

Don’t forget about your powder room design, as this is another important space when it comes to hosting parties.  Create a design that is both welcoming to visitors and stylish.  The powder room can be a tiny oasis from the madness of the party atmosphere, allowing guests to freshen up away from the noise.  Make sure your powder room has space to store extra towels and toilet paper and leave out some emergency toiletries for guests.

If you love to entertain, and especially love hosting family and friends for big sporting events, make sure your kitchen design is up to the job.  Get more kitchen remodeling ideas in our gallery, and then contact our kitchen design experts to discuss your requirements.