I’ve often helped out in the kitchen at celebrations, so I’m confident sharing a few tips for a stress-free celebration
Although celebrations are usually wonderfully memorable for the host, they can also be stressful. That’s why I often volunteer to help in the kitchen, writes Editor in Chief Tytti Kontula.
Although celebrations are usually wonderfully memorable for the host, they can also be stressful. To give the guest of honor one less worry, I often volunteer to help at my friends’ parties.
Most recently, I helped out at a 50th birthday bash. I got to be in charge of carrying food and dishes up to a rented penthouse that served as the party venue. I also enjoyed arranging the decorations—my friend says I have an eye for that.
A year ago, I headed over to my godson’s family home while the guest of honor and his parents were still sweating through the school’s graduation ceremony.
Graduation parties take a lot of meticulous planning, and it’s not uncommon for dozens of guests to show up. That’s when help is truly needed! A year ago, I headed to my godson’s family home while the new graduate and his parents were still sweating through the school’s graduation ceremony. I set out tablecloths, arranged flowers, and brewed coffee. When the family arrived, everything was ready.
I’ve often spent celebrations in the galley, so I feel confident sharing a couple of tips to make the day run smoothly from the ‘staff’s’ perspective.
Prepare as much as possible the day before. You don’t want to spend the morning of the event folding napkins into coffee cups, hunting down your great-grandmother’s heirloom platter, or ironing tablecloths.
The guest of honor can focus on mingling, knowing everything is under control in the kitchen.
In the kitchen, it’s essential to clear off both the counters and the fridge. You’ll have a steady flow of dishes and food all around the kitchen, so every inch of space is needed. The fridge setup calls for keeping dishes accessible in the order they’re likely to disappear—late-night sausages go in the back.
It’s also handy to have two helpers in the kitchen. They can sort out any issues together (like whether to brew another pot of coffee) and watch out for supplies running out (Karelian pies in the freezer make a great backup). Meanwhile, the guest of honor can focus on mingling, confident that everything in the kitchen is under control.
The most rewarding moment of a celebration comes when the last guests have left: you can kick off your shoes, sit down, and raise a toast to the star of the day. Congratulations—and thank you for letting me be part of your special occasion!
