In the Cooking In
section, we talked about what you need for cooking in your kitchen.
Here's what you need to serve in it. Since we've given you the tools to
prepare a meal, it would be nice to have something for your guests to
eat and drink from other than a "Beach Party Weekend at Hooters"
plastic mug and two dining hall plates.  Dishes:
Most sets come with service for 4 or service for 8. Go for the
8-pack, because things always break and you'll need replacements. Plus,
you can use them for serving. It should include dinner plates, salad
plates, bowls, and cups and saucers.
Silverware:
Similar deal as dishes, go with the set of 8. In a basic set you'll get
a dinner fork, knife, and teaspoon. Some may come with a salad fork
(shorter with fewer tines or teeth than a dinner fork) and/or a soup
spoon.
Glasses:
Interestingly enough, glassware comes in sets of 6 or some multiple
thereof ( we have no idea why, but would be glad to hear any
explanation). Buy a dozen tall water glasses and rocks glasses (the
shorter, fatter ones). Also buy 12 wine glasses — don't worry about red
versus white glasses, get all-purpose ones.
Serving Dishes:
The food's got to make it to the table somehow. A couple of large
ceramic bowls and a platter will cover it. Dinner plates and bowls work
in a pinch.
Kitchen towels: Stuff
spills and dishes need drying, so have something around to deal with
those things. The towels can be used to remove things from the oven and
stove, too (or you could use a pot holder). Get 3 or 4.
Pot Holders/Oven Mits:
Ever picked up a hot pan? Ever dropped it instantly and had the
contents fly across the stove/floor/your pants? Sucks, doesn't
it? Get 2 insulated pot holders or oven mits and remember to use
them next time you reach for something in the stove or oven.
Dish rack:
You always need a dish rack. Even if you have a dishwasher, you'll
have things that don't fit, get washed after you loaded the dishwasher,
or can't go into the dishwasher. They'll need somewhere to
dry. Oh, empty the dish rack when you're done, too.
Dish brush:
Use this to clean your dishes by hand. Replace it every few months
or they start getting cruddy and become part of the problem.
Sponges:
Get 2: 1 for your dishes with a scrubbing surface to take off
caked-on crud; 1 just for cleaning surfaces like the stove and
cabinets. Don't use that one for your dishes.
Liquid dish soap/dishwasher detergent:
Warm water is not enough! You have to use soap. One with a
grease-cutter will make cleaning up after the steak a lot
easier. If you have a dishwasher, then use dishwasher detergent,
no matter how tempting it is to use liquid dish soap or laundry
detergent — we've done it, you know you've done it.
Trash can and trash bags:
Not a paper bag rolled down at the top or a plastic bag on a door
handle, but you need an actual can and drawstring trash
bags. Also, spend the extra money and get a can with a lid to keep
the smell of garbage out of your kitchen and you life. |
Your Place 
