A butler’s pantry is a second pantry connected to the kitchen, the dining room, or another entertaining space. It’s used for extra storage and as a prep area while serving meals. While this neat pantry feature may seem old-fashioned, it can be a great addition to your home. If your home has one and you’re unsure of how to use it or you’re thinking about adding one, read on to get some ideas for using and customizing your pantry.
Store Special Occasion Tableware
Keep everyday cooking and dining items in your kitchen and use a butler’s pantry for storing the tableware you save for special occasions. This might include china, special serving ware, wine glasses, table linens, candles, and vases. Dividing your tableware this way makes it easier to find items you don’t use regularly, which often get tucked away somewhere and forgotten. A butler’s pantry ensures that you’re not scrambling to find the dishes or glasses you haven’t used in months on the day of your dinner party.
If your home is large or has an unusual layout and the dining room is not close to the kitchen, a butler’s pantry off the dining room also makes it easier to set the table and bring out additional items throughout the evening. By working with professionals to build a custom pantry, you’ll ensure that you have all the cabinet and drawer space you need to store your items.
Prep Station
If your butler’s pantry is off the dining room or living room, you can add counter space to it so you have a designated spot for preparing appetizers, courses, and drinks while entertaining. Any dishes and drinks that don’t need to be kept warm or chilled can be brought to your butler’s pantry before the guests arrive. Then, when it’s time to serve an item, quickly run to the pantry, make any finishing touches, and bring it out.
If you like the convenience of this idea but do need to chill drinks, consider adding a mini-fridge to your butler’s pantry. Also, think about keeping a coffee maker or electric tea kettle on the counter for easy access to after-dinner beverages.
Cleaning Station
Add a sink to your pantry so you can bring dishes, glasses, and silverware in to soak after each course. At the end of the night, take the dishwasher-safe items to the kitchen and wash the larger and more delicate items in the pantry. When those items are dry, put them away in their designated drawers and cabinets.
Get Started on Your Custom Butler’s Pantry
A customized butler’s pantry can be extremely useful if you love to entertain. If you’re interested in adding one to your home or upgrading an existing one, reach out to Closet & Storage Concepts of Denver for a free in-home consultation! Our team will work with you to build the perfect butler’s pantry for your family and your home.