November 23, 2009
Hosts say it's hard to keep company from drifting up to the breakfast bar
There is a wall plaque often found in kitchens that sums up holiday get-togethers best: "No matter where I serve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best."
No matter what novel strategy hosts come up with to discourage this common practice, guests inevitably seem to congregate in the kitchen.
People naturally gravitate to kitchens because food preparation usually conjures warm and happy memories, say sociologists. The smell of the cooking is universally appealing and food is the cornerstone for any party.
"Food is an important type of social glue," says Richard Carpiano, assistant professor of sociology at the University of British Columbia. "The wonderful smells from a kitchen become the main attraction at any gathering."
Carpiano says interest in what's cooking attracts a crowd in any culture and is a social activity that prompts interaction between guests and hosts. Psychologically, nothing attracts people to an area more than a crowd.
A large gathering at a party makes it easier for newcomers to mingle and feel comfortable meeting other partygoers.
"It takes the edge off the individual," says Carpiano, who has attended more than a few large family gatherings. "They can be introduced to new people in an informal social setting where they don't feel they are the centre of attention."
Usually the host or hostess are the people all the guests know and the primary reason that everybody is together. Naturally, every guest would like to chat with the host at least once during a party. They gravitate toward the kitchen because it is the place where the host usually can be found, preparing food and drinks for the party. Guests who want to offer their help with small chores end up in the kitchen, as well.
The kitchen is usually the first stop for every new guest as they arrive with food or drinks. Even if they are socializing in another room, people often return to the kitchen to refresh their drinks and pick up more food. For the duration of the party, it becomes the hub of activity and a good place for anyone wishing to meet and greet every party attendee over the course the evening.
"The kitchen has become the entertainment core of the house," says Jenny Martin, principal designer of Jenny Martin Design. "It's where people want to hang out because it's where they feel the most comfortable."
The open concept layout of newer houses also contributes to the rise in popularity of the kitchen. It's no longer the private domain of one person.
In older homes, the kitchen was a poky little room, tucked away at the back of the house, and guests generally stayed out of the way. A century ago, in affluent homes, the kitchen would have been the domain of a domestic servant.
Today, the "servants" are electric appliances, and the walls around the kitchen have come down. This allows guests see what's going on in the food preparation area even if they are in another "room" in the living area of the home.
Modern kitchens are frequently located adjacent to the family room or sitting area. This layout allows the homeowner to keep an eye on children when preparing a meal.
"Many homes now place televisions or a fireplace in the great room," says Martin, who has won several awards for kitchen design. "This allows homeowners to watch television -- perhaps follow a cooking show -- on a big-screen TV while cooking."
She says kitchen islands are the major reason kitchens have become a favourite gathering spot for guests. Islands allow guests to interact with the host while they are preparing food and provides a convenient resting place for food and drink.
The island has evolved into a focal point, incorporating a food preparation sink and appliances, such as wine refrigerators and pull-out dishwashers. Although islands are usually found at the regular 36-inch counter height, many can be equipped with a separate eating bar set at 42 inches high. Seating around the island includes bar stools. Instead of a long row of seats, Martin likes to design islands with seating on two sides to optimize conversation patterns.
Not all kitchens are people friendly. Some kitchen layouts -- such as galley kitchens -- are less conducive to any type of mingling because of their tight working spaces. The same goes for any layout that allows traffic through the kitchen to get in the way of the work triangle of the stove, refrigerator and sink.
But as long as guests don't get in the way of the cook, the kitchen will likely remain the social hub of any party. "Getting together over food is ingrained in all of us," says Carpiano.
