TABLE SETTING

THE HEART OF THE HOME

When the kitchen calls, we don’t miss a beat

BY SARA GAE WATERS PHOTOS BY BRANDON SMITH

IT’S NOT A HARD CASE TO MAKE: Te kitchen is where we all want to be. Who can blame us? Tis is where the magic happens. Even if it is a formal dinner, eventually, people gather here. Te smells, the action, the anticipation of the meal — all these things draw us in. Whether we are helping or just keeping the cook company, we can’t resist the kitchen.

Kitchens have transformed over the years with diferent seating areas, so hosting visitors is more doable and convenient, and less problematic, for the person actually preparing the meal. Large islands with bar stool seating, maybe a small dining table, perhaps the kitchen is open to the rest of the house or at least the dining room — these layouts have deservedly become more and more popular and mainstream.

My favorite is the beloved “banquette,” and any shape will do. A long straight bench form or maybe curved bench seating with a round table, or a beautiful upholstered settee with a table in front — all provide the perfect solution to welcoming people in, not only to dine but also to work on a laptop, have a cup of tea or savor a conversation.

It’s also a way to set out a casual meal where people can serve themselves and then fnd other places to sit. In “Gatherings” this season, we have loaded up the table with dessert and hot apple cider. With the long bench seating and chairs arranged in a rectangular shape, this is a place you can easily settle in and enjoy the bustle of the kitchen … Nourishment for body and soul.

ABOVE: Warm and inviting, Matt and Emily Bonner’s kitchen banquette is a popular place for tackling homework, nibbling an afternoon snack or gathering the family of seven together for dinner.

RIGHT: A large island with barstool seating takes center stage in this kitchen.