Collection by Allie Weiss

A Chef Shares Her Thoughts on the Ideal Kitchen for Entertaining

The Monogram Modern Home, a prefab home manufactured by Method Homes and outfitted with luxury Monogram appliances, is working its way across the country on a grand tour. After starting in Portland, it traveled to Los Angeles for Dwell on Design. The 825-square-feet home is outfitted with a complete kitchen, where Chef Hayley Christopher prepared treats and appetizers for guests. Here, she shares her thoughts on what makes a kitchen great for entertaining, and her experience cooking for hundreds of people in the home.

Below, watch a video to hear more about the Monogram Modern Home's stop at Dwell on Design Los Angeles with Monogram's Michael Mahan and Lou Lenzi. And be sure to visit the home as it makes its next stops in Austin, Dallas, and Boston. .outer-container { position: relative; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25%; } .BrightcoveExperience { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } brightcove.createExperiences();

"If you go to a restaurant that has an open-plan kitchen, you can almost instantly notice the flow of the kitchen," Christopher says. "Kitchens are a well-orchestrated dance. I feel that flow in the Monogram Modern Kitchen because the layout is just open enough that you can move seamlessly from the refrigerator, the sink, the stove, to the oven, and back to the counter to serve your guests."
"If you go to a restaurant that has an open-plan kitchen, you can almost instantly notice the flow of the kitchen," Christopher says. "Kitchens are a well-orchestrated dance. I feel that flow in the Monogram Modern Kitchen because the layout is just open enough that you can move seamlessly from the refrigerator, the sink, the stove, to the oven, and back to the counter to serve your guests."
"The Monogram appliances, designed for the speed and ease of cooking, allow you to depart the kitchen and socialize with guests. It was such a great feeling to be able to step away from the kitchen with confidence, knowing the reliability of the appliances at hand."
"The Monogram appliances, designed for the speed and ease of cooking, allow you to depart the kitchen and socialize with guests. It was such a great feeling to be able to step away from the kitchen with confidence, knowing the reliability of the appliances at hand."
"The Monogram induction range keeps a consistent, un-changing temperature that is unparalleled by any other cooktop I’ve worked on. This makes it perfect for maintaining a pot of oil for frying, especially at a social cocktail party where you need a lot of food fast and can’t risk losing the perfect temperature."
"The Monogram induction range keeps a consistent, un-changing temperature that is unparalleled by any other cooktop I’ve worked on. This makes it perfect for maintaining a pot of oil for frying, especially at a social cocktail party where you need a lot of food fast and can’t risk losing the perfect temperature."
Christopher's advice for entertaining in a small space? "Stay organized. Know your kitchen and its limitations, as well as where it excels. Work efficiently and quickly so clutter and disorganization doesn’t slow you down. Oh and have fun—cooking isn’t brain surgery, so enjoy your time in the kitchen and definitely be sure to get out of it and make time for your guests!"
Christopher's advice for entertaining in a small space? "Stay organized. Know your kitchen and its limitations, as well as where it excels. Work efficiently and quickly so clutter and disorganization doesn’t slow you down. Oh and have fun—cooking isn’t brain surgery, so enjoy your time in the kitchen and definitely be sure to get out of it and make time for your guests!"