A butler’s pantry sounds like an extra-fancy space reserved for mansions and estates. But you don’t need to have a full-time housekeeper to reap all of the benefits a butler’s pantry can provide. Let’s dive into this exciting, super-functional space to find out what makes it so useful. You might just want to find the extra space to include one in your own home.

What’s the difference between a butler’s pantry and a regular pantry?

The biggest difference in the two spaces is functionality. A standard pantry is where you store extra food and supplies. It’s more like a kitchen closet where you go to grab items you want to bring into the kitchen. A butler’s pantry on the other hand is a space that allows you to do things while offering storage. You can prep drinks, cut flowers, or stage food for a buffet. A butler’s pantry offers the extra countertop space we always need during parties and holiday meals.

What does a butler’s pantry feature?

There are some classic essentials that no butler’s pantry should be without. Typically, a butler’s pantry will feature both upper and lower cabinets along with a beautiful countertop. Some have a sink, but this is not essential. This is the fun part—you can customize your pantry space to your specific needs. For instance, if you’re a wine connoisseur, maybe your pantry has a wine fridge and bottle storage area. This can also be where you store your extra wine glasses and accessories.

Why is a butler’s pantry useful?

The more time you spend in your butler’s pantry the more ways you’ll find to use it. Utilizing this area for necessities makes hosting dinner parties so much more efficient. No more digging into the back of cabinets to get to those large serving plates. It’s also a place where you can set up a coffee or tea bar, an area for that extra small appliance that you’d like to use more if it wasn’t always stored out-of-sight. Based on your needs this could be your breakfast shake making spot, your cake decorating area or your evening drink mixing location. It frees up your kitchen for traditional meal prep and allows for a space that specializes in your preferences and interests.