Phillipa Francis:

I’m beyond excited. Hubby has finally released funds into my bonus account. I’m renovating!! So, butler’s pantry. Yay or nay?

Marta Stewart:

Is this a trick question?

Tiffany Beau Gahn:

Do you have a butler? Fancy. What’s a bonus account?

Elizabeth Hartley:

If you don’t know what a bonus account is its time to have a chat with your husband. Trust me, you’re worth it. No dear, a Butler’s Pantry. Like a small kitchen behind your actual kitchen. So your actual kitchen stays nice and clean and, you know, inviting.

Honestly we couldn’t live without ours. And Kingston is just about the right age to be taking his first culinary undertakings. I mean, I don’t want him to be completely sheltered and cooked for all his life, even if nanny has those Michelin hat thingies. Its about keeping them grounded. Keeping it real.

Priscilla de Toff:

Elizabeth did you actually just use the phrase keeping it real? Have you started on the prosecco early?

I’m going to go against the flow here and say no. I mean, I’m sure your nanny would love it, but isn’t it a bit extravagant to be spending money on something that’s pretty much just for her? Why not spend it on upgrading to first class tickets for your next European Summer? A much more sensible investment.

Tiffany Beau Gahn:

Wait, so you cook in the smaller Pantry, and keep the big kitchen clean? Sounds, um, a bit silly really. What do you do in your real kitchen?

Marta Stewart:

Oh, mine have been quite capable of culinary excellence since prior to starting school. I agree with Elizabeth. I don’t want to raise sheltered kids. That’s why we have a Butler’s Pantry. So nanny can teach them proper cooking techniques. That way, when we visit hatted restaurants, they’ll be able to order appropriately. Actually, they’re quite gifted in the kitchen. The twins shared second place in the Sydney Metro Kids’ baking contest.

Priscilla de Toff:

Second? As in not first? How sweet. Mine are gifted in so many other ways. They preferred to be educated in academic endeavours prior to starting school. Its so competitive out there these days. I wouldn’t want them to  fall behind. I mean, I know yours have had tutors in order to catch up Marta, I just wanted to avoid that.

Phillipa Francis:

God, we’ve become so boring! Does everything have to be about giftedness? I want to talk about renovations! What do you think of my kitchen? Have I missed the boat on the metallic trend? How can I make the most of my 360 degree views from the kitchen window?

PS Marta – a smaller second place trophy won’t fit so well in the trophy cabinet. You may need to get a new one. Shall we go shopping for one this weekend? I need a new kitchen table anyway. For my renovations.

Marley Jackson:

Following. We’re thinking of putting in a Lego room. Does anyone have the name of a good builder?

Tiffany Beau Gahn:

Oh Marley, how fun! I think that’s probably a more fun use of the space than a Butler’s Pantry.

Priscilla de Toff:

Sigh. Or you could just do both Tiffany? Why would you have to choose one?

SMO Admin:

I noticed this post has been discussing giftedness. Just letting you all know admin is watching. Every snowflake is special ladies.

Phillipa Francis:

Erm, NO, we’re discussing my kitchen! Not your first world problems about Lego rooms and gifted kids. Jeez.

Tiffany Beau Gahn:

You know, just thinking, if I was going to plow money into a new kitchen, I’d change the stuff that really bugs me. Like, one thing that always bugged me about our kitchen was the microwave. It was kind of in a corner and it opened away from me so that I had to use my left hand to clean it. Which was a pain in the butt.

Priscilla de Toff:

Surely that’s an issue for your cleaner to sort out Tiffany.

Elizabeth Hartley:

We have a cleaner. She’s Korean.

Gemma Smith:

Oh don’t get a microwave. They emit terrible radio waves that cause cancer. Almost as bad as using unfiltered fluoridated water, straight from the tap!

I find the Butler’s Pantry is good for containing the less than pleasant smell that comes from the kitchen bin. We use all natural cleaning products, so they aren’t as strong and chemically. Sometimes the baked  kale chips can have a very, ah, distinctive smell.

If you don’t get a Butler’s Pantry Phillipa, I can mix up a lovely aromatic blend for you so you don’t have the nasty kitchen smells permeating the main house.

SMO Admin:

I have to say I’m impressed ladies. This post has self moderated well.

Phillipa Francis:

Gemma, you’re not supposed to put tin foil in the microwave.

Tiffany Beau Gahn:

What’s kale?

Marley Jackson:

Snobville Mums’ way of torturing their children’s lunch boxes.

Phillipa Francis:

Ok, well obviously I can’t really live without a Butler’s Pantry. Actually, I’m not sure how we’re coping even now! Nanny will be so pleased. Like the day I bought her a thermomix for our old kitchen. No need for a Christmas present that year! Thanks for your advice ladies. I will post pictures!

SMO Admin:

Well, this is disappointing. I’ve finished my popcorn and haven’t yet had to delete a single comment.

Gemma Smith:

Oooooh, admin. Corn is pretty much the devil’s food.

Tiffany Beau Gahn:

God I love popcorn.