The kitchen used to be an area "reserved for the servants". It was not the place in a home or establishment that was considered a social area - an area to meet, greet and socialize. Indeed it was considered a most utilitarian area meant for work and certainly no play.

It can be said that the widespread introduction of cookbooks democratized cooking to a great idea. To cook "from a book" was a new and strange idea at the time of the introduction of cookbooks into popular vogue. Previously people had either been taught in the trade, or at best for domestic purposes would have been taught by a parent - in our politically correct world it would have been impolitely referred to as a mother teaching her daughter how to be a "good wife".

Now it is an accepted way of life, social mores and entertainment practice that both either sex can be a good cook and that entertainment and socialization in the home is often held in the kitchen or in the kitchen / family room areas.

Regardless of it all kitchen safety and safety practices must always be upheld.

One of the first rules of safety in a kitchen and kitchen environment is that water and electricity do not mix. If you find that you touch an electrical appliance or appliances while turning on a water tap or touch a basin of water - this may well be a most difficult situation and scenario. If you must involve water and / or using the kitchen sink it is best to remove all electrical appliances from the immediate area.

If you are using an electric element on your stovetop range it is best not to utilize the electric plug on that same range. It is amazing how rubber electric cords seem to fall onto a red hot electric element that is in use. Such a cord that touches a red hot element will quickly begin to burn and smolder. Smoke and a fire can result - setting off other flames. The smoke alarm may well go off from the black smoky flames. If you are entertaining there is little worse than a loud smoke alarm in the foreground disrupting the whole event. At the least the power cord will be damaged - exposing wires, needing to be replaced. Even if damage to the cord is not evident, it may well give a nasty shock to the next user. All in all, if an element is being used on the stove top range, then it is best to use electrical ac outlets that are located far away from the range.

Appliances that are used or just used should be kept away from children. If they are still hot, then let them cool well. Push these appliances back far away from the counter so that they do not fall over, scalding guests. Always ensure that the appliance has cooled, is cool to the touch before putting away. Unplug the appliance, push it back and let it cool. Ensure that the cord is not dangling off the edge of the counter. Dangling cords are not only a danger and an invitation for trouble only for adults. Consider inquisitive children as well.

If the electrical appliance has a removable power cord (say for example an electric frying pan), ensure that the cord is disconnected from the wall power sockets before removing it from the appliance. Since the cord is still plugged into the ac power source it will still be "live", and dangerous, when disconnected from the appliance, but not yet from the power source.

Lastly in terms of kitchen appliances that have sharp attachments. These can cut, if the power is still on. For the benefit of your guests and their children, ensure that these appliances are not plugged in when not in use. Simple as that.

You can never be too safe with electrical appliances, when you are entertaining friends and family in the kitchen and kitchen areas.