you could put up two curtains: one for the shelves above the sink (but leave the shelf that is on the sink level uncovered; so the curtain will stop at the top of the cubby at sink level) an...

my big win is to make a baked item ahead of time; and just neglect to bake it- as in, all the prep work will be done; I'll just pop it in the oven when I see the whites of my guests'...

scones. especially raspberry scones.

art- in sf, millenium is a great vegan restaurant.(http://www.millenniumrestaurant.com/) also- thep phenom (http://www.thepphanom.com/) is amazing.