Articles
ESSENTIAL HOLIDAY KITCHEN TIPS
Thanksgiving has come and gone, but the season for spending time in the kitchen has just begun. Here are some easy tips to get you started on creating a well organized holiday kitchen.
Take a look around (inside and out)
Step into your kitchen and make note of your initial reaction. Do you feel happy? Relaxed? Anxious to dig in? Open the cupboards. Can you immediately identify what’s inside? Can you reach things? You will potentially be spending quite a bit of time in your kitchen over the next several weeks and this process will help you identify what areas may need some purging and/or straightening up to maximize your holiday cooking experience.
Clear off surfaces
Holiday cooking ~ whether it is for gift-giving, cookie-making, or the family meal ~ takes a lot of room. Do yourself a favor and clear off your counters and surfaces as much as possible. Move items temporarily. Clear surfaces are not only less stressful, they will make clean-up that much easier. Have you ever tried to clean up loose flour, or batter that has sprayed off your beaters? Enough said!
Clean out the fridge
Now is a great time to clean out the fridge. Toss ALL food that has expired, or will likely expire before there is ever a chance it will be eaten. Go ahead and wipe down your fridge now that you can get to everything. Group similar food products together (dairy, condiments, etc.) This will make cooking that much easier. Consider setting up a large cooler on the deck or out the back door for the next few weeks to house extra ingredients and/or leftovers.
Gather all recipes
Gather ALL the recipes you intend to make over the next several weeks (include gifts, general baking, office contributions, main meals, etc.). Keep these recipes in one central spot so you do not need to keep looking for them. Make a master list of ALL ingredients required; including quantity (even if you believe you have the item). By doing so, you will notice the exact quantities you need of each item and will now have a master list of ingredients needed.
Take inventory
Check your master ingredient list and cross off what you already own. Check your inventory of cookware, plates, glasses, serving pieces, food storage containers, etc. to see what’s missing. If you are in need of something – contact a neighbor, family member or friend to see if you can borrow and/or share items.
Add warmth
Finally, adding some personal touches to your kitchen (or any space!) makes it more inviting and pleasant to be in. Ad some candles, holiday greenery and/or a CD player with your favorite music and enjoy!
Take these simple steps and you will be well on your way to creating a warm, welcoming, holiday-friendly kitchen.
©2008 Kim Cossette.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? Please do! Simply include this blurb: Kim Cossette is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO®) and Owner of The Organized Approach - a professional organizing company dedicated to helping busy homeowners create calm, uncluttered, joyful living spaces. If you are ready to get organized, receive Kim’s FREE "10 Simple Steps to Get Organized and Change Your Life!" by visiting www.theorganizedapproach.com.