Holiday Kitchen Organization Guide Helps Bring Harmony to Your Kitchen

1. Stylized Kitchen Organization

We spend more time in our kitchens during the holiday season—through baking, entertaining, and making festive meals, your pantry and freezer will play a huge role in the success of your creations. When you take the time to curate your pantry for the season, you make it easier to peruse your stock, retrieve what you need, and see when you might need to refill. Not to mention, who wouldn’t love to create a pantry like Khloe Kardashian to show off to your friends and family? Follow our tips to help you turn your pantry into a showcase of ingredients before the season of cooking arrives.

Pantry Goals:

• Empty your pantry. This will help you see everything clearly and make it easier to reorganize.
• Group similar items to create categories for the foods you store. (i.e., Keep flour, sugar, grains, and other baking supplies together.)
• Use clear jars, baskets, and matching bins to store items. They look upscale and keep foods easily accessible.
• Use pantry labels on your bins and jars to identify items quickly and easily.
• Put a lazy Susan on your shelf with sauces, spices, and smaller items so you can spin it to see each item easily.
• Early in the season, make a list of staples you’ll need for holiday recipes and replenish them before they run out.

Freezer and fridge tips:

• Sort and label foods in your freezer and include dates on the labels. Then, arrange frozen foods by type (e.g., meats, vegetables, desserts).
• Purchase organizer bins for smaller packages to keep them in order.
• Create a holiday meal plan. Anticipate the dishes you’ll prepare and ensure you have enough refrigerator and freezer space.
• Consider cooking and freezing some dishes ahead to save time later.

2. Plan Your Holiday Menus

A well-thought-out menu is key to a successful holiday celebration. You may have some traditional recipes you make each year and some new ones to try this season. Begin by deciding the foods you’ll be serving and making a list of recipes. Total the number of guests you anticipate and ensure your holiday meal plan accommodates.

Create an enticing holiday menu:

• Consider appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. Don’t forget beverages and any special dietary needs your guests might have. (If you need inspiration, read through Oprah’s Christmas party recipes.)
• If you’re creating any new dishes, do a trial run with the new recipe to ensure it turns out as expected. This also gives you a chance to make any necessary adjustments.
• Once your menu is set, make a list of the ingredients you’ll need, and then shop for those items and organize them in your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator accordingly.

3. Make Your Appliances Shine

A dazzling kitchen is in the details, so ensuring that every little nook and cranny is spotless goes a long way. It also makes your kitchen a joy to work in. Before you begin your holiday baking and roasting is the best time to deep clean your appliances.

Cleaning tips for your oven:

• How to clean oven racks? Take out the racks and wash them with warm, soapy water. Making a paste of baking soda and water to scrub them can help cut through any tough, baked-on spots.
• To clean the interior, use a non-toxic oven cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to scrub the inside of your oven. Be sure to follow the instructions in your Café owner’s manual for your oven’s self-cleaning cycle if it has one.
• Don’t forget to clean the knobs and exterior surfaces so they are spotless.

Refresh your refrigerator:

• Empty your refrigerator.
• Discard expired items.
• Wipe down shelves and drawers with a mix of water and vinegar.
• Arrange frequently used items up front and at eye level.
• Wipe the exterior clean with a soft, damp cloth.