UPDATE: As the holiday cooking season approaches, professional chefs are sharing essential tips to help home cooks manage cookware chaos. With just weeks to go until festive gatherings, staying organized is crucial for a smooth cooking experience.
Just announced by chefs Marissa Stevens and Joanne Gallagher, these four innovative storage solutions are designed to streamline kitchen organization during the busy holiday period. Here’s how to prepare your kitchen NOW for the upcoming cooking frenzy.
1. Tuck Away Summer Essentials
Marissa Stevens, founder of Pinch and Swirl, advises that as holiday gatherings approach, it’s time to clear out lesser-used appliances. “Around a week or two beforehand, I pull everything out and temporarily tuck away the things I know I won’t use—grill pans, ice cream makers, anything summery,” she stated. This practical tip frees up valuable space for essential tools like sheet pans and Dutch ovens, crucial for holiday cooking.
2. Secure Lids for Easy Access
With leftovers piling up, organizing storage containers becomes vital. Joanne Gallagher, co-founder of Inspired Taste, emphasizes the importance of prepping ahead. “I double-check all my lids and reusable containers for leftovers,” she noted. By organizing containers early, you can avoid the last-minute scramble when guests arrive. She recommends using adjustable pot lid holders from Amazon to keep lids accessible and out of the way.
3. Use Dividers for Small Tools
As holiday cooking increases, so does the need for easy access to utensils. Marissa suggests using bamboo drawer dividers to keep tools organized. “Every tool has its place: microplanes, measuring cups, peelers,” she explained. This approach not only saves time but also minimizes mess, making cooking during the holidays far less stressful.
4. Arrange Bakeware by Shape
Holiday baking can quickly become overwhelming without proper organization. Joanne recommends sorting bakeware by size and shape to simplify your cooking process. “It saves me a lot of stress once the kitchen gets busy,” she shared. Vertical dividers for trays and pans can be a game-changer, allowing you to see your options at a glance.
These expert tips are essential for anyone preparing for the holiday cooking season. As families gather and celebrations ramp up, an organized kitchen can significantly enhance the cooking experience. By implementing these strategies NOW, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable holiday season.
Next Steps: To make the most of your kitchen space, consider investing in key organizational tools available at retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Look for expandable drawer organizers and customizable kitchen trays that cater to your specific needs.
With the holidays just around the corner, the urgency to get organized is greater than ever. Don’t wait—start implementing these expert tips today and make your holiday cooking a breeze!
