UPDATE: As the 2023 holiday season approaches, chaos in kitchen storage is becoming a pressing concern for home cooks. Professional chefs are sharing essential tips to help you organize cookware and streamline holiday meal prep, ensuring a smoother cooking experience for all.
Recent insights from culinary experts reveal four critical strategies to tackle kitchen clutter just in time for the festive rush. With cooking for larger gatherings on the horizon, staying organized is more important than ever.
1. Tuck Away Summer Gear
Marissa Stevens, founder of Pinch and Swirl, emphasizes the need to create space by stowing away seasonal equipment. “About a week or two before the holidays, I pull everything out and temporarily tuck away the things I know I won’t use—grill pans, ice-cream makers,” she advises. This technique allows her to prioritize essential tools like sheet pans and Dutch ovens. By eliminating distractions, Stevens ensures that her kitchen remains functional even during peak cooking periods.
2. Organize Lids for Easy Access
Joanne Gallagher, co-founder of Inspired Taste, highlights the importance of managing lids and food storage containers. “I double-check all my lids and reusable containers for leftovers,” she explains. To prevent chaos, she organizes the storage drawer ahead of time. Consider using adjustable pot lid holders from Amazon to secure lids and maximize space.
3. Utilize Dividers for Small Tools
To combat disarray in utensil drawers, Stevens recommends using bamboo drawer dividers available at Walmart. “Every tool has its place—microplanes, measuring cups, peelers,” she notes, ensuring easy access to essential items. This simple organization method minimizes the risk of losing track of tools during busy cooking sessions.
4. Sort Bakeware by Shape
Gallagher suggests reorganizing baking sheets and pans before the holiday rush. “I always take a few minutes to organize them by size and shape,” she states. This practice reduces stress and makes it easier to find the right tools when the kitchen gets busy. The customizable Umbra Peggy Kitchen Organizer Trays from Amazon can help keep bakeware neatly stored while preventing scratches.
With these expert strategies in mind, home cooks can transform their kitchens into efficient workspaces just in time for holiday celebrations. As Marissa Stevens reminds us, “I can’t imagine my kitchen life without vertical dividers for trays and baking sheets. It saves space and allows me to see what’s clean and ready to use.”
Stay tuned for more updates on holiday cooking tips, and share these crucial strategies with fellow home chefs preparing for the festive season!