How Chefs Organize Cookware for the Holidays

As the holidays draw near, vital kitchen storage spaces start to feel just a little bit more chaotic. Cooking for a crowd can transform the most organized kitchen into a whirlwind of tools, ingredients, and utensils. To help combat this chaos, I reached out to professional chefs for their best tips on how to keep cookware organized during the holiday rush.

1. Tuck Summer Essentials to the Back

Marissa Stevens, founder of Pinch and Swirl, stresses the importance of seasonally adjusting kitchen organization. “Around a week or two beforehand,” she suggests, “I pull everything out and temporarily tuck away the things I know I won’t use – grill pans, ice cream makers, anything summery.” By doing this, she clears space for the essential tools, such as sheet pans, Dutch ovens, and large mixing bowls.

This strategy not only frees up essential kitchen real estate but also reduces visual clutter, making the cooking process less overwhelming. Incorporating cord organizers on appliance backs can further streamline the look and feel of your kitchen. These small adjustments create an environment where you can dash in and out of cabinets without digging through the chaos of unloved appliances.

2. Secure Lids

Lids can often be the most chaotic aspect of a kitchen organizer. According to Joanne Gallagher, co-founder of Inspired Taste, “I double-check all my lids and reusable containers for leftovers.” Ensuring that all containers and their matching lids are together helps prevent clutter during the busy holiday season.

To keep lids secure and easily accessible, consider using the backs of cabinet doors to mount pot lid holders. This not only saves space but also makes sure that the lids are out of the way yet within reach. Whether you’re storing pans, food prep containers, or organizing lids, having a systematic approach can keep everything tidy and functional.

3. Give Small Tools Dividers

With an influx of smaller utensils during the holidays, it’s imperative to have an organized plan for these tools. Marissa suggests using bamboo drawer dividers. “I can see all my tools at a glance: microplanes, measuring cups, peelers, thermometers,” she explains. Having designated spaces for each tool reduces the time spent hunting for essential items mid-recipe.

Small utensil organizers can streamline the flow of your cooking process. Customized divider systems can also adjust to various drawer sizes, further enhancing the layout of your kitchen.

4. Store Trays by Shape

Holiday baking season often means more trays, baking sheets, and specialty pans. Joanne recommends taking a few moments to organize these by size and shape before the holiday baking marathon begins. This makes it easier to grab what you need while ensuring that everything is neatly stored.

Utilizing vertical dividers can save space by allowing you to stack trays and sheets vertically, giving you a clear view of all available options at a glance. In doing so, you can avoid unnecessary damage from mismanaged stacking, ultimately keeping your bakeware in pristine condition for years to come.

Additional Tips for Holiday Kitchen Organization

Double-Check Your Supplies: A thorough inventory of food storage options ensures you have enough containers for leftovers. Joanne emphasizes the importance of matching lids with containers ahead of time, so you aren’t fumbling around when you’re trying to save your culinary masterpieces after a family dinner.

Declutter Regularly: Set aside time for regular kitchen decluttering sessions throughout the year to prevent holiday chaos. This not only keeps clutter at bay but also allows you to stay on top of kitchen organization with minimal effort.

Consider Kitchen Features: As you make changes, it can also be worthwhile to think about longer-term kitchen features that simplify your cooking routine. From pull-out organizers to custom drawer layouts, investing in these solutions can enhance efficiency year-round.

By adopting these techniques and keeping your holiday cooking prep organized, you’ll not only save time and energy but also enjoy the festive cooking process far more. Happy holidays and happy cooking!