Your kitchen is the heart of your home. This is the room where family and friends gather together to try new recipes, dine if it’s an eat-in kitchen, and hang out with the cook. But, during the holidays, this room can turn into a disaster zone. In order to make meal prep and socializing go as smoothly as possible, everything should be in its place and look invitingly attractive, as well. Read on to find out how to create an organized and nurturing space in your kitchen that’ll carry you throughout the holiday season.

Stock Your Pantry

Of course, your fridge and countertop will hold fresh foods, such as fruits, veggies, meats, and cheeses, but you also need to have a pantry full of staples. It’s important to keep a stockpile of ingredients on hand. Year-round, you’ll need spices, canned tomatoes, and a variety of cooking oils, vinegars, plus baking supplies, such as flour, sugar, and cocoa. During the holiday season, you’ll want to expand your stash by adding gourmet crackers, special wines and liqueurs, cheese spreads, and holiday cookie mixes.

Organize Pots and Pans

Your pots, pans, and lids should be stored close to the stove, so they’re readily available when you’re preparing holiday meals and snacks. You can store pots and pans in deep drawers, in cupboards, or hang them from hooks. To keep your lids in order, consider buying a lid rack, which uses a minimum amount of space and keeps lids viewable and accessible. Kitchen organizers (such as racks, shelves, etc.) can save a lot of headaches during the holiday season as well.

Make Your Kitchen Eye-Catching

You can also create artful ambiance in your kitchen by displaying the beautiful plates, cups, bowls, and utensils you own (especially if their holiday related!). To showcase your colorful bowls, mugs, and glassware, consider open or glass cupboards. You can also create a dazzling display when you group all your festive dishes on an open shelf. Lastly, you can hang some mistletoe and arrange greenery in eye-catching spaces.

Add Sensory Details

In addition to the aroma and taste of festive foods, consider adding a few other sensory details to your kitchen to evoke memories of holidays past, and set the stage for this year’s merriment. Burn scented candles that smell like pumpkin pie, turn on low-volume holiday music, and simmer cinnamon sticks in apple cider.

How do you keep your kitchen organized during the holidays?