Cooking for the holidays can either be incredibly fun or hellishly exhausting. Whether you’re making a feast for loads of people or creating a few dishes for your loved ones, you must ensure that you prepare your kitchen for the worst.

Regardless of what holiday you’re preparing for, there are numerous ways in which you can improve and optimize your kitchen’s efficiency. Here are a few ways to make holidays less stressful in the kitchen!

 

Start Decluttering

A messier kitchen equates to a tougher time when you’re preparing dishes during the holidays. This one is a no-brainer. Kitchens are already prone to becoming cluttered, but starting by clearing your counters and ensuring that your condiments and equipment are in the right places will make your time in the kitchen a lot easier.

If you have more time on your hands, decluttering your fridge and pantry can greatly optimize your efficiency in the kitchen. The more organized your kitchen is, the less time it will take you to look for the necessary ingredients and materials that you’ll use for the dishes that you’re making.

 

Sharpen Your Knives

Sharpening knives is a simple task that a lot of people forgo because it doesn’t seem that important/ However, having a sharp knife will make a significant difference in your efficiency, especially during the holidays!

Whether preparing mirepoix, baking, or cooking, working with a sharp knife can be incredibly therapeutic. Watching your knife glide through your food isn’t just satisfying but also incredibly effortless. All you need is a whetstone and a little bit of time, and you’ll have a sharp knife to aid you in your holiday cooking journey.

 

Label Your Kitchen

We’re not done with organizing your kitchen. It’s not enough that you remove clutter and arrange a few things in your kitchen. If you truly want to maximize your efficiency for the holidays, labeling different parts of your kitchen is a smart way of maintaining order.

Having a system in place through the labels will allow you to utilize the space more efficiently, especially if you’re working with others. Labeling your kitchen is even more important if you have a pantry and a bunch of different drawers and shelves lying around. These labels will make working around your kitchen during the holidays seamless, even for those who are unfamiliar with its layout.

 

Use All Of The Space In Your Kitchen

Don’t just depend on your counter, pantry, and drawers. Your walls aren’t just there for design.

Utilizing all of the space in your kitchen by hanging materials and equipment on your walls is a surefire way to maximize your kitchen’s space. This also makes finding things in your kitchen a lot easier for those who are unaware of where you keep things.

You don’t need to look for the right pot or pan in a dozen different drawers if it’s just hanging there in front of you. Hanging equipment in your kitchen can also act as a part of your decor.

 

Toss What You Don’t Need

This doesn’t just mean decluttering your kitchen. We all have several appliances that we simply don’t use that often. It may be the pressure cooker we bought a year ago or the air fryer we only use once every three months, but tossing away appliances you don’t need is necessary for keeping order in your kitchen.

Not only will this help you save up on a lot of space, but it’ll also help you keep your spending habits in check in the long run.

 

Cooking for the holidays can sometimes get overwhelming, but having a clean and orderly kitchen will get you through this challenge. Get your apron on and get to work; happy holidays!