Maximize Your Holiday Kitchen Counter Space: A Guide to Stress-Free December Cooking

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With Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, and endless holiday gatherings ahead, your kitchen counters are about to become prime real estate. Whether you’re preparing latkes for eight nights, baking Christmas cookies, or hosting a New Year’s Day brunch, how you organize your counters can make the difference between chaotic cooking and a smooth culinary celebration.

Clear the Decks: Your Holiday Counter Reset

Start by removing everything from your counters that won’t be part of meal preparation:

Small appliances you won’t use that day
Decorative items (yes, even that cute holiday cookie jar)
Mail, papers, and other non-kitchen items
The fruit bowl (it can take a brief vacation)

Create Dedicated Counter Zones

Think of your counter space as valuable real estate and divide it into these essential zones:

Storage Zone Create a designated area for ingredients and tools you’ll use throughout cooking. Keep frequently used items like oils, seasonings, and cooking utensils within easy reach. Use tiered stands or small bins to maximize vertical space.

Cooking Zone The area near your stove should be reserved for active cooking tasks. Keep essential tools like spoons and tongs here, along with trivets for hot dishes. This zone should remain clear except for items actively being used in cooking.

Cleaning Zone Set up a strategic cleaning station near your sink. Include a large tray or bin for dirty dishes, extra kitchen towels, and cleaning supplies. This contained approach prevents mess from spreading across your counters.

Eating/Tasting Zone Designate a small area for tasting and adjusting seasonings. Keep small plates, spoons, and palate cleansers here. This zone also serves as a great spot for snacks to keep hungry family members out of the main cooking areas.

Baking Zone Create a dedicated space for holiday baking, complete with measuring tools, mixing bowls, and frequently used ingredients like flour and sugar. If possible, keep this zone away from heat sources to maintain proper ingredient temperatures.

Smart Storage Solutions for Active Cooking

Use vertical space to keep counters clear:

Mount a magnetic strip for frequently used knives
Install a wall-mounted paper towel holder
Use tiered stands for ingredients and spices you’ll need throughout cooking

The Leftovers Strategy

Plan your post-meal container storage before cooking begins:

Stack clean storage containers and lids in one designated corner
Keep plastic bags and aluminum foil nearby
Leave one clear counter space dedicated to packaging leftovers

Additional Counter-Saving Tips

Use the inside of cabinet doors to hang measuring spoons and conversion charts
Place a cutting board across your sink for temporary extra counter space
Use rolling carts as mobile counter space
Keep a large tray handy to quickly clear counters when needed

Beyond the Holidays

While these tips will help you navigate December’s festivities, having an organized kitchen year-round makes hosting and daily cooking so much more enjoyable. If you’re ready to transform your kitchen into an efficient cooking space that works for both everyday meals and special occasions, I can help.

As a Houston-based professional organizer, I specialize in creating personalized kitchen organization systems that match your cooking style and family needs. From pantry makeovers to cabinet solutions that maximize every inch, let’s create a kitchen that brings joy to your cooking adventures all year long.

Ready to start 2024 with a perfectly organized kitchen? Contact me at 832-271-7608 or complete the form here to learn more about my kitchen organization services. Book now and start the new year with the organized kitchen of your dreams!

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Taya Wright, Owner and Principal at Just Organized by Taya

Just Organized by Taya, led by Professional Organizer Taya Wright, offers home organization, office organization and life organization services, in addition to interior styling services to residents across the Greater Houston area.

Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608