During the holiday season, your kitchen really gets a workout. It’s the place where friends and family gather to share food and drink, tell stories about their lives, and most of all, enjoy one another’s company. It’s the place where you’ll prepare all of that food and drink your loved ones will enjoy. The kitchen is always the heart of your home, but that’s especially true during the holiday season. Make sure it’s ready for the hustle and bustle of the holidays with these tips and tricks!

  • Go through what you have. Take an inventory of what you’ve got going on in your pantry and fridge, as well as what you have regarding flatware, drinkware, plates, and serveware. Knowing what you already have will give you a better idea of what you’ll need to grab at the store and help prevent overspending! When you’re looking through your refrigerator and pantry, don’t forget to check the expiration dates. Clear out what’s expired to make room for new ingredients for this year’s holiday menu.
  • Refresh your cabinets. If you’re not in the market for new cabinets but still want to refresh the look and feel of your kitchen before your holiday guests arrive, a simple coat of paint will do the trick. Painting or refinishing your cabinets is an easy way to instantly transform the appearance of your kitchen, according to Asheville, NC house painters. Refinishing your cabinets and adding new hardware can give you the look of a completely revamped kitchen at a fraction of the cost.
  • Childproof your kitchen. With kids of all ages running around this holiday season, you’ll want your kitchen to be as safe a space as possible. Keep sharp or dangerous objects like knives, skewers, lighters, and matches, in drawers that aren’t easily accessible by children. Use safety latches on cabinets that house heavy pots and pans or kitchen cleaning materials. Avoid leaving chairs or stools near countertops, as this can inspire children to want to climb up and explore the areas they can’t see.
  • Incorporate festive elements. Your kitchen may not be on your list of rooms to decorate this holiday season, but it should be! Welcome this festive time of year by installing string lights in your kitchen windows. Christine Atwell, a Mansfield, TX interior decorator, recommends draping decorative garland over your window valances or laying it over a table runner to instantly dress up your kitchen island.

Welcome friends and loved ones into a fun and festive kitchen atmosphere with these tips and tricks.