1. Out with the Old, In with the New
Watch out for items lurking in your fridge and pantry that haven’t been used for months, or items that don’t seem identifiable except for their labels. Even if you won’t be hosting big meals or parties during the season, you’ll probably need the extra storage space for holiday foods obtained from others.

Next: About Space

2. About Space
Even the largest kitchens can be deemed inefficient around the holidays if they are cluttered. Start with removing any appliances that are not frequently used to maximize space on your countertops. Don’t be afraid to throw out or donate the things you don’t use, or don’t know how to use! Consider your new found space for additional seating options, setting up a bar, or finding a new point of interest like a festive bowl of fresh fruit or a vase filled with flowers or colorful holiday ornaments.

Next: Grand Central Station

3. Grand Central Station
Set up your kitchen in holiday entertaining stations. For example, if you serve coffee, place your coffee filters, coffee and scoops in the cabinets above the coffee pot. Thoroughly clean out your cabinets and then group the contents according to activity or station. When you’re entertaining, you will need ready access to certain tools, like a complete set of glasses and plates, so be sure to place them where you won’t need a playbook to find them.

Next: Contain Yourself

4. Contain Yourself
Organizing your pantry eliminates the confusion should the unexpected guests arrive over the holidays. It is also a money saver in that you now know what you have, as opposed to buying it again. Use food containers to store and organize items for easy access. Remember to trash any containers that are warped or that have any sort of scratching or scarring on the inside as these can leak chemicals into the food.

Next: Make a List and Check It Twice

5. Make a List and Check It Twice
Avoid the last minute mad rush to the grocery store by creating detailed lists of what you need for the celebratory meals ahead. Remember that even if you’re not hosting a holiday party, etiquette still says you should offer to bring a dish.

Next: Holiday Trash

6. Holiday Trash
Sometimes kitchens are cluttered simply because they don’t have appropriate trash receptacles. The mass amounts of trash produced around the holidays require extra attention. Use trash receptacles that are of the appropriate size. Modern trash receptacles are functional as well as attractive, and should be able to be found easily by guests.

Net: All Things Shiny

7. All Things Shiny
While dishwashers are always useful, spots and residue are often the result of hard water that sits on silverware. Polish the silverware ahead of time to avoid the embarrassment of seemingly dirty utensils. While you’re in the cleaning mode, dust the tops of cabinets, decorative pieces and brush away those cobwebs from the light fixtures. Nothings says welcome like a clean area.

Next: Prepare for Leftovers

8. Prepare for Leftovers
Holiday meals inevitably lead to leftovers. Rearrange your pantry or cabinets so that the food storage containers, wax paper, wrap and aluminum foil are within reach. In Cooking as Therapy, Louis Parrish wrote, “If you can organize your kitchen, you can organize your life.” Getting organized around the holidays creates more time to enjoy the people and things that matter most to you during the festive season.