Christmas can bring a lot of stress, especially for the individual who is in charge of cooking the festive feast. There is a lot to be done in a short amount of time, and the kitchen is often the heart of these activities. So, how can you make this time of year easier?
By upgrading your kitchen, the Christmas celebrations are more likely to take place without any issues. This means the food preparations will be easier, there will be plenty of space for all the festive goodies, and the family can come together and enjoy. The ways to achieve this have been outlined in this post.
Invest in Essential Kitchen Tools and Appliances
As the Christmas is approaching, your kitchen needs to be more than just cooking space – it should be ready for anything. And, for that you need to upgrade your kitchen tools and appliances.
If you’ve been relying on an outdated oven or poor utensils, now’s the time to get new one. A modern oven, or a dishwasher for example, can cook everything from roasted meats to desserts, ensuring your Christmas party goes without a hitch.
Moreover, a sharp set of knives is absolutely necessary this season. Now, stop struggling with blunt blades that you bought years ago – instead, invest in a good sharp knife.
Go for a new blender or food processor, and you’ll be ready to make everything from smoothies to sauces. Also, consider to invest in a stoveguard. While, these upgrade your costly, but will carry you through the holidays and in fact, beyond.
Add Lighting and Ambiance
As the nights becomes longer and festive vibe is all around, your kitchen should too be a warm and inviting space, where everyone can enjoy and have fun.
And, lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood, and the right set of lighting can completely transform the ambience.
To get started, start by changing the harsh overhead lights with the softer, more flattering lights. Under cabinet lighting is also a game-changer – subtle, yet effective.
It creates a cozy and welcoming ambience. Also, consider adding a few pendant lights above your kitchen island to draw attention and make it more welcoming.
Plan for holiday cooking
When it comes to holiday cooking, preparation is everything you need. With a house full of guests and a table with festive dishes, you’ll need a solid cooking plan in place.
To plan the cooking, first, make a list – and check it twice. Keeping noting down everything you need to prepare, from appetizers to desserts. Once you’ve got your list set, start preparing them. Chop vegetables, measure out ingredients, and even pre-cook some items like pies or sauces that can be stored in the fridge.
Also, in this hustle, make sure to keep your kitchen organized and clean. Also, keep your counter space tidy and make sure your utensils, such as pots, pans, and utensils are within easy reach.
A little strategic cooking plan can turn a chaotic kitchen into a enjoyable work.
Get New Paint on Walls
Well, it’s christmas and how can we forget decorating or re-purposing the walls?
A fresh coat of paint can completely give a new life into your kitchen. If your kitchen’s looking a bit tired, now’s the perfect opportunity to give it a festive makeover.
Start by removing spider webs and filling the ceiling cracks or wall crack. Next, consider a warm, inviting color palette that goes with the holiday season. Rich, earthy tones like deep greens, burgundies, or warm neutrals will create a cozy atmosphere that will make your kitchen more beautiful and warming.
If you’re feeling bold, a mural wallpaper – perhaps something with a festive pattern – can add a touch of flair without overwhelming the space.
Trust me, a little wall update will set the tone for the entire kitchen, making it a holiday-ready haven.
Ensure the kitchen is a safe space for preparations
A clean kitchen is a safe space for food preparation. This would prevent food poisoning and other illnesses, and it will ensure ingredients are not compromised or prematurely spoiled. Kitchen surfaces and sinks should be cleaned and disinfected daily to reduce these risks.
Not only do you have to ensure the kitchen is a safe space to cook in, you must make sure the equipment and accessories you use are safe, too.
Some of the equipment used to make Christmas dinner and other festive foods have the ability to injure you if improperly cared for. For example, dull knives require more pressure to cut through meat and vegetables. To avoid cutting yourself and ruining ingredients, kitchen knives must be sharpened using a whetstone frequently.
Similarly, non-stick pans, which usually have a shelf life of three to four years, require proper care to function safely. Overheating can shorten the pan’s life and damage its non-stick coating, which could result in the release of harmful toxins into the air.
Increase storage for all of the festive treats
Many families and households stock up before Christmas Day. This includes drinks, mince pies, chocolates, sweets, and all sorts of snacks that people enjoy during the holidays. The issue with this is not all kitchens have the storage space needed to store all of these goodies.
To ensure you have enough room to keep this assortment of treats safely stored away until Christmas, you must clean the kitchen cupboards, drawers, and shelves. This means going through the food you currently have and clearing out any expired products. If you still need space, then you might want to consider adding open shelves or installing under-cabinet baskets.
When it comes to storing perishable items, you will want to buy plenty of airlocked containers. For cookies, a sheet of wax paper should be used between each layer to stop them from sticking together.
Make the kitchen the family’s social hub
Although the kitchen might usually be busy with family members coming and going, this could have a homelier feel with a few modifications. One of the best methods is to create warmth. This can be achieved by ensuring the radiators are working efficiently. You might also invest in vertical radiators to allow for more heat, which is especially helpful in tight spaces. With the oven on, this heat will be increased even more.
Another method to increase the likelihood of family gatherings in the kitchen is to provide seating. Of course, this only works if your kitchen is big enough.
A kitchen island can be the perfect addition to the kitchen design, allowing people to sit and socialize with each other. Additionally, this space will provide more seating if your extended family decide to join in on the festivities.
Good Bye Note
As Christmas draws near, creating a kitchen that’s both functional and festive is the key to making the holiday season truly special.
From investing in essential appliances to adding mini trees and the perfect lighting, these small changes can transform your kitchen space into a cozy, welcoming.
With a little planning and a touch of creativity, you’ll be able to make your kitchen ready for the christmas and other holidays. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the festive spirit, and get your kitchen ready to shine.
