Holiday Kitchen Survival Guide: Tips for an Organized and Efficient Space
The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it comes the joy—and sometimes chaos—of holiday meals. One of the best ways to survive the frenzy is by keeping your kitchen organized.
Whether you're preparing a full holiday spread or just contributing a dish or two, a streamlined kitchen can make all the difference. We’re sharing some of our best advice to getting your kitchen in tip-top shape before the festivities begin.
Start with the Pantry: Declutter and Make Space for Holiday Stock-Ups
The first step toward a holiday-ready kitchen is tackling the pantry. Begin by going through all your dry goods and checking for expired items. Toss anything that’s past its prime to free up space. With holiday cooking and baking in mind, it’s smart to organize your pantry to accommodate bulk purchases of seasonal staples like flour, sugar, and canned goods.
When you declutter your pantry, you’ll also reduce the likelihood of buying duplicates—saving both money and space. Labeling jars and containers can help you quickly spot the ingredients you need when time is tight.
Need help with this step? Download our free DIY Kitchen Organization Guide to take your pantry to the next level.
Organize Your Baking Supplies: Holiday-Ready in Minutes
With cookies, pies, and other treats filling your holiday menu, baking supplies need special attention. Gather all your ingredients—flour, baking powder, vanilla, sprinkles, and chocolate chips—and store them in a dedicated zone. Having a specific shelf or drawer for baking supplies will make your holiday baking sessions smoother and stress-free.
Don’t forget about your tools, either!
Keep spatulas, cookie cutters, measuring cups, and mixing bowls easily accessible. A drawer organizer or a utensil caddy can help keep these items within reach and prevent you from rummaging through cluttered drawers.
Fridge and Freezer Overhaul: Room for Leftovers and Holiday Dishes
The holidays are notorious for bringing a deluge of dishes—both prepared and leftover—so you’ll need space in the fridge and freezer:
Remove anything expired or unused.
Wipe down shelves and bins for a clean, fresh start.
Organize remaining items by category: condiments, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
Keep frequent use items at the front for easy access.
Try using clear bins or containers to keep smaller items from getting lost at the back of the fridge.
Now for the freezer—make sure you have enough space for frozen pies, cookie dough, or other make-ahead holiday meals.
Create Work Zones: Prep, Cook, and Clean with Ease
An organized kitchen is not just about where things are stored—it’s about creating functional zones. For the holidays, your kitchen should have clearly defined areas for prepping, cooking, and cleaning.
Prep Zone: Keep cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls in one designated spot.
Cooking Zone: This is where you’ll want pots, pans, and frequently used spices close by.
Cleaning Zone: Ensure your sink area is clutter-free and stocked with towels, sponges, and dish soap.
By creating these zones, you’ll minimize back-and-forth movements, making your kitchen workflow more efficient.
Transform Your Home this Holiday with Composed Living
With the holidays being the busiest time of year, an organized kitchen can be a game changer. From simplifying meal prep to reducing stress on the big day, a well-arranged space ensures you can enjoy more time with family and friends, and less time searching for missing ingredients or utensils.
Don’t forget to download our DIY Kitchen Organization guide for more tips on how to make the most out of your space. If you’re unsure where to start or how to maintain a clutter-free kitchen, Composed Living is here to help. Reach out and we’ll walk you through setting up a fridge and freezer fit for the holidays.