Between all of the entertaining and cooking that I do on a weekly basis, I have developed a few tips over the years that have really helped to maximize both the practicality and functionality of my kitchen. These are really easy tips/adjustments that can be made in a matter of minutes and will not only increase the organization level in your kitchen, but also enhance your kitchen's overall convenience factor. Whether you have a big dreamy kitchen or a cubby kitchen (like yours truly) today's post will help you achieve some serious "Kitchen Zen!"
Trash Bags in the Bottom of Trash Can
This is a tip that I learned from my mom and have implemented throughout my home because it is so genius! Keep a stack of fresh trash bags at the bottom of your garbage can. By doing this, you will be able to quickly and easily line your garbage can with a fresh bag when it's time to take out the trash. Storing your extra bags in the bottom of your garbage pail will not only alleviate storage space in your utility closet but it will also save you from having to fumble around for a fresh bag every time your trash can needs freshening.
Pen and Post-its in Kitchen
Pen and post-its are a party prep must have! The day before hosting a party I usually like to get as much of the food prep done as possible. For example, assembling a hot dip so that I am only left with minimal cooking/heating right before the party. I love using post-it notes to label the bake time and temperature on those party foods I have made ahead of time. By using post-it notes I can avoid having a million cookbooks out and clear countertops for plating/serving. Post-it notes are also great to use for assigning foods to serving dishes when prepping for a party, grocery shopping reminders and notes to your significant other and/or kids. An all around fab kitchen addition that I have found to be supremely helpful.
Labels
When most people think of using labels in their kitchen, it's typically to list the contents of a container. While that is certainly a great use for labels in the kitchen, I have found using these mini dot labels to be extremely helpful for keeping track of food expiration dates. I cannot even begin to tell you how I have struggled over the years with those perishable items that read "use within x days of opening." Who can remember all of those dates!?! Use these labels to mark your perishables with the date opened so you will never lose track again! In addition, I have also found these labels to be extremely helpful with tracking the age of my spices (because the expiration date isn't necessarily an accurate indication that the spices are at the end of their shelf life--- see this article).
Keeping Lighters in every room with candles or votives
Lighting a kitchen candle, birthday candles, tapers on my dining room table, etc... I have found it to be so convenient having a lighter stored in my kitchen drawer. Not necessarily one of those tools you would naturally think to include in your kitchen drawer, but one that I would definitely recommend adding.
