Preparing Your Kitchen for Hosting Season
Every year, it sneaks up on me.
One minute I’m packing school lunches, and the next it’s Thanksgiving break and I’m standing in my kitchen trying to remember where I stashed the pie dish last Fall.
That’s when I know it’s officially holiday season! 😅
The holidays tend to sneak up on us every year, and our kitchens usually take the hit first. Between baking, hosting, and feeding everyone 47 times a day, it doesn’t take long for things to feel chaotic.
However, a few intentional tweaks now can make the busiest season of the year feel calm, organized, and (dare I say it) even enjoyable!
So before the gatherings begin, let’s get your kitchen and pantry working for you!
Give Your Kitchen a Fresh Start
Before the holiday season officially begins, give your space a clean slate.
Pull everything out (yes, everything) and do a quick reset. Toss expired items, donate those kitchen gadgets you don’t use, and wipe down your shelves.
Then, put things back intentionally. This time of year usually means soups, baking, and gatherings, so group items that support this current season. Keep what you use most front and center, and tuck summer items up higher or toward the back.
Think about how you’re actually using your space this time of year, not how you wish you did. Organizing now means one less thing to think about when you’re knee-deep in holiday baking!
Pro Tip: Put your food back by expiration date. Place newer items behind older ones to ensure those older items get used first.
Create Zones That Match Your Rhythms
Go through your drawers and ask yourself what actually gets used. Pro Tip: If you haven’t used it in the last year, it doesn’t earn prime cabinet space.
Then, group items by how you use them, and set up zones that reflect your real-life routines:
Cooking – Oils, spices, utensils, and pots/pans all within reach.
Baking – Baking ingredients, mixing bowls, and baking tools all grouped together.
Coffee + Tea Station – Mugs, tea bags, coffee pods, and syrups all in one place.
Entertaining – Glassware, serving platters, napkins, and extra utensils ready for when guests come over.
Every kitchen has a rhythm, and these zones will help ensure your kitchen flows smoothly. So whether you’re making breakfast or hosting Christmas dinner, you know exactly where everything lives.
Need a visual? In this Instagram Reel, I shared the concept of the “Kitchen Triangle” - my secret for creating a kitchen layout that works effortlessly!
Upgrade Your Pantry Systems
This is where things start to look (and feel) elevated. Pantry and cabinet systems make your storage not only prettier, but far more functional!
And the best part is, you don’t need a full remodel to create that high-end feel - a few small upgrades go a long way! Start with:
Clear containers for dry goods
Matching spice jars
Turntables for oils + condiments
Can risers for canned goods
Drawer dividers for utensils + gadgets
This step is all about being able to find what you need when you need it.
Label Everything
If you’ve ever stood there asking, “Is this flour or powdered sugar?” - it’s time for labels.
I like using clean, simple labels that make your pantry feel cohesive. They give your shelves that elevated, pulled-together look, while also keeping everyone in your household on the same page - they’re the secret to maintaining your systems!
Don’t have a label maker? Let us handle it! You can shop our custom pantry labels to get that signature Orderly Space look!
Plan Ahead for Hosting Season
Once your kitchen is reset and your pantry is in order, take it one step further with a simple hosting checklist:
Beverages + mixers
Paper products and napkins
Serving platters and utensils
Table decor + extra place settings
Seasonal baking ingredients (double-check those expiration dates!)
With your kitchen prepped, hosting becomes less of a scramble and something you can actually enjoy!
Enjoy the Calm Before the Holiday Storm
There’s a kind of peace that comes from walking into a space that’s ready for you.
When your kitchen is organized, when you can find what you need without thinking, you get to show up differently. You’re present, relaxed, and actually living in the moment.
And that’s the point, right? To create space for connection. For laughter around the counter. For slow mornings with coffee and fun nights with friends.
Organization gives you that freedom.
So before the holidays really hit, take the time to reset your kitchen and pantry. Give yourself the gift of a home that supports everything this season has to offer - one that’s ready for whatever (and whoever) comes through the door. ❤️
Ready to Get Your Kitchen Holiday Ready?
If you’ve ever tried hosting a holiday dinner in a kitchen that wasn’t quite ready… you know how stressful it can be.
That’s where we come in! Our team can help you create a kitchen and pantry that actually works for the way you live - even in the busiest season. From small upgrades to full-service makeovers, our goal is to bring order, beauty, and calm back into your everyday spaces so you can actually enjoy this time of year.
