7 Must-Have Features to Get Your Kitchen Holiday-Ready!

The holidays are on their way, and while the supply chains may be strained, you don't have to be when it comes to getting ready for the holidays. It may be nearly too late for many major renovation projects to get your kitchen ready for this year's festivities, but there's still plenty you can do. Furthermore, you have all the time in the world to curate a wish-list of ideas for next year's holiday season.

With that in mind, let's take a look at things we can do between now and Thanksgiving to get your kitchen in tip-top shape for the season. We asked some of our in-house home renovation experts and discussed quick, easy, and effective ways to spruce up a kitchen for holiday cooking. Here's what we came up with. 

7 Key Boxes to Check off When Preparing for the Holidays

We know deep cleaning isn't your favorite activity. But it will give you an opportunity to plan valuable renovation projects that will add value to your home, and add joy to your life. Think of this as your opportunity to discover the little details that would transform your kitchen into a dream kitchen!

1. Cleaning Checklist

It seems obtuse to just tell you to clean and sanitize the whole kitchen, so we've provided the following shortlist of must-clean items.

• Cutting Boards: Give your cutting boards good sanitation and scrubbing. This is especially important if your cutting boards are well used. Also, consider investing in more cutting boards. With many hands in the kitchen, a large cutting board on a lap while seated is effectively extra workspace, and you're going to need all the workspace you can get.

• Oven: Give your oven a good scrubbing. A lot of folks neglect this, but it can make a big difference- especially when you're baking in lots of delicate flavors.

• Refrigerator: Even if your refrigerator seems clean, it probably could use a good sanitizing once-over. At a time when health is on everyone's mind, a little extra effort won't hurt. 

2. Spice Rack

Herbs and spices are not just easy ways to add in lovely flavors, they can also have powerful health and immune-boosting properties. Oregano, basil, turmeric, and even pepper have proven health-promoting abilities. Your spice rack is there to be ready, convenient, and near with your most heavily used spices and herbs. Also, it's fun to pronounce the 'H' in “Herbs.” Give it a try.

3. Spice Cabinet

As anyone with a fondness for cooking with herbs and spices will soon know, running out of herbs and spices can put a real damper on your designs. Supplies like these are generally inexpensive, and you can enjoy a fun shopping spree stocking up. It will make a big difference for last-minute dessert creation when you've got that extra bit of cinnamon on hand instead of running out.

4. Extra Counter Space

Holiday cooking and serving tasks can always benefit from even a small amount of extra counter space. A small amount of space will go a long way. Even just a platter-sized spot can help save you from rearranging your entire situation and save you an enormous amount of time when it counts most.

5. New Garbage Disposal

It may not be the most appealing point on our list, but it will make a big difference in the overall feeling of freshness in your kitchen. It's a little-known fact that the kitchen sink is one of the most germ-ridden places in the home, even more so than the bathroom. Why? Because germs are attracted to nutrients, warmth, and moisture- and the kitchen sink has all of these in spades. An old garbage disposal can be ridden with germ-filled spaces that can be hard to remove. You could soak an existing unit in bleach, but you won't get rotting materials that are stuck in tight crevices out unless you dismantle the unit completely. Remember, don't pour boiling water down your sink, as it will cause leaky pipes.

6. Be Alert to Food Allergies

As we approach the holidays, it's a good idea to start your plans with an email campaign to everyone who will be in attendance. Ask for any potential food allergy problems early on to avoid potentially dangerous reactions and other unpleasantness. 

7. Kitchen Island Countertop

A small kitchen island with seating can transform even the humblest kitchens into a luxurious cooking and dining space. We mentioned that a small amount of additional counter-space can do wonders for your cooking and cleaning routines. It can also add valuable overflow seating for children and unexpected dates. Many innovative designs will surprise you with unexpected style and functionality. What's more, a kitchen island will give you additional room for storage if it contains under-shelves or drawers. Kitchen islands have been trendy for at least 20 years now, and it doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon. They're always fun, and add that extra bit of functionality that every kitchen and dining room needs.

Starting now with this simple checklist will not only help you get ready for this year's festivities, but it will help you develop great ideas for more comprehensive renovation projects in the future. To learn more, get in touch with the home renovation experts at Raymond Design Builders today.