The holidays are a time for family, friends, and good food. If you’re like most people, you’re hosting a big holiday dinner this year. But if you’re cooking in a small kitchen, it can be tricky to prepare everything you need. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! This article will give you some tips for preparing your holiday feast in a small kitchen. So sit back, relax, and get ready to cook up a storm!
Try Cleaning While You Cook
One of the most challenging aspects of holiday cooking is dealing with a small kitchen. With all the food prep and cooking that you need to do, it can feel like there’s nowhere to turn. But a few tricks can help you make the most of your small space. One of them is to clean as you go.
It sounds counterintuitive, but taking a few minutes to tidy up as you cook can save you time in the long run. Not only will your kitchen be cleaner when you finish cooking, but you’ll also have more space to work. So instead of waiting until everything is cooked to start cleaning up, start as soon as you begin cooking. Wipe down counters, wash dishes, and put away any ingredients you won’t use. Not only will this make your work area more efficient, but it will also help reduce stress levels.
A Space-Saving Dish Rack Will Free Up A Ton Of Room!
Another small kitchen tip to help you prepare a big holiday dinner is investing in a space-saving dish rack. Having enough room for your pots, pans, and dishes is always an issue when cooking in a small kitchen. But thankfully, there’s a simple solution: getting yourself a classy dish rack!
Dish racks are great because they’re space-saving, allowing you to wash and dry your dishes quickly. Not only do they free up a ton of room, but they also save time when you have a lot of dirty dishes lying around. So if you’re looking to make the most of your small kitchen this holiday season, invest in a dish rack. You’ll be glad you did!
Install Temporary Hooks
Another space-saving trick you can use to make the most of your small kitchen is installing temporary hooks. For example, you may not have an extra wall to hang a backsplash, but you can still have space for additional storage. Temporary hooks are perfect for installing inside cabinets or even on an empty wall. They’re safe enough to use even with heavy pots and pans, and they make storage a breeze. So if you’re struggling with space in your small kitchen, install some temporary hooks. You’ll be amazed at how much extra room they free up!
Declutter Your Kitchen Of Any Un-Needed Things
One of the easiest and most effective ways to maximize space in your kitchen is by decluttering. Decluttering doesn’t just mean getting rid of clutter but also getting rid of things you won’t use. For example, if you’re not cooking several dishes at a time, don’t fill up every burner on your stove. Instead, keep just the burners you need on. Also, consider removing any large appliances or other items you won’t use for your holiday dinner. Doing so will free up a lot of space, making it easier to prepare your feast without feeling stressed and cramped. So take some time before your big meal to declutter your kitchen – you’ll be glad you did!
Prep Ahead Of Time
One of the most important things you can do is prep as much as possible. Prep means getting your ingredients chopped, peeled, and measured before you start cooking. It may seem like extra work, but it will save you time and frustration in the long run. Additionally, it’s helpful to plan how you will use your stovetop, oven, and microwave (if you have one). Map out which dishes need to be cooked at what temperature and for how long, and then make sure you have all the pots, pans, and bakeware you need on hand. And finally, don’t forget about dessert! A simple holiday cake or batch of cookies can be made in advance and stored in the freezer until party day. By following these tips, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your holiday dinner party – small kitchen or not.
Set Up A Self-Serve Drink Station Out Of The Kitchen
Hosting a big holiday dinner can be daunting, especially if you have a small kitchen. However, some simple tips can help make the process more manageable. One of them is to set up a self-serve drink station out of the kitchen. This will help keep guests from congregating in the kitchen and getting in your way while preparing food. Instead, they can fix their drinks and enjoy conversation in another part of the house. If you need more space for a separate drink station, setting up a buffet-style table with everything guests need to make their drinks is also an option. By taking some of the pressure off yourself and giving guests a chance to help themselves, you can make hosting a big holiday dinner in a small kitchen much more manageable.
Big Holiday Dinner Entree Alternatives
If you’re hosting a big holiday dinner in a small kitchen, one of the biggest challenges can be finding an entre that only takes up a little room. One option is to skip the traditional turkey or ham and choose an alternative, like seafood. Seafood is typically lower in fat and calories than other kinds of meat while still high in protein and flavor. And since it cooks relatively quickly, you don’t need to worry about using every burner on your stove or turning your oven into a sauna. Other options for big holiday dinner entrees include chicken dishes, such as roasted chicken breasts with vegetables, and vegetarian recipes, like lasagna or stuffed peppers. In addition, there are countless recipes online for big holiday dinner entrees that are simple to make and won’t take up too much space in your kitchen.
Extra Tips
Here are some additional tips for preparing a big holiday dinner in a small kitchen:
- Organize your ingredients ahead of time so that you can quickly and easily find everything you need.
- Consider using smaller dishes to maximize space on your stovetop and countertops.
- Consider using a slow cooker or pressure cooker to minimize the time your oven is in use.
- Try to spread out different parts of the meal so that each dish does not need to cook simultaneously. This can help to prevent cooking bottlenecks and ensure that everything is ready at roughly the same time.
- Consider using a different location, such as a family member’s home or a community center, for your holiday dinner if you have limited space in your kitchen. This can make it easier to host a larger gathering while still maintaining a comfortable and functional space to prepare your meal.
Making A Big Holiday Dinner In A Small Kitchen, Made Easy!
In conclusion, if you’re planning to host a big holiday dinner in a small kitchen, several simple tips and tricks can help make the process more manageable. These include cleaning while you cook, pre-chopping ingredients, and setting up a self-serve drink station outside the kitchen. Additionally, cooking smaller portions or choosing alternative entrees can reduce space requirements. By following these tips and using a bit of creativity, you’ll be able to host a big holiday dinner in a small kitchen easily!
