Kitchen Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Meals: Plan, Prep, and Enjoy

Our white teacup Persian (4 pounds) wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

The holidays are upon us! If you're anything like me, your kitchen is about to become Grand Central Station for food prep, cooking, and cleanup. The holiday season has a way of shining a bright light on how functional—or dysfunctional—your kitchen really is. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can turn the chaos into calm, and I’m here to share them with you.

Tip 1: Clear Out the Clutter (Seriously, Just Do It)

Let’s face it—most of us have way too much stuff in our kitchens. Before you start planning that holiday menu, take a hard look at your countertops. Do you really need the blender, toaster, and your “emergency” coffee maker crowding the space? Nope. Get them out of the way!

Clearing space is the first step toward a kitchen that works for you instead of against you. If you’ve got a workstation sink, even better—you’ve already saved yourself a ton of counter space. These sinks and custom accessories are designed to work as an extension of your countertop, which is a lifesaver when you’re prepping a feast.

Tip 2: Get Your Workstation Sink Holiday-Ready

If you’ve got one of my custom workstation sinks, you’re already ahead of the game. This is your kitchen MVP during the holidays. Add a cutting board, sponge caddy, and our multi-purpose grid, and you’ve got yourself a one-stop prep station. Not to toot my own horn (okay, maybe just a little), but workstation sinks were made for moments like these. Imagine chopping vegetables right over the sink while the turkey’s in the oven or rinsing dishes while still having room for that pot of gravy on the side. It’s like having an extra pair of hands in the kitchen.

Tip 3: Prep Early and Often

The more you can prep in advance, the less you’ll have to juggle on the big day. Trust me, your future self will thank you! A few of my favorite make-ahead ideas:

• Gravy: Make it up to three weeks ahead and freeze it. Come the big day, just thaw and warm—it tastes just as delicious as fresh!

• Mashed Potatoes: Skip the last-minute mashing frenzy by making your mashed potatoes in a crock pot. You can make them hours ahead, and they’ll stay warm and creamy until you’re ready to serve.

• Veggies and Herbs: Chop vegetables and fresh herbs a day or two before. Store them in airtight containers so they’re ready to go when you are.

Tip 4: Tackle Cleanup Without Losing Your Holiday Spirit

One of the simplest ways to keep holiday hosting stress-free is to clean as you go. It’s easy to let dirty dishes, utensils, and scraps pile up in the middle of meal prep, but taking a moment to rinse, wipe, or toss while you cook makes a huge difference.

For example:

•  Clean cutting boards and knives immediately after using them so they’re ready for the next task. If you have a multipurpose grid, use it to keep knives and tools conveniently within reach. 

• Keep a bowl or small bag nearby for scraps to avoid constant trips to the trash.

• Wipe down counters after each step to keep your workspace clear.

By the time your feast is ready, your kitchen won’t look like a disaster zone—and you won’t be stuck with hours of cleanup after the guests leave. Plus, staying tidy helps keep you calm and focused, so you can enjoy the process instead of feeling overwhelmed.

Tip 5: Bring in the Holiday Cheer

Don’t overlook the power of festive touches to make holiday prep more enjoyable! A little holiday magic can turn your kitchen into a space that’s not just functional but warm and inviting. Try adding a bowl of oranges with cloves for a fragrant, festive feel, string up some twinkly lights, or swap out your usual dish towels for ones with holiday patterns.

When your kitchen feels cozy and cheerful, even the busiest prep work becomes part of the holiday fun. After all, the joy of the season should shine in every corner of your home, especially where the magic (and the food!) happens.

Tip 6: Stock Up and Stay Sane

This one’s important: make sure you’ve got all the essentials before the holiday rush. Dish soap, paper towels, foil, parchment paper—you know, the stuff you always forget until you need it most. Trust me, nothing kills the holiday vibe like running out of something in the middle of cooking.

My Secret to Holiday Hosting Success

Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools in your kitchen can make all the difference when hosting during the holidays. A well-organized, functional setup takes so much of the stress out of cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, allowing you to focus on what matters most—spending time with your loved ones.

If your kitchen isn’t working for you, it might be time to think about making a few upgrades to improve the flow. Even small changes, like replacing an outdated sink, can have a big impact. The holidays should be about creating memories, not juggling a disorganized kitchen.

With a little planning and the right setup, you can host with confidence and actually enjoy the process. Here’s to a joyful, stress-free holiday season. Now, roll up your sleeves, turn up the holiday tunes, and have some fun in the kitchen - you’ve got this!