Thanksgiving may be behind us, but Christmas is right around the corner, which means holiday meal prep is still in full swing. Whether you’re bravely trying out a new recipe this year or sticking to tried and true favorites, finalizing your menu for the big day is no small feat. Yet, it doesn’t have to be a total uphill battle. If you have the right kitchen essentials in place, cooking is a snap. Follow this guide when designing your own kitchen and we guarantee you’ll be more than ready to host the event of the year.

Tip #1: Incorporate Easy Dinnerware Access

From floating shelves to glass cabinets, having a space where you can display your dinnerware and serving dishes is a must. Not only does it provide a space to showcase your favorite pieces, but it also makes moving food from the kitchen to the dining room so much easier. No more digging in the back of cabinets for that bowl you only pull out once or twice a year. Instead, keep items like that at the ready and your famous Christmas ham can make its debut while it’s still hot.

Tip #2: Build In An Abundance of Appliances

Cooking is far simpler when you have the proper appliances in place. Double ovens, spacious refrigerators, and professional-grade ranges will make all the difference as you prepare your feast. Rather than having to calculate different temperatures and times for multiple dishes in the same oven or playing the inevitable game of tetris in the refrigerator, you can quickly prepare several dishes simultaneously – all while having plenty of space to store your ingredients.

Tip #3: Use Island Seating to Your Advantage

Island seating should absolutely be at the forefront of any kitchen design – especially when it comes to entertaining needs. By creating a seamless transition between the kitchen and guest areas, it makes the entire cooking experience accessible and communal (which is a must for this time of year).

Tip #4: Prioritize Countertop Space

Nothing makes the preparation for a large-scale meal more stressful than a complete lack of counter space. By prioritizing this in your design, it allows for an all hands on deck situation.. With multiple people able to spread out and contribute to the meal at the same time, it makes the overall task far less stressful.

This year, whether you’re hosting your extended family or bringing your favorite side dish to share, we hope your menu is unforgettable and your kitchen is fit for a feast. After all, with a touch of great design that merges function and style, we have no doubt it’s sure to be a hit.