Hosting? Get Your Kitchen Ready For the Main Event.

Hosting Thanksgiving can feel like a gauntlet, especially in Chicago, where kitchens can be described as “cozy” and “quaint”. Whether you’re cooking for two or welcoming a crowd, a well-organized kitchen is the secret sauce behind a smooth holiday. Here are a few tips to help INSERT MORE:

✨Clear Out the Fridge
If you’re preparing food ahead of time or just preparing for leftovers, you’ll need all the fridge space you can get. Do the following quick fridge reset:
- Toss expired condiments
- Use up or freeze leftovers
- Give the shelves a quick wipe down
- Designate a Thanksgiving zone

✨Unclutter Your Counters for Prep Space
If your counters are currently home to mail, random gadgets, or that air fryer you only used once, now is a good time to reutilize that space. Declutter your surfaces by:
- Store rarely used appliances
- Clear your “catch-all” basket or finally take a minute to sort through that loose mail
- Create a prep zone for chopping, mixing and plating.

✨Do a Cabinet Check for Cookware and Serving Pieces
Before the big day, make sure you know where the essentials are! Check for:
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Pie dish
- Serving platters

✨Declutter Your Pantry (Because You Will Need That Space)
A pantry refresh before Thanksgiving helps you avoid last-minute grocery store chaos. As an added bonus, an organized pantry makes cooking faster and way less frustrating. Make sure to:
- Check expiration dates
- Consolidate half empty boxes
- Group categories (baking, spices, snacks, canned goods)
- Make a shopping list based on what’s missing

✨Prep a “Cleanup Kit” (Future You Will Be Grateful)
After the feast comes… the mess. Make cleanup easier with:
- Trash bags
- Compost bin or bags
- Dishwasher pods
- Extra dish towels
- A designated “soak bin” for tough pans
- A clear system for who gets leftovers (and containers ready!)

Hosting in Chicago? Let Orderly Arrangements make it easier. We can help you get your Chicago home holiday-ready without the stress. A tidy, functional kitchen is the best gift you can give yourself this Thanksgiving.

Contact Orderly Arrangements to set up your complimentary consultation and handle the holidays with ease!