10 Tips for a Top Notch Kitchen

1. Focus on form- and function Keep the emphasis on beauty that earns its keep when it comes to your kitchen. Be choosy about what you bring in. Potted herbs on the window sill add beauty and culinary inspiration, fragrant hand soaps and brightly colored dishtowels get the job done while keeping your spirits up.

2. No more wretched excess For a truly efficient kitchen, keep kitchen space for just the items you use everyday, or every week. Keep your counters clear of anything that doesn’t get used daily. Gadgets and knickknacks should be kept to a minimum. Do a quick scan of cupboards and drawers and donate items you simply don’t use. Stash holiday and other rarely used items in “deeper” storage, like the basement or attic.

3. A place for everything and everything in its place An organized kitchen saves time, money and stress. For a kitchen that’s both fun and efficient to cook in, create a place for everything – and keep it where you use it. Carve out a menu planning area with paper, pencils and cookbooks. Store baking pans near the measuring cups and spoons, cutting boards near the knives and cookware and utensils near the stove.

4. Make every inch count Trytiered inserts, pull out shelves or turntables to fully utilize cupboard space. Keep staples, similar items and multiples together to stay on top of what’s on hand. Clear plastic canisters for pasta, rice, flour and sugar are great pantry organizers. Store cookie cutters, pastry tips and other small items in canisters, too.

5. Take a chill! Wipe out your fridge before you head off for a major grocery shop and get rid of questionable items like days old carryout or mysterious leftovers. Organize your fridge in the same way you’ve organized your cupboards with like things together and taller items in back. And take a tip from commercials kitchens by practicing “first in, first out” to prevent foods from getting stale or spoiled.

6. Plan for the future. Sit down once a week to map out what you’re going to eat. Cook with a plan and make an effort to cook with more than one meal in mind. An extra batch of chili tucked into the freezer will come in handy next week, and leftover grilled chicken makes for a quick quesadilla tomorrow night. Choose menus that include a variety of flavors, textures and colors. Bright color signals great nutrition- and beautiful presentation- so pile on the fruits and veggies.

7. Make a list and check it twice An organized grocery list is the cornerstone of a fully functioning kitchen. Use it weekly to plan your menus and daily to keep tabs of the basics like dog food and paper towels.

8. Discover high quality timesavers Life gets in the way of preparing home cooked meals every night. A stash of rotisserie chicken, pre-made pizza crusts, packages of Dole Salad Blends and Dole Salad Kits, and fresh foods from the salad bar will keep you armed and ready for a nearly home made meal in minutes.

9. Be prepared. As you unload the groceries, do a little advance prep right away. Wash and dry herbs then wrap them in paper towels and stash in zippered plastic bags. Put meat that won’t be cooked in a day or two in zippered bags and right into the freezer. Chop up fresh vegetables and fruits to encourage healthy snacking.

10. Plan to party Always be ready for unexpected guests. Maintain a stash of crackers, spreads, olives, nuts and a bottle of red wine in the cupboard at all times. Keep a bottle of white wine, a 6-pack of imported beers and sparkling water in the fridge. Invite surprise guests into the kitchen- it’s ready to party- and so are you! No more bake sale blues: You’ll stress less if you keep a cake mix, a can of frosting and some brightly colored sprinkles in the cupboard for the inevitable times when your child tells you at bedtime that snacks are expected at school in the morning.