Prep Your Kitchen for Christmas: A Complete Holiday Guide!

Team Cherrymore
Nov 14
3 min read

Christmas has a magical way of transforming ordinary spaces into cozy corners filled with joy, warmth, and the aroma of delicious food. And at the center of it all? The kitchen. Whether you're hosting a festive feast or simply baking cookies with family, preparing your kitchen for Christmas will help the season feel more relaxed, brighter, and stress-free.

So here’s your step-by-step guide to getting your kitchen Christmas ready!!

1. Start With a Deep Declutter

Before the tins of cookies and trays of canapés start piling up, give your kitchen a refresh!

Empty the fridge and freezer and bin old condiments and mystery leftovers.
Clear your countertops of anything you don’t use every day.
Organize your pantry so ingredients for Christmas recipes are easy to find.

A clean, uncluttered kitchen instantly feels more festive - plus, it makes cooking easier.

2. Do a Thorough Clean

Once you’ve decluttered, give everything a good scrub.

Wipe down cabinets, countertops, and shelves.
Clean appliances you’ll rely on during the holidays - such as the oven, microwave, and mixer.
Sanitize the sink and give the dishwasher a refresh (a quick cycle with vinegar works wonders).

This will ensure your kitchen not only looks inviting but functions at its best.

3. Take Inventory & Restock Essentials

Christmas cooking often involves lots of butter, spices, and baking supplies - so check what you already have.

Key items to inventory:

Flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices
Oils and vinegars
Foil, parchment paper, and cling film
Coffee, tea, cocoa
Snacks and appetizers for unexpected guests

Restocking now will save you last-minute grocery trips when stores get busy.

4. Prep Your Tools & Cookware

Your kitchen tools are about to become your holiday helpers.

Make sure baking sheets, casserole dishes, and festive serving platters are clean and accessible.
Sharpen your knives—they’ll make chopping veggies, carving roasts, and preparing garnishes much easier.
Test small appliances like mixers, blenders, and slow cookers to ensure they’re working properly.

If you’re hosting Christmas Dinner, consider labelling dishes with sticky notes to keep track of what goes where during the big day.

5. Create a Holiday Beverage Station

A designated drink area can be a game changer when guests are around.

Ideas include:

A hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and candy canes
A coffee/tea station with festive mugs
A spot for mulled wine or holiday punch
A self-serve water area with citrus slices

This keeps your kitchen flowing smoothly and reduces congestion around the stove.

6. Add Some Christmas Cheer

Now for the fun part - decorating!

Hang a wreath or garland above your window or on cabinet doors.
Add a small Christmas tree or festive figurines to your counter (keeping cooking areas clear).
Swap dish towels and oven mitts for Christmas-themed ones.
Use bowls of oranges, cranberries, nuts, or greenery as natural décor.

A few carefully chosen touches can transform your kitchen into a festive haven.

7. Prepare for Baking & Batch Cooking

If you love holiday baking, now’s the time to plan.

Choose your recipes and gather ingredients in advance.
Prep cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for easy baking later.
Make sauces, stocks, and casseroles early if possible - your freezer is your friend.

Think of this as giving your future self the gift of time!

8. Organize a Hosting Game Plan

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a full Christmas dinner:

Plan your menu early.
Assign dishes or potluck contributions if needed.
Set up extra surface space for plating and serving.
Prep make-ahead items the day before to keep Christmas Day relaxing.

A little planning goes a long way toward a stress-free celebration.

9. Bring In Holiday Scents

Christmas has a smell - and your kitchen is the perfect place to showcase it.

Simmer a pot of water with oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and star anise.
Light a seasonal candle (away from cooking areas).
Bake something simple like gingerbread or cinnamon rolls for an instant holiday mood lift.

Ambience matters as much as the food!

10. Make Space for Memories

Lastly, remember that the kitchen isn’t just for cooking - it’s where Christmas memories are made!

Invite kids to help with baking, let guests linger with a drink, and embrace the cheerful chaos. A kitchen prepared for Christmas isn’t about perfection - it’s about creating a space where joy can happen!

To make life easier, we've created a FREE PDF CHECKLIST

- just print & stick on your fridge! Christmas made easy!