CULTIVATING CREATIVITY IN THE KITCHEN

Now that Spring has arrived, many of us get into a state of extreme organizing, popularly known as “spring cleaning.” I am not sure what it is about Spring that springs us into this frenzy but my guess is it has to do with the motivation to rid ourselves of Winter’s hibernation habits and embrace the sunshine in a less-cluttered, upbeat manner to greet the warmer weather!  Okay, this may be a bit much in terms of analysis, so let’s just say we are MOTIVATED!  

 

One of the first areas in my home I always gravitate to refresh is my kitchen.  For me it really helps to have an organized pantry and refrigerator because otherwise I wind up buying things I already have stocked up on.  I try to organize my pantry a few times a year with a major overhaul.  I  prefer to organize canned goods together, oils together, sauces together, gourmet items together and on and on as you get the idea that I like to organize similarly contained or associated items together.  All of this “togetherness” is placed in one area of my pantry.  In another part of the pantry, I organize baking items, pasta, rice, nuts, cereals and dry fruit. Some people are serious about their organizing to the point of labeling things in special containers. I envy those people but I am not one of them.

 

My refrigerator is another place that gets organized, but more so on a weekly basis when I purchase proteins, vegetables and fruits that require refrigeration. Again, my simple system of partnering “like” items together seems to work. I also try to display everything in a colorful, enticing manner so that when I open my refrigerator I am aroused with visual pleasure as well as the excitement for the food. (Boy, I have been in quarantine way too long!!!)

 

Seriously, I do think there is a creative artistry to arranging your pantry, refrigerator and all of your kitchen cupboards. I like to stick with my system of organizing “like” things together. I have also created easy to purchase and install systems to hold cooking utensils, platters, pots and pans, or in your design of your kitchen if you are building one have the designer orchestrate this with you. No matter how you do it, implementing systems of organization will feel great and leave one less thing for you to think about when you prepare your culinary masterpieces, serve take-out or both.

 

Revitalizing your kitchen for Spring will not only stretch your creative capacity it will help you to live more healthfully. You will be inspired to buy fresh produce for instance because when you open your refrigerator all those pretty colors will greet you. Entertaining, as we get back to doing this, will be easier because you will know where everything is located, especially if you like to prepare the meal with your guests or have them sit with a cocktail watching your culinary skills shine. A creatively organized kitchen will be a great reflection on the care you give to others but even more importantly how well you nurture and value your own well-being.