The Good Stuff Guide » Kitchen Pantry

Mission Organization: The Pantry

Heidi Farmer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:21:06 +0000

Food storage is so much fun – perhaps because I actually adore the food inside.

You can see my attempts at pantry organization here; though to call it a pantry is stretch – it’s really just a cupboard.

So feast your eyes on these, seriously delectable pantries for some inspiration…

from Planner Perfect (this post includes some great tips for organizing)

From Blueprint Bliss

This next pantry pulls together every single pantry organization idea I’ve ever heard into one cohesive, gorgeous space. Prepare thyself!

From Inspiration for Decoration

Can you imagine?? I love the grey wallpaper behind to dress it up. And all the labeling is divine. The other thing is that while it looks huge, it’s really just a corner closet, with single-depth shelves.

It’s fabulous how every spec of space was used to its fullest. Definitely do-able!

P.S. All the plastic containers with the flip-up white lids are from IKEA. I have a few myself and they work really well!

Looks like someone went crazy in the OXO aisle!

The kind people at Better Homes and Gardens have created these free labels for your plastic and glassware. They make the whole place look so happy. So head on over to get started!

What are your pantry ideas? Is a reorganization project on your list?

Organizing 2011: The Kitchen

Heidi Farmer — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 09:15:28 +0000

The Kitchen.

Oh the Kitchen. This room can be your best chance to shine in the organization department or an opportunity to cram it all in. Ha! So which are you??

Mandy Pinkston, Woman of Mass Organization AKA Professional Organizer, of www.MajorMom.biz weighs in with the following ideas:

The 6 C’s of kitchen organization

CONQUER CLUTTER: If it doesn’t belong in the kitchen, isn’t being used, isn’t needed, is broken, or is something you don’t like, it’s CLUTTER! Go through each cabinet and evaluate which items are taking up space but not being used. Consider donating, selling, or giving items away that are in good shape. Toss or recycle items that are broken or worn out.

CREATE ZONES: Store items in zones according to the functions they support (i.e. food prep, cooking, baking, food storage). Doing this will help you locate items quickly, avoid criss-crossing around the kitchen to gather tools and supplies, and will help everyone in the family know where things go.

CATEGORIZE: Sort your food cabinets or pantry into categories (i.e. drinks, snacks, condiments, dry goods). Know what you have and avoid wasting money on duplicate purchases and having to toss expired food!

CONTAINERS: Store small items like herbs and spices, snack bars, or cake decorating tools in containers to keep shelves tidy, allow for stacking and prevent items from tumbling. Use clear plastic or mesh containers so you remember what is in there.

CLEAR COUNTERS: Keep countertops clear to allow for food prep and cooking. If you aren’t able to use your kitchen, you’re more likely to eat out or order in. Stay healthy this year by cooking more meals at home.
COMMUNICATE: If the kitchen is the central hub for the family as it is in many households, create a Command, Control and Communication Center. Collect and process the family’s incoming mail and papers from school & work. Keep a reference binder for schedules, rosters, important contacts, and local restaurants. Display a household calendar that marks important events.

Next, I LOVED this vidcast by Professional Organizer Susan Stewart of Perfectly Placed on how she organizes her refrigerator and pantry. LOADS of great tips and ideas here friends:

Wow, right? There’s a lot in there!

I really loved Susan’s handled clear containers for all of her baking needs.

So what are your tips for the kitchen? What works for you?

Have a great day!

OXO – You Did It Again.

Heidi Farmer — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:39:53 +0000

I was in the store buying my favorite Oxo Pop Storage Containers as a hostess gift, and there these were on the shelves.

Meet the new OXO TOP container. OXO TOP container, meet your new friends.

I stood there with a silent, “Oh no,” knowing that I would slowly be replacing my dilapidated Tupperware and Rubbermaid with these little beauties. (Don’t tell the Running Man.)

And then I had a moment of sheer glee.

I limited myself to 3 this first trip. So we could get acquainted. Make sure we’re right for each other.

I’m telling you, we are.

The OXO people are masters at their craft. Single-handedly replacing all of my mundane kitchen utensils and storage with little feats of engineering wizardy.

You can find them at Amazon and they are eligible for FREE Shipping! (Those are favorite words of mine.)

OXO TOP Containers

And, yes, I really do give OXO as hostess gifts.

By the way, I’m planning a hostess gift idea post and I could really use some of your best hostess gift ideas. Please leave them here in the comments. Thanks for your help!

Party in the Pantry

Heidi Farmer — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:26:53 +0000

The kitchen pantry is one of my favorite places. It must be all the food in one place. If it’s organized all pretty, I think I’ve reached my own version of heaven.

This is my pantry which is a far cry from what I’ve described above, but it’s functional and I’m happy to have it:

And this is the pantry of my dreams:

This isn’t really a pantry so much as a “food room” or “Happy Heidi Place”.

There’s a beanbag in the corner in case you need a quick nap.

This is side view once you’re inside the room, so it doubles as a butler’s pantry too.

And here are my beloved Oxo Pop Storage food containers and I’ve written an entire post about them because they are that killer and because I’m really that frightening.

But in a sweet way.

Click here to read about them.

Oxo Pop Storage Containers

thegoodstuffguide — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:23:21 +0000

Doesn’t this just look pretty? Okay, if you came to my house, we would make small-talk for about 30 minutes. Then I would invariably lead you to my pantry to demonstrate the engineering marvel of these storage containers.
Here’s the thing: you just push the button and the vacuum seal unlocks. Push the button down when you are done, and you have a tight, tight seal. We’re talking no sneaky air. None. Zilch. Vacuum-tight.
They just make me happy and you would then be happy too. Fresh food makes me incredibly happy. You should see me hungry (not pretty). Click here and Amazon will ship them to you.

Oxo 1151300 Good Grips POP 11-Piece Food-Storage Container Set with Lids

Note: You can also buy them individually. These two are my favorite sizes:
For a large box of crackers or half a box of cereal…

Oxo Good Grips POP Rectangle 2-1/2-Quart Storage Container

For a bag of goldfish (the edible kind) or a box of Teddy Grahams…

Oxo Good Grips POP Rectangle 1-1/2-Quart Storage Container