It must be the holidays!

Holidays are a busy time in the kitchen. Kids finished with school, adults taken leave from work, family visiting for the holidays, lots of get-togethers with friends and the all-important celebrations put some serious demands on the kitchen. With the kitchen now often serving as a home’s communal space, it also needs to spread the joy of the season by looking the part. Simply put, kitchens need to be the ultimate host, look good and make good.

Having a smartly designed kitchen certainly helps with the preparation and making of holiday meals; ample storage, expansive counter space, a large fridge and cooker and well stocked cupboards are all musts. But it is sometimes the smaller details and personal touches that have the greatest impact. Here are our tips on how to get your kitchen in the holiday spirit:

It looks like the holidays

Dress the kitchen with a few tasteful holiday decorations. Keep it simple and natural with some pine cones, a wreath, or a string of lights.

Consider adding some fun pieces such as themed mugs for some added cheer.

It smells like the holidays

Pine cones, cinnamon, cloves and mulled wine are traditional holiday scents, but in places that enjoy a warmer climate over the holidays, it’s braais, sunscreen and the crisp sea air of the coast or post thunderstorm smell of rain up country. Make your kitchen braai-friendly and be ready with great accompaniments.

It tastes like the holidays

Nothing says holidays like home baking. Fruitcake, mince pies, cookies, gingerbread and cinnamon rolls to name only a few treats that will delight your family and friends. Add to the seasonal charm by putting your bakes on display for everyone to enjoy.

It sounds like the holidays

Shopping mall carols aside, the sound of happiness is what warms our hearts in the holidays; friends’ chatter, children’s laughter, warm family conversation and the clinking of cutlery on plates and glasses toasting good health and life! So welcome your loved ones into your kitchen, take time to enjoy their company and there’s nothing wrong with a Boney M backtrack!

It feels like the holidays

There is no other room in the home that represents generosity, joy and family love quite like the kitchen, whether it’s generations bonding over a family recipe, late night chats in the golden light of candles and sparkling lights, or a quiet moment to reflect on how blessed we are to be surrounded by those we love; be sure to make your kitchen the heart of your home these holidays!

Follow these festive five tips and your loved ones will know, it must be the holidays!