Fall in the Kitchen

I got the chance to attend the Casual and Chic Entertaining workshop hosted by Ikea this weekend.  Stylist Annette Joseph was the speaker and she did not disappoint.  I was excited to attend for two reasons.  One, I am always hesitant to host parties for some reason.  I always feel like I can't pull it off.  Secondly, it was chance to meet Annette Joseph, who is a styling guru.  Needless to say, I enjoyed every minute of it!  They gave away copies of Annette's new book, Picture Perfect Parties,  to the first 12 RSVPs,  and I was excited that I won a copy.  I originally thought the book would just have tips on entertaining, which is what I was hoping for, but it also has plans and menus for about 16 different parties to get you started.  {Ahem, this is just what I need, since I never did host that party on the patio this summer.}

On the heels of this weekend, I got the urge to organize a bit in the kitchen.  Feeling and being organized helps to put me at ease for planning.  So I started some fall cleaning and organizing in the kitchen.  I pulled the stove out and cleaned behind it.  Then I reorganized half of my cabinets and got rid of some cookbooks, magazines, and dishes that I don't really use.  It also helped with being able to access my most used cookware.  My kitchen doesn't have a ton of storage, so I have found over time, that purging makes it easier keep like items together.  That was another tip Annette gave.  Routinely go thru the items that you have and purge what you don't need.  I wasn't initially planning to do any re-arranging, so I didn't snap any before pics.  But here's some shots of the results of my work.

The countertops were cleared and re-arranged, thus leading to the cabinet re-arranging...

To the left is the new location for my baking cabinet.  Previously it was in the smaller cabinet to the right, but with fall approaching, I thought I would expand to the larger cabinet since I tend to bake more  when it's colder.  

On the counter, I keep my flour and sugar and some baked treats. 

Above are all the baking add-ins, additional sugars, spices, and mixing bowls!

Below in the drawers are tools and spices.

And below, cookware and bakeware.  It was time to move that heavy dutch to the front for some yummy soups!

To the right, I transferred over my everyday cooking supplies.  These are the things I use daily for cooking breakfast and dinner.  

And in the drawer, less used cooking utensils.

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling ready to bake for the fall!  Now to just host that elusive soiree...

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