7 Kitchen Design Features that Make Holiday Cooking and Hosting a Dream

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Last updated on December 4, 2025

Hosting holidays doesn’t have to be stressful! Especially when your kitchen is designed to make entertaining effortless. From smart appliance placement to clever storage solutions, these kitchen design features ensure your guests feel welcome and everything you need is right at your fingertips. Whether you’re cooking a feast or keeping drinks flowing, a thoughtfully designed kitchen makes holiday hosting a joy instead of a chore. 

sleek modern glam classic black and white kitchen remodel in leawood kansas
modern luxurious moody kitchen with functional layout and high design, quality materials and appliance intergration in Kansas City


1. Trash Roll-Outs Near the Sink 

A convenient trash roll-out right next to your sink keeps prep areas clean and efficient during holiday meals. No more juggling scraps or extra trips—this simple feature saves time and keeps your kitchen tidy while you entertain. 

trash roll out near sink
trash pull out near sink for convenience while cooking and cleaning

2. Double Ovens & Warming Drawers 

Double ovens allow you to cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously—perfect for a full holiday feast. Add a warming drawer, and you can keep everything hot and ready to serve, ensuring your meal is perfectly timed for your guests. 

beautiful transitional kitchen with double ovens and functional layout for hosting and cooking during the holidays
luxury double ovens in kitchen remodel perfect for holiday cooking and hosting
luxury double ovens in kitchen remodel perfect for holiday cooking and hosting
luxury double ovens in kitchen remodel perfect for holiday cooking and hosting

3. Silverware, Utensils, and Custom Storage Solutions

From organized silverware drawers and utensil roll-outs to deep drawers for pots and pans, every tool has its place—so you can focus on cooking and hosting without digging through clutter. Custom dish pegs keep large items like cutting boards, platters, and serving bowls accessible and tidy, while spice organizers keep your flavors right at your fingertips. For specialty appliances, mixer lifts and appliance garages hide countertop clutter but keep them within easy reach, creating a kitchen that’s both functional and beautifully organized.

utensil storage
storage solutions in kitchen for cooking and hosting ease
custom paper towel hidden storage solution for streamlined cooking and cleaning
papertowel storage solution for kitchen
custom storage solutions with roll out spice drawer organization and utensil bins
lifter mixing stand in custom kitchen with unique storage solutions for cooking and hosting ease
storage solution for cutting boards and cookie trays
unique custom drawer storage solution for housing pans and lids
deep custom drawers with dish pegs for storage
spice cabinet storage in pull out

For more details on custom storage solutions, check out this blog post


4. Functional Layout & Appliance Placement 

A kitchen designed with functional workflow in mind makes hosting a breeze. Strategically placed appliances, like ovens, dishwashers, and sinks, minimize extra steps and allow multiple helpers to work together without crowding.  A centrally located island also helps with flow!

luxury double ovens in kitchen remodel perfect for holiday cooking and hosting
functional layout for kitchen flow while cooking and hosting and prepping and cleaing
functional layout for kitchen flow while cooking and hosting and prepping and cleaing
funtional kitchen layout with intentional appliance placement for prep, cooking, and cleaning ease

5. Large Islands for Prep and Gathering 

A large island serves as both prep space and a gathering spot for guests. Whether it’s chopping vegetables, plating desserts, or sipping cocktails, a spacious island becomes the heart of the kitchen during holiday celebrations. 

spacious kitchen island design for hosting
spacious kitchen island design for hosting
large island for hosting this holiday season
spacious kitchen island design for hosting
large high glam kitchen remodel with huge kitchen Island for hosting and staging food with ease during the holidays

6. Butler’s/Prep Pantry for Smooth Hosting 

A butler’s or prep pantry provides extra storage, prep space, and keeps holiday clutter out of sight. From staging appetizers to housing serving ware, it’s a game-changer for hosting large gatherings without feeling cramped.

modern moody butlers pantry for hosting ease with a beverage fridge and extra storage for serving and prepping
modern moody butlers pantry for hosting ease with a beverage fridge and extra storage for serving and prepping
modern white kitchen with funky statement butlers pantry view in back for hosting ease this holiday season
Butlers pantry with moody deep teal custm cabientry and classic black and white checkered porcelain floor with art deco backsplash for hosting ease featuring a beverage fridge and microwave and appliance garage
Butlers pantry with moody deep teal custm cabientry and classic black and white checkered porcelain floor with art deco backsplash for hosting ease
prep pantry for extra storage to keep things out of main kitchen on holidays

7. Cocktail Stations or Guest-Friendly Beverage Fridges 

Keep drinks separate from your main fridge with a dedicated beverage station or small guest-accessible fridge. This ensures guests can help themselves without interrupting your kitchen workflow and keeps your main fridge organized for meal prep.

beverage bar station with mini fridge and custom storage and shelves to display bottles of whiskey
beverage bar station with mini fridge and custom storage and shelves to display bottles of whiskey
beverage bar station with mini fridge and custom storage and shelves to display bottles of whiskeybeverage bar station with mini fridge and custom storage and shelves to display bottles of whiskey
beverage bar station with mini fridge and custom storage and shelves to display bottles of whiskey
bar station in a kitchen with cocktail mix set up
beverage station for guests to make their own drinks and stay out of main kitchen work area
beverage station with pull out trash and mini fridge for convenience while hosting
beverage fridge drawer for guests to help themselves
beverage station for hosting with beverage fridge and storage and counter space for serving and mixing drinks or appetizers

Designing a kitchen with holiday hosting in mind combines style, efficiency, and practicality. From clever storage solutions to functional layout and integrated appliances, every detail makes entertaining easier and more enjoyable (for hosts AND guests!) 

Ready to create a beautiful kitchen that’s perfect for holidays and everyday life? Contact us at Schloegel Design Remodel to start planning your dream kitchen today. 

Looking for more kitchen inspiration? Check out our kitchen gallery here