Small kitchen solutions

Think you have a small kitchen? Well, let me tell you about mine: It's minuscule. My bathroom is bigger. I think one of my closets is, as well. So, now what? You have 30 of your nearest and dearest coming in 20 minutes and. okay. Stop there. You aren't going to be entertaining a houseful of people. You're in college. The most you'll be doing is having a potluck or friends over for beer and a pizza. Nevertheless, you still need space and I'm here to tell you what works in consolidating your kitchen.

The first thing you're going to want to do is head over to IKEA, Target or some other similar store. Buy one of those small, collapsible tables. They're easy to store and provide awesome counter space when you don't have nearly enough.

Another way to maximize counter space is to get an oversized cutting board. You can prop it over the sink and presto! Double your counter space. I also recommend getting some stovetop covers (you know, the things that cover the stove grill thing). They make a smoother surface than a grill does (and there is less danger of burning yourself when you forget the stove is on) and work well as a spot to stick plates, cups, etc.

The next things you're going to want to buy are those dish rack storage things. They allow you to fit two to three times as much on any given shelf. Trust me. I know what I'm talking about. I keep kosher, and that means my microscopic kitchen holds two full sets of dishes, cutlery, pots and pans. Those turn-table gizmos are also really good. They make finding something in the back of the cupboard much easier.

One other handy item for a kitchen like mine (read, only one drawer) is a cutlery organizer. They make normal-sized ones as well as jumbo-sized ones that have a slidey-storage part on top. That gives you room for those extra forks and knives, or whatever it is you keep in your kitchen drawer.

Here's another tip: Anything that can be mounted should be. We're talking paper towels, oven mitts, spice racks. If you can figure out a way to stick it to the wall, do it.

You should also be using those random little crawl-space-sized areas above the microwave and refrigerator. They're great spots to stick cookie sheets, cutting boards, trivets and napkins. They also work great as a place to stick your telephone. I constantly lose my cordless and then find it on top of the fridge. Once, it was actually IN the fridge. Don't ask.

I guess the best and most important advice I can give you is to keep your kitchen clean. When it's really small, any amount of clutter will seem overwhelming. Don't let it. Just find a spot for everything (there's always somewhere it can go. trust me on this one) and keep it there. Use every nook and cranny and then stick a shelf on top of it and put something else on top of it. It's the only way to make the most of your space. And trust me, when you have a small kitchen, space becomes a necessity.

Good luck, bon appetit and don't forget to invite me over for dinner. I'll bring the dessert.