If you hosted over the holidays this year, you probably had a moment—you know the one—where you thought, “There has to be a better way to set this kitchen up.”
Crowded counters. Nowhere for serving platters. Guests dodging the trash pull-out like it’s an obstacle course. That’s the stuff we hear about all winter.
The good news? A well-designed kitchen with custom kitchen cabinets can make entertaining feel a whole lot less chaotic and a lot more fun. Whether you’re in Bozeman, Big Sky, or anywhere in Montana, these holiday kitchen ideas will help you plan a space that actually works next time the whole crew shows up.
Here are 7 custom cabinet upgrades we build all the time for homeowners who want their kitchen ready for the next round of holidays.
1. Deep Drawers for Pots, Pans, and Serving Dishes
If your big pots and roasting pans are still hiding in a dark base cabinet, we already know your knees aren’t thrilled about it.
Deep, full-extension drawers make a huge difference:
- Heavy pots slide out to you instead of you diving in after them
- Big mixing bowls, Dutch ovens, and serving dishes all live in one organized spot
- No more stacking things six-high just to slam the door shut
We love putting deep drawers on either side of the range or under the cooktop. It’s one of the simplest ways to turn a “looks nice” kitchen into a works hard for entertaining kitchen.
Curious what this looks like in real life? Take a look at our Custom Cabinets for layout and storage ideas.
2. Custom Tray and Divider Storage for Platters and Sheets
Holidays mean big platters, cookie sheets, cutting boards, and baking pans. If they’re all leaning in a wobbly pile somewhere, you’re fighting your kitchen instead of enjoying it.
Custom vertical dividers:
- Keep platters upright and easy to grab
- Store cutting boards, cooling racks, and baking sheets without the pile-and-topple problem
- Fit into narrow spaces beside ovens, fridges, or in pantry cabinets
We size these dividers to your actual cookware, not a generic catalog guess. That’s the benefit of custom kitchen cabinets in Montana built by a shop that’s seen a lot of holiday kitchens in action.
3. Pull-Out Trash and Recycling Near the Action
Nothing kills a workflow faster than a trash can that’s out of reach—or worse—out in the open while guests are trying to mingle.
A well-placed, double-bin pull-out:
- Keeps trash and recycling hidden but close to prep and cleanup zones
- Prevents floor clutter and trip hazards when the kitchen’s full
- Helps keep the island and sink area clear while you cook
We usually tuck a pull-out between the sink and the range or near the island prep zone. That way everyone intuitively knows where to scrape, toss, and move on. It’s simple entertaining kitchen storage that pays off every single day.
4. Beverage & Bar Cabinets to Get Guests Out of the Way
One of the best upgrades for entertaining is giving drinks their own zone. Coffee, wine, cocktails, sparkling water—whatever your people like, keep it all together and out of the main work lane.
A dedicated beverage or bar cabinet might include:
- Glassware storage
- A small sink or prep surface
- A wine fridge or under-counter fridge
- Bottle and mixer storage
- Open shelves for mugs, cups, and everyday use
We often place this near, but not in, the main kitchen—along a hallway wall, at the end of an island, or adjacent to the dining area. Guests can refill drinks without standing between you and the oven.
5. Coffee Station That Stays Set Up Year-Round
Holiday mornings are basically a sport: baking, brunch, kids, guests, and somewhere in there, coffee.
A built-in coffee station:
- Keeps mugs, filters, beans, and machines all in one zone
- Frees up main counter space for food prep
- Makes mornings smoother, not just during December
We can integrate a coffee area into a pantry, an upper cabinet niche, or a small recessed area with a dedicated counter and storage. It doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be smart.
6. Built-In Buffets and Hutches for Serving and Storage
If you’ve ever tried to line up buffet dishes down the middle of your kitchen, you know it gets crowded fast. Adding a built-in buffet or hutch shifts some of that load out of the main workspace.
Built-ins can:
- Provide a home for serving platters, linens, centerpiece decor, and candles
- Offer a long, shallow surface for staging desserts or appetizers
- Visually tie your dining and kitchen areas together with matching doors, trim, and finishes
This is where millwork really shines—matching crown moulding, paneling, and trim bring everything together.
7. Thoughtful Pantry Storage That Works for Big Gatherings
Holidays put your pantry to the test. Overflow snacks, baking supplies, canned goods, paper products—if your storage is shallow or jumbled, it shows.
Custom pantry ideas that work well in Montana homes:
- Full-extension roll-out shelves so nothing gets lost at the back
- Narrow pull-outs for oils, canned goods, or baking ingredients
- Zones for “holiday gear” like roasters, special platters, or extra glassware
- A spot for backup paper towels and cleaning supplies
We’ve built pantries inside tall cabinets, walk-in spaces, and even under stairs. The goal is simple: when you’re cooking for a crowd, you should be able to find what you need, quickly, without excavating.
Make Your Next Holiday Easier with a Better Kitchen Layout
If your last holiday season had you muttering at your cabinets, that’s your kitchen telling you it’s time for a change. The right design and storage planning now means a more relaxed, more enjoyable hosting experience next year.
At Wilson Cabinetry, we design and build custom kitchen cabinets that fit the way you actually cook and entertain in your Montana home—from Bozeman to Big Sky and beyond.
When you’re ready to talk through layout, storage, and finishes, schedule a post-holiday consult with our team
We’ll help you turn “never again” into “can’t wait to host.”
FAQ
When is the best time to start a kitchen project for next year’s holidays?
If you’re aiming for a finished kitchen before the holidays, it’s smart to start planning in late winter or early spring. That gives plenty of time for design, build, and installation without rushing.
Do I need a huge kitchen to add these storage ideas?
Not at all. Many of these upgrades—deep drawers, dividers, trash pull-outs, coffee stations—fit into compact layouts. It’s less about size and more about smart design.
Can you work with my contractor or designer?
Yes. We regularly partner with builders and designers across Bozeman, Big Sky, and the Gallatin Valley to provide cabinetry, millwork, and finishing that slot right into their plans.