Silverware Organization

I wanted to share how I organized our silverware. I used to store it in a drawer, in a standard bamboo flatware organizer with dividers for each category (spoons, forks, etc.)– a typical solution. At the same time I kept a jar with a few forks and spoons on the counter close to the stove– so I could quickly grab a utensil while I was cooking, to stir or taste the food. Our silverware drawer was on the opposite side of the kitchen, away from the dishwasher. Not the end of the world, but not the most efficient layout either. My son’s job is to unload silverware from the dishwasher. He used to take the basket out of the dishwasher, carry it to the utensils drawer and spread out there putting the utensils in the drawer slots. The drawer right next to the dishwasher is so small that it is useless for storing all our silverware. The set up was far from ideal.

As I mentioned before, I have been observing how my family uses the house daily, and come up with organization and decorating solutions based on that. It is usually the small things, but they do add up.

The counter-top silverware storage was the answer! It is within easy reach if I need a spoon or a fork when I am cooking. The caddies are sitting right above the dishwasher making it a breeze for the kids to unload the silverware basket, as well as set the table for meals. They don’t take up much counter-top space (team “clean counters” here). We’ve been living with this set up for over a month, and it’s been working wonderfully for us.

The stainless steel caddies are from Ikea and they hold knives, forks, and spoons, respectively. The black ceramic jar is from a Goodwill and holds the baby’s utensils.

That’s another proof of my concept that you should live in your house and learn your routines. And outside-of-the-box (literally!) thinking can inspire you to come up with solutions that make your house work for your family’s needs.