The Cookware Blog

They continue to define the country kitchen because rooster kitchen decor reminds us of a sights, sounds and smells that are only found in wide open spaces. Bring back that country feeling with some new decor that’s worth crowing about.

While the bright colors can accent almost any floral pattern, the country rooster also comes in the two tone variety. When the bright colors are too much for us, the familiar pattern still brings back memories of life on the farm.

Waking up to the aroma of fresh coffee and biscuits on a table top dressed with our favorite rooster just makes our kitchen feel warm and cozy.

Sometimes even before I plan a meal, I’ll know how much will be leftover, and the type of  kitchen storage container that will save it all. Getting the leftovers eaten before they spoil is another issue, but it helps to know what and how I’m going to save the extra food. If we have a lot of variety, I’ll either put together individual meals, or keep everything separate so that everyone can pick and choose.

Saving leftovers is only one use for kitchen storage containers. We stopped using cereal and cracker boxes long ago. Storage containers stack and store more neatly; plus we never seem to have stale crackers any more. Pasta, beans, coffee and dry bread for homemade bread crumbs all store more efficiently in a proper kitchen storage container.

I’ve seen some fascinating kitchens in my lifetime. The professional kitchens have the advantage of space for moving about, and for open storage. I remember an old Victorian home, originally a fort, likely converted into a bed and breakfast by now, where the kitchen was halfway beneath the ground. The window ran the full length of the wall looking toward the backyard. Upon the sill stood a variety of kitchen storage containers in varying styles, some made of glass, others ceramic, but all in use.

No matter how large or small our kitchens are, having dry goods within reach serves two important purposes for cooks. When we need a dash of flour, not only is the kitchen storage container right there, but we don’t have to put it away when we’re done. Making the most efficient use of our space also saves us time as well.

The statement made by our kitchen decor should be unmistakable. We want people entering our favorite room to know we mean business. From the pictures on the wall to the note board by our phone we want to make a distinct impression with what people see.

When the country rooster is set loose, the statement is anything but subtle. Not only does rooster kitchen decor like to be noticed, it can hardly be missed.

Being identified by what we wear isn’t only a matter of recognition, but an exercise in practicality. In the cooking profession, hats as well as hair nets, are often standard issue along with cooking aprons. If we see the chef we have an expectation of how they should be dressed especially if we own the restaurant.

In our homes and in our kitchens we can relax the dress code without fear of reprisal from the boss. However, we can also expect the practical conclusion of having our street clothes unprotected from the elements that surround us. So we keep the cooking aprons handy even if no one is around to notice our diligence. We should be as honored as any famous chef to don a uniform so universally recognized.

Wherever we look in this beautiful country of ours a color laden impression is left in our minds. From the mountains to the prairies captures the height and breadth of all we can feast our eyes upon. Bringing that beauty into our kitchen is a goal like no other.

If we’re shopping for our friends in Arizona our selection of country kitchen accessories might be different from our family in Connecticut. Although we’ve visited homes where people’s kitchens resemble a geographical or ethnic style completely foreign to their region, more often than not they’ve borrowed from the beauty beyond their kitchen window, and captured it indoors.

I’m not fond of rummaging through a drawer looking for a can opener or a pair of tongs. Personally I’d rather see everything hanging neatly about me than stored away in drawers. That isn’t always possible, but whenever we find those kitchen accessories that help keep things well organized, we’re grateful.

Certainly our carving set needs to be safely stored in an adult accessible location. Those coffee mug holders are great for the back of the counter. Even a decorative utensil holder can add charm and functionality by improving the organization in our favorite room.

When it’s time to entertain get creative because memorable moments are usually unique in one way or another. Even if the event isn’t an actual party we can still do something different to make the moment special for those visiting our homes.

Where are the scented candles?

Where did we put the crystal flower vase?

Where are the novelty salt and pepper shakers?

The questions we’ll ask might depend upon the company we expect. Simply by anticipating who will be visiting, we can make that visit special, without much difficulty at all.

An affordable way to protect our table tops can also be an attractive way of decorating our kitchen or dining room. Trying to match colors and themes can be a challenge but finding a set of vinyl placemats is always an easier alternative to painting the room.

If it proves impossible for one set to work in both rooms there is comfort in the affordability of vinyl placemats. Where buying a second set to accommodate the dining room or patio table may take time and energy, just remember how long it took to select the paint, not to mention the mess involved.

My parents’ Wisconsin dairy farm has somehow managed to stay afloat even in these harsh economic times. I think it has to do with my father’s natural business sense and the fact that he streamlined costs and offered severance packages to a few employees at the first sign of trouble. While I always enjoy going back to the farm, walking through the fields and visiting the expansive dairy barns, I’m always caught off guard by the interior of the farmhouse.

The kitchen, living room and spare bedroom are all crammed to the gills with bovine memorabilia. The place is a veritable museum – a shrine to everything cow. My mother has accumulated collectible cookie jars by the dozens along with figurines, knickknacks, bric-a-brac, wall paintings, oven mitts, doilies, coasters, piggy banks and every other piece of dairy farm ephemera imaginable.