How to prepare your kitchen for Christmas

Prepare your kitchen for stress-free cooking while entertaining this Christmas. Christmas cake, mince pies, roast turkey, pigs in blankets, gingerbread men, Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce. There’s no doubt that cooking and eating good food is a key part of gatherings and celebrations during the festive period.Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a huge feast for friends and family, a little advance preparation can go a long way to reduce stress and make time you spend in the kitchen this Christmas more enjoyable.

Here are five ways to get your kitchen ready:

Declutter and deep cleanse

Taking the time to reorganise, clear out and clean your kitchen before Christmas will make it a pleasure to spend time in. Empty and reorganise your cupboards, throwing away out of date or unused items to make room for festive treats. Declutter worktops and shelves to create an aesthetically-pleasing and relaxing space to cook in. Deep cleanse those areas that you don’t do often, including the kitchen floor, cupboard doors, oven, microwave and bins.

Refresh or makeover your kitchen

If your kitchen needs repairs or is feeling a little tired and drab, you may want to take the plunge and update it. Reface kitchen cupboards, invest in a beautiful, sparkling new granite or quartz worktop, or give the walls or cabinets a lick of paint to instantly give your kitchen an affordable makeover.Here at Granite and Quartz Installations, we have more than 25 years’ experience in supplying and fitting affordable, high-quality kitchen worktops. All of our installations include anti-stain technology and come with a lifetime guarantee for your peace of mind.For more information about any of our products, give our friendly team a call on 0161 287 0715.

Review your cookery inventory

Over the festive season you might find that you use more pots, pans, baking trays, dishes and bowls than at any other time of the year. Make a list of every festive dish and bake that you plan on making and check that you have all the utensils and cookware that you need well in advance of Christmas to avoid any last-minute panic!

Clear out and defrost your fridge and freezer

Before you do the big Christmas shop, make sure that you’ve cleared out, cleaned and defrosted your fridge and freezer so that there’s plenty of room for all your festive goodies.

Decorate

The kitchen is often the hub of the home, where families and friends gather and socialise while cooking, eating and drinking. Once your kitchen is clean and organised it’s time for the fun bit; adding the decorations! Candles, wreaths, lights and garlands can all add some festive cheer and create a warm and welcoming space to spend time in this Christmas.For help or advice choosing a new kitchen worktop, get in touch with our team of experts here at Granite and Quartz Installations by giving us a call on 0161 287 0715.

FAQ

Some questions & some answers

Where do you supply and install granite and quartz worktops?

Granite & Quartz Installations supplies and fits kitchen worktops across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and surrounding areas, with nationwide fitting also available. Our service areas include Manchester, Stockport, Wilmslow, Altrincham, Warrington, Chester, Bolton and Wigan. Send us your postcode with your enquiry so we can confirm availability for your address.

How much do quartz worktops cost?

Quartz worktop prices depend on your chosen stone, worktop dimensions, thickness and fabrication requirements. Sink and hob cut-outs, edge profiles, upstands, splashbacks and access to the property can also affect the total. Send us your kitchen plan or approximate measurements for a quote tailored to your project.

What information do you need for a worktop quote?

Please provide your postcode, contact details and a kitchen plan or the approximate length and width of each worktop section in millimetres. Include your preferred stone and details of any sink, hob, tap holes, drainer grooves, upstands or splashbacks. Let us know about stairs or restricted access too.

What is the difference between granite and quartz worktops?

Granite is natural stone, so its colour and pattern vary from slab to slab. Quartz is an engineered surface available in a wide choice of colours and designs, including marble-effect finishes. Both can suit kitchen worktops; the right choice depends on the appearance, maintenance requirements and budget you prefer.

What thicknesses are available for your worktops?

Our worktops are available in 20mm and 30mm thicknesses, depending on the selected stone. A 30mm worktop creates a more substantial appearance, while 20mm offers a slimmer finish. We can discuss the available thicknesses for your chosen design when preparing your quote.

What size are quartz slabs, and will my worktop need a joint?

Slab dimensions vary by stone and supplier. Whether your worktop needs a joint depends on the available slab size, kitchen layout, cut-outs and access to the property. We will discuss the proposed layout and any necessary joints before fabrication.

Are your worktops made to measure?

Yes. We template your kitchen to establish the measurements before fabricating the worktops to suit your layout. The finished pieces are planned around your cabinets, sink, hob and other agreed features.

When should I arrange worktop templating?

Arrange templating once your kitchen base units are installed, securely fixed and level. This allows us to measure the finished layout accurately. Contact us earlier for an initial quote and advice on coordinating the worktops with your kitchen installation.

How long does it take from templating to installation?

We aim to manufacture and fit your worktops approximately seven days after templating. The timescale depends on your chosen stone, availability and project requirements. We will confirm the expected installation date when arranging your order.

How long does worktop installation take?

Installation usually takes around three to eight hours, depending on the size and complexity of your kitchen. Larger layouts, additional features or difficult access may require more time. We will discuss the expected fitting arrangements before installation day.

Can I see samples before choosing my worktops?

Yes. You can view a selection of granite and quartz samples at our Cheadle showroom or request free samples through our website. Viewing samples in your own kitchen can help you compare colours with your cabinets, flooring and lighting.

When should I arrange worktop templating?

Can you install worktops in an upstairs kitchen or flat?

Yes, upstairs installations can be possible, subject to suitable access. Tell us about stairs, lifts, narrow doorways and other restrictions when requesting your quote. Additional labour charges may apply, and access can affect the size of the worktop sections we can bring into the property.

Can you replace my worktops without replacing the kitchen?

We offer worktop replacement as well as worktops for new kitchens. The existing cabinets and layout will need to be suitable for the new stone surfaces. Send us photographs and measurements so we can discuss your project and any preparation required.

Where is your granite and quartz showroom?

Our showroom is at Apex, Unit G037, Stanley Green Trading Estate, Duke Avenue, Cheadle, SK8 6RX. Contact us on 0161 302 8959 before travelling to check visiting arrangements and availability of the samples you would like to see.

Do you fit undermount sinks and connect the plumbing?

For undermount sinks, we secure the sink in position as part of the worktop installation. Suitable sink supports must be installed by you or your tradesperson beforehand. Securing the sink is separate from connecting the water supply and waste; please confirm the plumbing arrangements with us before installation.

Can you make matching upstands and splashbacks?

Upstands and splashbacks can be included in your worktop design, subject to the chosen material and project requirements. Include the dimensions in your enquiry and tell us whether you would like a short upstand, a splashback or full-height wall panels.

Can I put hot pans directly on quartz worktops?

Use a trivet or heat-resistant mat rather than placing hot pans directly on quartz. Although quartz is durable, excessive heat or sudden temperature changes can damage the surface. Follow the care instructions supplied for your particular stone.