Play kitchen organization?

[illinoismommy]

I know.... this is a bizarre time to be posting about this since I have a newborn and who cares about the play kitchen ;) .... I guess it helps to keep my mind busy when my body is too tired to move .... I can't stop staring at the play kitchen mess as I sit on the couch .... there are so many pieces, all of them "needed" according to DS and he certainly uses all of them.... but wow it is a mess. How do you organize this? There are pots, pans, plates, cups, silverware, tea pot, etc. .... then there's the actual food.... :hunh ... and all this ends up on a pile on the floor. Then when we get there we toss it into one big bin which looks terrible. But maybe its the best solution. :shrug Just wondering if anyone has done something clever.

[MtnMama]

Short bookcase with bins for the little stuff, just straight on the shelffor the boxes and so forth.

These would be awesome: http://www.ronjuneshop.com/nibintoyor.html and http://www.ronjuneshop.com/kiprplhuca.html

[AmyDoll]

I keep the dishes in a "grocery basket" & most of the food in the fridge. pots and pans on the hanging bar (we have the target kitchen) or in the oven.

[KatieMae]

I bought cheap, stackable drawers at WalMart...

(Top to bottom)
Food
Food
Plates, cups, Utensils,
Pots & Pans

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j298/katiemae1229/Playfood.jpg

[something glorious]

we have clear plastic storage boxes inside the fridge: fruit in one, veggies in one, dairy (& meat, if you're not a veggie :grin) in one, and breads in a 4th. under the sink we have a 5th that holds pots, pans, utensils, etc.

works for us :shrug

[Herbwifemama]

All dd's pots and pans and cooking utensils, and the play bread goes under the stove in the oven. Her play food goes in a crate next to it, with her play broom. On the shelf over it, spices and candles. :)

[Marielle]

I used to keep it nice and tidy, sorted and separated but then gave up. My kids keep power tools with their play food and utensils. Because more than cook, they open doors and take out the sink to pretend to fix drains or build garages in the bottom of the fridge.

I've given up fighting it so I just pared down the huge collection of kitchen stuff (it was about 3 large ikea bins worth) to one bin about 3/4 full including their power tools. Much happier momma and kids.