A Dollar Tree Kitchen Staple Becomes A Cutting Board Storage Solution

Unless you hang them on the wall, cutting boards tend to be a bit unruly. Lean a stack of 'em against the wall, and in just a minute, at least one of them will be sliding down, hitting the counter with a frightful smack. Thankfully for MacGyvering foodies everywhere, Dollar Tree offers an item that, when amended just a little, keeps that stack of boards standing tall and orderly. Like most hacks, the piece that keeps the boards together was originally intended for other purposes, but it makes perfect sense for this use once made over. To make this DIY cutting board stand — a chic way to keep your kitchen organized — you need a few Dollar Tree Cooking Concepts Wire Napkin Holders.

How many napkin holders you need depends on how many cutting boards you own. Some Tool Bench 8-inch Nylon Cable Ties, also from Dollar Tree, and a pair of scissors help to pull this low-tech kitchen organizer together in just a few minutes. What's particularly helpful about this simple décor tip to elevate kitchen countertops is that it holds your cutting boards separated and vertical. This allows the boards to dry and air out between uses and prevents dust accumulation in a way that flat, stacked storage can't. It's especially important for wooden boards that can warp when wet. Additionally, it ensures any extra cutting boards stay neatly out of the way while you're meal-prepping or cooking, freeing up space on your countertop.

Supplies sourced, you're ready to make this clever cutting board DIY you'll want to use around the house. Start by fastening the napkin holders together in a row — end-on-end — using a few zip ties. Secure at least one zip tie on the very top in the middle. Then attach a zip tie to each end of the napkin holders. After the ties are in place, cut the tails short to make the holders look neater. That's it! Now, onto arranging your cutting boards.

You'll stash the cutting boards in the slot where the napkins normally go in the napkin holder. A good cutting board can be quite chunky, with some of the nicer ones being more than 2 inches thick. Each napkin holder slot measures 4.1 inches, so it will likely fit more than one cutting board if the boards are slim. From a purely aesthetic point of view, this setup looks the best when you place tall boards in the back and short boards in the front. You may also want to mix boards of different shapes and sizes to make the display more interesting.

If you prefer to separate your cutting boards due to cross-contamination concerns, make two separate holders with two or three napkin holders each. One of the holders can be used for the boards you use to cut meat and poultry. Another can be used for seafood-only boards. Put together a final holder for the boards you cut fruits and vegetables. This will keep your kitchen — and the meals you cook in it — sanitary. Bonus: It might also make your counter look more visually appealing.