Earthenware or stainless-steel containers are among the most practical ways to store the basics: spoons, spatulas, whisks, and ladles. "I've got an awful lot of stuff, and I like to see everything," says Julia Child, author of Julia's Kitchen Wisdom ($20, www.amazon.com), "so I put them in big jars that are about eight inches tall and about six inches across. They're labeled `spoonery' and the like. I think kitchen equipment is good-looking, and I enjoy having it on display."

Having things out also makes it easier to grab something or figure out that it's in the dishwasher, eliminating a search through drawers with wet or greasy hands. (That's also a reason to have multiples of your most-used tools: You won't have to wash the wooden spoon you've been using on a pasta sauce before you stir a chocolate pudding.)

Jars made of earthenware or stainless-steel can be found at most pottery, home-decor, and organizing stores. Choose ones that harmonize with your kitchen, and make sure they're dishwasher-safe, since they'll need washing fairly often.

Shown here: White crock, $15, and stainless-steel crock, $16, both at Williams-Sonoma, www.williams-sonoma.com for store locations. Tools stored this way are always accessible.