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Is your kitchen the land of milk and honey or a barren wasteland? As you dial for pizza, do you fantasize about Paula Deen swinging by to pick up the slack? Everyone deserves a "gourmet" kitchen experience. It's time to take control instead of takeout. With a bit of planning and not much expense, you can resuscitate the heart of your home in seven easy steps.

• Cut the clutter.

A chaotic kitchen isn't conducive to cooking. Purge cabinets of items you haven't used in the past year or more. Let go of culinary delusions while de-cluttering. If you haven't brewed beer, stuffed sausage or made bread yet, chances are you won't anytime soon. Donate to a charitable thrift store and let go of guilt. Empty the fridge and pantry of items past expiration. No date stamp? My mother advises, "When in doubt, toss it out."

• Organize.

Now you have space to serve your real needs. Store items closest to where you use them and keep counters as clear as possible for food prep. Label pantry staples such as flour and sugar in clear storage containers. Use lazy Susans to increase cabinet and fridge space. Here are my top QVC kitchen organization products.

- OXO Good Grips 10x10 2-Tier Turntable (K23525)

- Casio KL60L Label Printer (E200832)

- Lock and Lock 6-Piece Storage Container Set (K9869)

- Set of 3 Wrap Master Wrap, Foil and Wax Paper Dispensers (V28870)

• Plan Meals for the Week.

Write a menu and shopping list for the coming week. Cooking at home is often faster, healthier and less expensive. Its mere minutes in the microwave to delicious fresh fish seasoned with lemon and herbs when you use Orka Silicone Food Steamers (K16176).

Simplify things with a consistent meal plan: pasta on Sunday, meatloaf on Monday, tacos on Tuesday, etc. Leave experimentation to when there's extra time. If a recipe lends itself to being frozen, plan to double it for reheating on a rushed night. Now that you've eliminated takeout from the rest of week, enjoy it on Friday with a nice glass of wine from the Special Set of 6 Red and White Wines by MyWines (M21733). They arrive on auto-delivery. Speaking of delivery….

• Shop Smart.

Kick up your heels and take advantage of the free delivery many supermarkets offer. Just place your order online. They'll even save your list for future use. Don't forget to use the online coupons. Skip the junk food and splurge on specialty items. Salads and sandwiches get a special boost from high quality ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil or gourmet mustard. Enjoy 5-star restaurant quality at home.

QVC offers a delicious array of delicacies. My family favorites include Kansas City Steaks USDA Prime Filet Mignon (M101989) and Phillips Premium Catch 3oz. All Lump Crab Cakes (M20177). I always have My Grandma's Granny Smith Apple Coffee Cakes (M102217) on hand for company.

I spend my extra time and money at the farmer's market. There's nothing more luxurious in the culinary world than good fresh produce. 

• Share the Apron.

Delegate kitchen duties to family members. Meal times can become a bonding experience. Showing older children how to cook empowers them and gives you more free time. Who needs a personal maid when everyone takes turns with cooking chores.

• Add Special Touches.

Bring fresh flowers in from the garden or splurge at the florist once a week. Light a candle. Turn off the TV and make a toast to your family. Relish each other along with your food.

• Create Après Meal Traditions.

Clear the table and quickly clean the kitchen. It will make the whole house seem more pulled together. Take a walk around the block and breathe in the fresh air while you digest a well-fed life.

Yours for a luxe life,

Susan Matthews