As children take to the stage in school pageants dressed as Pilgrims, Sugar Plum Fairies and Wise Men, don't let the spotlight end with the final curtain - carry it through your home, too. The holidays will be here before you know it, complete with fun, festivities and family. And your kitchen will most likely take center stage throughout the season, filled with the sound of laughter and the scent of roasted turkey, cookies and pies. Certain to be one of the most visited rooms in your home as you prep and entertain, now is the time to enhance some of your kitchen's features. From decorative accents to a new sink or faucet, get ready to celebrate in style.

Show-Stopping Sinks

Why not start by rethinking the sink. There are a host of new looks and styles that depart from the standard, double bowl square configurations. Newer designs include D-shapes, oval, trapezoid and other geometrically-formed sinks. Stainless steel or granite sinks provide stylish flair and becomes a striking accent in your kitchen. And if you're entertaining, why not think big? The new Lancelot Big Single from Moen features a deep, single bowl with a 10-inch depth. This heavy-duty sink is highly functional and can accommodate the largest roasting pans, cookie sheets, plus your good china.

"For as long as most of us can remember, the majority of kitchen sinks have been designed with two bowls -- one for rinsing dishes and one for cleaning them. However, as dishwashers have become more efficient at removing food, the need for a sink with two bowls has become obsolete. In response, we've developed a new sink design with a single bowl configuration -- allowing consumers the ability to wash everything from a roasting pan or cookie sheet to an infant or puppy. The Lancelot Big single gives consumers additional utility and efficiency in the kitchen," said Mike Bauer, senior director, Wholesale Marketing and Product Development.

Fancy Faucets

Don't make the faucet an afterthought. With such a wide selection to choose from, there is a style and design for everyone. High arc models make clean-up a breeze as do many of the new pullout selections.

"Pull-down spouts also offer convenience while allowing you to do more work out of the sink than traditional pull-out side sprays," said Katie Wolff, Showroom Consultant for Wolff Bros. Supply, Inc., one of the largest independent plumbing distributors in America. Moen's Aberdeen faucet in a new Oil Rubbed Bronze finish has a classic, old-world style and features a high arc design and pull-down spout. A unique "pause" button allows users to interrupt the water flow while moving the spout outside of the sink. "Imagine how handy this could be while watering poinsettia plants or filling large coffee urns," Wolff added.

In the Spotlight

Installing new light fixtures can instantly transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Under-counter lighting and clean halogen lights can make the space appear larger and more comfortable. Individual pendant lights, chandeliers or other fixtures can set a more formal or festive mood. "The first task when creating a lighting plan for the kitchen is to honestly assess the activities that will occur in the space, from cooking to entertaining to after school homework activities," explained Wolff. "You can really bring your kitchen to life with new lighting, but don't stop there, make it festive and string colorful or white holiday lights above cabinets to really set the tone," she added.

Decorative Details

After enhancing some of the basics in your kitchen, go a step further with festive details. Add color to the room with bright red poinsettias. Or create a colorful centerpiece with colored glass ornaments. According to Wolff, "Pile ornaments in a clear, glass bowl for a great look. Change it easily by swapping sugared fruit, or gold-painted pine cones. These inexpensive decorations will add holiday flair." In addition, replace standard dish towels with holiday-themed towels and add a colorful throw rug to your floor.

For a fragrant touch, add fresh garland around the tops of cabinets. Spice it up with fresh herbs like lemon thyme, bay leaves and rosemary. Simmer mulling spices on the stove and fill your home with the smells of the season.

Incorporating just some of these tips will take your kitchen from basic to seasonally sensational. Careful planning will allow this room to stand out and be the life of all your upcoming parties.