2016: Resolutions For Your Kitchen

The holidays are over and 2016 is underway, but has your kitchen fully recovered from a season of turkey, cookies and pie? While you're making New Year's resolutions and figuring out what projects to tackle this year, why not focus on your kitchen? With a few fast, easy, and space-saving tasks, overhauling the best room of your home has never been easier--and just think of all the delicious meals you'll be inspired to cook once you freshen it up! 

1. Spice Inventory 

Most spices have a shelf life no longer than six to eight months. Now that your holiday baking is over, clean out the spice rack or cupboard and overhaul the storage system. Clean out any jars that have been lingering, including extracts, sugars, and decorating supplies. If you haven't used them by now, you likely aren't interested in them--plus, you'll have space to stock up on new things you WILL use. Craft stores, Amazon, and even dollar stores have inexpensive airtight glass jars, so keeping bulk spices fresh will be attractive and economical. Transfer fresh spices to the new containers and write the date on the bottom (or make chalkboard labels), that way you'll take the guess work out of maintaining your supply. 

2. Cookbook Swap 

Tired of making the same meals over and over? Why not call your culinarily inclined friends and host a cookbook swap. Make copies of your must-have recipies before hand and ditch the dust-gatherers on your shelf. Not only will you reduce clutter, but you might find some excellent new recipes you've never tried. Ask you friends to bring 2-3 of their unwanted cookbooks and their favorite dish to snack on, then arrange all of the books and allow your guests to each pick one at a time. If any books are leftover, donate them to your local library (if they're in good shape) or to a thrift store. Now, not only have you devoted time to streamlining your home, but you've encouraged your best buds to do so as well. 

3. Gadget Review 

Sure, the electric melon baller is cool, but when was the last time you used it? And those beautiful punch bowls you picked up at the yard sale--did they ever make it to your parties? What about the hand mixer, stand mixer, Grandma's classic mixing spoons and your Kitchen Aide--are they all essentials? Look at the amount of space you're devoting to under-used (or un-used) gadgets and ask yourself: what else could I use this for? I purged my gadget drawer last month and was shocked to find things I'd never even opened. By the time I was finished, I had a lovely donation to my local high school's home economics class AND three completely empty drawers in my kitchen, which I used to organize my jam-packed food storage containers. Take some inspiration from Alton Brown--if a gadget doesn't have multiple uses, do you really need it? Or should you instead devote kitchen space to versatile, trustworthy items you'll return to time and time again? 

4. Towel Overhaul 

No matter how tidy you are, kitchen towels collect bacteria. Even with regular washings, the fibers break down and render them less effective as time passes. Toss any stained, ripped, or threadbare towels and treat yourself to a new set. This inexpensive splurge benefits your kitchen hygiene and can be a pretty new accent to treat the eyes. Look for quality towels with a tight weave constructed from durable fabrics. Light colors tend to show more stains, so pick up a few cute printed patterns. After each season, stores like Target and Wal Mart clear out seasonal colors, so consider stocking up on some pretty winter shades as stores ready for spring. 

5. Deep Clean the Appliances 

We give our stoves, ranges, and sinks quite a workout. Why not devote an afternoon to showing them some love? Grab your gloves and give them each some elbow grease. Tackle the stains, baked on food, and dull chrome you don't have time for in your daily/weekly cleanings. Not only will you feel good about your work, but your kitchen will sparkle. These activities should be done once every few months anyhow, so start the New Year right and give yourself a clean canvass to cook in. This is a great task to include the little ones in, as they partake in the joys of your efforts and can be part of the clean up crew. 

6. SilverWHERE?

Face it, even the best housekeepers lose track of knives, forks, and spoons now and then. Do a check of your flatware--are you missing pieces? Are you using tiny dessert forks to scoop up dinner? Why not take advantage of post-holiday sales and restock your silverware with a matching set. Even if you don't entertain, it feels nice to have quality utensils, and can be a very low-cost investment in your home. 

7. The Pantry 

Unless you're a domestic goddess, odds are you've got some expired food in your cupboard. Give it a deep clean and take stock--what do you need? Make sure you buy an emergency supply of canned/non-perishable food and water that aren't expired, as well as some candles, flashlights, batteries, and a First Aide kit. Take note of what you're tossing and replace it with fresh items. 

With a little effort, you can overhaul your kitchen by February and have a whole year of good habits!