Ah, December! The month of holiday cheer, cozy gatherings, and a kitchen that feels like the heart of your home. You’ve got festive recipes bubbling on the stove, cookies cooling on the counter, and maybe a glass of mulled wine in hand. Everything just feels right. But come January, the magic seems to fade, and what once felt like a culinary wonderland can turn into a bit of a disaster zone. Let’s chat about seven kitchen setups that may seem perfect during the holiday season but can leave you scratching your head (and maybe even your pots and pans) come the new year.
1. The Overstuffed Spice Rack
In December, that spice rack bursting at the seams with holiday spices feels like a treasure trove. You’ve got cinnamon, nutmeg, and all the goodies for your gingerbread cookies. But once January rolls around, you might find yourself wondering why you’ve got five types of cinnamon, or what on earth “pumpkin pie spice” is doing in there when it’s not even pumpkin season anymore. A good post-holiday cleanse could do wonders. Toss out the expired stuff and keep only what you’ll actually use in January—like maybe some garlic powder for those healthy dinners you’ve promised yourself.
2. The Baking Extravaganza Zone
During the holidays, it’s all about the baking. Your kitchen transforms into a sugar-laden paradise, complete with mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a dusting of flour that somehow ends up everywhere. But once the holidays fade, so does that urge to whip up batches of cookies and cakes. Suddenly, that dedicated “baking zone” feels more like a cluttered shrine to your past self. Take a moment to reassess: maybe it’s time to pack away the fancy mixers and clear some space for the healthy meal prep you’re definitely going to start… any day now.
3. The Festive Décor Overload
Nothing screams “holiday spirit” quite like twinkling lights and festive tablecloths. But come January, those cheerful decorations might start to feel a little overwhelming—like a holiday hangover you just can’t shake. You’ll want to reclaim your kitchen space, so consider dialing down the décor. Swap out the holiday-themed items for some simple, fresh touches. A bowl of citrus fruits or a cute plant can brighten up the room without the post-holiday clutter.
4. The “Just One More” Snack Station
December is the month of indulgence, and who can blame you? You’ve got a snack station brimming with chocolates, cookies, and all those leftover party treats. But as January arrives, you might find yourself realizing that a constant supply of sugary snacks isn’t quite the energy boost you were hoping for. It’s like turning your kitchen into a candy shop, and trust me, that’s not the vibe you want for your new year’s resolutions. Clear out the sweets and replace them with healthier options—think nuts, dried fruits, or even some homemade granola bars if you’re feeling ambitious.
5. The All-Too-Comfortable Seating Area
During the holiday season, your kitchen table is the epicenter of gatherings, laughter, and maybe a few too many glasses of eggnog. But come January, that cozy seating area can feel a bit like a holding pen for half-eaten leftovers and crumpled napkins. If you’re not careful, it can become a cluttered catch-all for everything from mail to half-drunk cups of coffee. Spend a few moments decluttering and creating an inviting space again. You’ll be surprised how a little tidying can inspire you to whip up some healthy meals with friends!
6. The Unused Specialty Appliances
Oh, December, when every appliance in your kitchen gets a workout! The slow cooker for stews, the air fryer for crispy treats, and the blender for all those holiday smoothies. But come January, suddenly that fancy espresso machine feels more like a paperweight than a necessity. Instead of letting these gadgets gather dust, consider how you can use them in your January routine. Dust off that blender for morning smoothies or use that slow cooker for easy weeknight meals. A little creativity can turn those once-loved items back into kitchen MVPs.
7. The Recipe Book Pile-Up
In the lead-up to the holidays, you probably gathered a mountain of recipes, whether they were printed out, bookmarked, or scribbled on napkins. They’re all great in theory, but come January, they tend to sit in a messy stack, silently judging you from the counter. Take some time to sort through them—keep the ones you truly loved, file them into a binder or digital folder, and let the rest go. Streamlining your recipe collection makes meal planning less overwhelming and helps you actually use the ideas you were excited about in the first place.
More from Willow and Hearth:
Leave a Reply