At long last! The end of my 2016 Christmas decor!!! Took long enough, huh? But I saved the best for last: the kitchen!
Before we hop into the pictures, I want to share with you that I will be having yet another doggone spine surgery on Wednesday of this week. As some longtime readers may remember, I had 2 such surgeries (in addition to a shoulder surgery!) in 2015 that kept me down and out for quite a long time, then 2 more in 2016. This one, too, will be very difficult (laminectomy, hardware replacement and fusion), but I’m hoping to have a clear enough head to bring you my 2017 Christmas decor along with…drumroll, please…a “Better Kansas City” segment taped right here in our home last Friday!!! I’ve been preparing for it since October (walking with the assistance of a cane and walker slows me down considerably!) and wanted it to be extra special knowing I will not be posting again for quite some time. I do hope you’ll look for that post (if the post-op pains and/or drugs aren’t too overwhelming!) coming sometime before Christmas. My husband will deliver a quick post on how I’m progressing along with a “proof of life” photo. 🙂 The surgery itself is expected to take only 3-4 hours (half the time of that 2nd one in 2015 that was 8 hours long!), and my hospital stay will be 3-4 days. Then it’s home to start getting better for 2018!!!
Enough of that! Let’s look at some pretty pictures!!!
I spend so much time in the kitchen year round, but especially during the holiday season. I like for it to be as cheery as the rest of the house so that I’m never feel deprived. I played on the existing black & white buffalo checks, adding touches of red in the form of faux berries, candy canes, and the 222 Fifth “Wexford Plaid”. Bits of Christmas greenery and a flurry of acrylic snowflakes add seasonal whimsy. (Check it out…even my reading glasses are black & white checked!!! 🙂 )
One of the most fun changes in the kitchen is the aluminum tiered stand on the kitchen table. It generally takes days to figure out all the different elements to add to it each season. ..and I love it!!! Christmas 2016 found the tiered server with a fun Chef Santa on top. Stacked 222 Fifth “Northwood Cottage” bowls, sweet red vases embellished with the word “Noel”, candy canes in a silver julep cup, pine cones, acorns, snowflakes, wooden Christmas ornaments, and red berries mixed in with the everyday essentials.
The side table in the window is festively decked with a thick lighted garland draped behind ironstone and ceramicware. Snowflakes in the windows mirror snowflakes hung outside around the deck perimeter. Truly magical even without snow!
I had lots of different Santas around the kitchen including this one standing inside a large lantern on the breakfast bar. I put a cluster of string lights beneath a handful of faux snow to set it aglow. The top of the lantern is made festive with a black & white gingham bow, greenery and red berries.
I gave up on this utterly useless desk space a long time ago. No need for it since I have a home office upstairs. Now I just use it for dishes, displays, and an extra bar. Here I added a layer of soft “snow” uplit from beneath with string lights, another Santa figurine on a vintage sled and a reticulated ceramic jardiniere brimming with hypericum berries to the existing decor. Up above the decor stayed the same as usual excepting the addition of cascading red berries, a sprig of frosted greenery, and a tiny gingham bow at the base of the coffee cup.
Even the cookbook stand on the portable island and the sink area got a little somethin’-somethin’! Again…I tend to spend A LOT of time in this kitchen!
So…that’s it, y’all!!! Thank you so much for your friendship and readership over this past year since I’ve been back. It literally and figuratively pains me to leave again, but I hope to return sooner than later in 2018 with a new & improved spine, a positive outlook, and a whole new lineup of tablescape and home decor ideas for your enjoyment!
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may God bless you and yours this season and always!
To see “Better Late Than Never – Christmas 2016” parts 1, 2 and 3…
Better Late Than Never, Pt. 1 – Foyer and Library
Better Late Than Never, Pt. 2 – Dining Room
Better Late Than Never, Pt. 3 – Family Room
I’m joining the weekly link parties, “Dishing It & Digging It” at with Linda and “Celebrate Your Story” hosted by Sandra and Chloe.
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
This is just breathtaking! I would absolutely die to see it in person! I love your square kitchen table, I love all of the white, and the greenery, and the berries. And the black and white ribbon and the plaid. Seriously, you are making me swoon here! I have been holding off on getting one of those galvanized metal three tiered trays, but maybe I should just succumb and do it. There is a farm supply store not far from my house, and I’m sure they would have one. I do, however, have a wooden one that’s sort of a creamy white. Now you’ve got me wondering what I could do with it. Although it would not blend well with white because it’s creamy. I actually need you here to help me. I mean it! I should have just kidnappée you when I had the chance! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing! I enjoy seeing all what you do with decorating and look forward to your next. I love experiencing the warmth and homey, or the fun and whimsical or the love and romantic feeling you put into your themes. I’ll be thinking of you during your surgery and recovery. I’ll pray for a fast recovery. If you get bored and need some company or some “warm cider” just give me a text and I’ll be over!
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Very, very pretty decor, Alycia. I love the tin layered server and how you decorated it. I am so sorry you have to go through another surgery. I hope this will fix all your problems and you heal and recover fast. You take care!…Christine
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Sorry you are going to have surgery again. The senior years aren’t very golden. My husband says they are “dull brass” Will send up some prayers for you and look forward to you posing again soo
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I’ve enjoyed seeing your tour from last year. I’ve decorated kitchen in red, white and black check this year, too. Great minds think alike!! Hope you’re feeling better, sweet lady!
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Your home is beautiful! Sending prayers for a quick recovery!
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Sweet Alycia, I will be thinking of you and praying that your surgery will be successful and recovery will be quick! I will miss you while you are getting better. Your use of black and white is so pretty…love all the amazing details! The tiered tray is all festive for the season, I will have a candy cane! Take care and thanks for sharing your beautiful 2016 Christmas Home Tour, it was stunning all 4 installments!
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I so admire your talent, optimism and courage. Sending prayers to you and your wonderful family this season. Looking forward to hubby’s post-surgery post(s) and the TV segment shot in your beautiful home. You live full tilt with no excuses. Be well.
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Well, I think you might’ve saved the best for last. I love lights so much, and how you’ve done them beneath your snow makes me want to do that under my snowman & truck in the sunroom. So many neat touches, even the somethin’ somethin’ for the cookbook stand and portable island. 😉
You know I’ll be thinking of you and praying the medical team’s hands are blessed as they work to heal your spine for relief and for many more years of knowing your creative talent and spitfire personality.
XO
Rita
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I enjoyed all of these holiday posts but this is my favorite! Love the black and white accents and all of the extra details you put together. You are very good with the details! I like how you are using the kitchen desk for display pieces. That santa sleigh with antlers is awesome. I like the shutter display in the window- in fact it inspired me to put something on that line in my kitchen window! I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers on Wendsday.
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oh dear Alycia, I pray that it all goes smoothly and finally brings relief! I don’t know how you’ve accomplished so much with what you’ve been through! Today’s post is my favorite! It just shouts Christmas happy!! I LOVE black and white for Christmas!! Your kitchen is so cozy, and I love all the extra touches and surprises…You will be in my thoughts…
Jenna
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This is just lovely. I love the black, white, and red theme. It is beautifully done.
I do hope that your surgery goes well as well as your recovery. I am going to subscribe to your blog in my Reader and will look forward to your posts in the future when you are feeling better.
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Alycia, I am so concerned to hear this but will be praying for a very successful and quick recovery. Your decorating has been awesome. Every little corner of your kitchen is beautiful. Your tiered tray is done perfectly. So much to enjoy. I love you friend. I hope hubby will keep us informed.
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I didn’t want this series to end I’ve enjoyed it so much. Thank you for opening up your home to us and allowing us to take a peek. I’m praying that your recovery will be swift and thanks for the latest update on Facebook. Looking forward to you being up and at ’em again. Take care dear friend and Merry Christmas.
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I loved every inch of your holiday home. Wow, that was a ton of decorating. Hope all of your decorating kept your back from healing. Now here you are going to have another surgery. Keep your spirits up and I’ll send up prayers of strength and heal for you.
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I loved every inch of your holiday home. Wow, that was a ton of decorating. Hope all of your decorating didn’t keep your back from healing. Now here you are going to have another surgery. Keep your spirits up and I’ll send up prayers of strength and heal for you.
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Oh no, I’m coming here late. I hope your surgery went well. I’m praying right now for good healing dear Alycia. Sorry you had to have another one.
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You really outdid yourself dear friend. Your Holiday home is gorgeous, every nook and cranny. I love all your images and I am going to do another round.
Merry Christmas.
Fabby
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Oh dear friend I forgot to communicate you, I will be praying for you this Wednesday coming on our Rosary along with my friends. Keep your faith in the Lord, He never fails.
Love,
Fabby
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I love the black and white with red! Such a cheerful color, I wouldn’t mind being stuck their baking or cooking most of the day either. Loving what you did with your desk too, your kitchen is just beautiful. Going to go check facebook to see if there is any update on how you’re doing. Hope your doing well.
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Dear Alicia
I have not been active lately, and I have missed the latest about you. I am glad that your surgery went well and I wish you a steadfast recovery. I have been dealing with my own back issues as well and the pain sometimes is unbelievable. I enjoy reading part four of your Christmas tour especially since we seem to have similar taste in shopping. I am saying it again ; your creativity has no bound. Please don’t over do and take care of yourself. I will continue to keep you in my prayers..
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