Gingerbread Inspired Breakfast Nook and Kitchen Tour

Since the beginning of October we’ve been planning for our holiday home and all of the related projects that go with it. I know that may seem kind of early but my mom desperately wanted both Bliss Barracks and Loblolly Manor completely decorated by Thanksgiving. I’m excited to say as of last Thursday we are finished. Was it a ton of work? Heck yeah but absolutely worth every minute! We are now able to concentrate on the giving, shopping, hosting, creating and relaxing part of the holidays we look forward to every year but don’t always pull off.

I’m planning to share more of both homes as well as my own in the coming weeks but I wanted to kick this week off with a gingerbread inspired tour of the kitchen and breakfast nook of Bliss Barracks. For as long as I can remember, my mom has had us in the kitchen baking all sorts of sweets and goodies. I know for a lot of you the kitchen is truly the heart of the home and over the next few days we’ll all be spending a good portion of our time hanging out in what’s sure to be a communal space.

My dad is a “clean as you go” sort of guy in the kitchen and my mom is a “it’s ok to make messes” kind of girl. It’s been a lot of fun to see how excited the littles get to help in the kitchen. Even though they’re making messes that make my hands sweat (think flour all over the floor while simultaneously eating the chocolate chips off the cookies) I know we’re making memories as a family and that in itself is a gift.

Because we’re making memories and messes in the kitchen we try to keep the counters and work surfaces spaces as uncluttered as possible. At the same time, my mom wants the kitchen to look festive. Most of the touches are simple, highlighting whatever the chosen color palette of the season is.

The displays are also usually kept on a tray so that they can be easily moved when it’s time to cook or bake.

We use this kitchen island as a work prep station, a cookie cooling station, cake decorating station and sometimes a make shift dinner buffet.

Holiday cookbooks like this one from Southern Living are an easy way to add a festive touch without feeling like your decorating.

I don’t know why but seeing this old lady in my mom’s kitchen gives me the giggles. I guess it’s because she looks nothing like this!

Just off the kitchen is the breakfast nook, living room and lanai.

This jar is usually kept stocked with delicious cookies all season long.

The table runner was made from wallpaper you can find at Lowes.

Red and white color combinations always remind me of candy cane stripes and sheppard’s hooks.

My mom has been collecting the ornaments that go on this tree for years now.

The little kitchen utensils and plate of cupcakes are always my favorite.

I bought this metal candy dispenser at an estate sale last month. We haven’t used it very long but it’s been a hit so far. My dad says he’s running out of nickels ha ha.

It’s going to be such a fun holiday season!

See you guys back here tomorrow. We celebrated a birthday earlier this month and embellished marshmallows for the hot chocolate. They’re really easy to make and it’s an activity the whole family will enjoy. Until then, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo