Don't take it too seriously.

Uniformity is important when one is mass producing the screws, cog wheels, and widgets that make up a clock. It is also important if one is one of a hundred-and-one trombones in a big parade. When it comes to styling your home, however, you can be as unique as you want, and, perhaps, even a little foolish.

Atlanta - Home of the Braves

Atlanta, home of the Braves and Falcons, headquarter to CNN and Coca Cola, and the location of AmericasMart, the Atlanta Gift Show, that is held every January come rain or come shine. Thankfully, it is shining and the sky is a robin's egg blue. The air is crisp and cool. The trees line the streets like so many soldiers standing guard as the guests march to market. In winter the leaves have all fallen and the limbs point to heaven. And we are reminded that life on earth is short. The city, mindful of its night time guests, provides brightly lit streetlights in a turn of the century style. Oh why can't Wichita do the same along Douglas Avenue?

Unlike the High Point Market in North Carolina which showcases the major furniture manufacturers, Atlanta's market highlights apparel, rugs, gifts, and decor. The show is located in downtown Atlanta on Peachtree Avenue, Atlanta's answer to New York's Fifth Avenue or Chicago's Madison Avenue. If you are coming by plane the subway has a stop on Peachtree right at the market. Even so, we prefer to cab it from the airport to any number of hotels in walking distance of the market. The fare is a reasonable $35 and the cabbies are all friendly and foreign.

The more than 4,000 permanent showrooms are housed in three towering buildings that overlook Centenial Square and the CNN headquarters. Bridges connect the three towers on several levels making it easy to wander and walk back and forth between showrooms.



Traditions has been coming to the Atlanta show for over 20 years. Some of the recent finds at the showrooms have included brilliantly colored glassware, scented floral bouquets, and French milled soaps that have an air of Provence. There clearly is no rhyme or reason to what is shown at Atlanta, it is only the unique that strikes us.

More to come...

Stickley Winter Sale

Stickley Winter Sale

It is always a good time to buy Stickley Furniture, but it just got better with the 40% off Sale starting now at Traditions Furniture. Traditions with locations in Downtown Overland Park and the College Hill  neighborhood of Wichita, is your single source for Stickley in Kansas.

The sale includes all of Stickley's great products, from its fine upholstery and leather to its Mission, Williamsburg, Modern, Pasadena Bungalow, and Antiquities Collections. What a great time to come in from the cold and watch a game of basketball in front of a Mission Entertainment Center that will house all of your electronic equipment. Game On!

Everyone is familiar with Gustav Stickey and the Arts & Crafts Movement. Gustav and his brothers were Modern before it was cool. The Arts & Crafts Movement, Mission style as it became popularly known, was a transition to simplicity and craftsmanship. Instead of imported mahoganies, the Stickley brothers worked with native American hardwoods of oak and cherry. Quarter-sawn wood cuts reflected the natural beauty of the oak. Emphasis was placed on the quality of the craftsmanship and the practicality of the design. And after over 100 years, Stickley Mission Furniture is still highly sought after by collectors. Anyone who has watched the Antiques Roadshow will recall the many appearances of a well-worn but still beautiful Stickley furniture piece.

Fingerlakes Collection

This year Stickley has brought out a new collection that reflects the rugged beauty of upstate New York. The Fingerlakes Collection is made in cherry. Its hand-planed finish captures the spirit of the northern woodlands and the beauty of the Fingerlakes Region of New York. It is not a coincidence that Stickley Furniture, located in Manlius, New York, should choose this style. Stickley is all about American style.

When we say, "Gather the family and create beautiful memories," we hope to suggest a return to better, simpler times when sitting around the table with family and friends meant something. Sure, going out to a restaurant is all the rage today. Sometimes, it is a necessity. In the hectic pace of life, we don't have time to sit down at home and share the day's stories. But, life is short, and priorities should be the home spun values we prize. The relaxed feel of the Stickley chair, the smooth hand-rubbed patina of the cherry wood, will re-create the perfect environment for your kitchen or dining room. Share again the experience of dining at home with family and friends.

Stickley Story

There is a lot to the Stickley story. Come in today to Traditions Furniture in Downtown Overland Park or Wichita and take a seat in one of Stickley's Morris Chairs or kick back in a recliner and watch TV. You can see it all at Traditions, and enjoy the Stickley Winter Sale, going on now.

Gone to the Dogs

It is no secret that we here at Traditions Home are dog lovers.

Currently, we are at three and holding. There are the Queen's dog, Lizzie, a Welsh Corgie; Sammy, the loyal German Shephard; and Toby, the Wonder Dog, as in, "I wonder what kind of dog he is?" dog. Actually, he is part Jack Russell Terrier, part Australian Shepherd, and a little Mountain Cur, which all adds up to a bundle of energy and a load of fun.




Dogs, what's not to love about them?

Our store reflects our love of animals and especially dogs.

In addition to the occasional canine visitor who comes in for a bowl of water and a dog treat, there are many wonderful decorative items that give into the love that most of us possess for our pets. These include art work, whimsical plaques, pillows to throw at your pet, when he or she is bad, and a porcelain dog or two to set around and guard the place. And if you are a cat lover, then there is also a place here for you.

What is our favorite item? Well, that's like asking me what is my favorite dog. To that I refuse to give an answer, for each dog has its own special attributes.




Dog Wisdom

As for dog wisdom, I like Dave Barry's remark:

"You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'"

True thoughts, Dave might continue, are best expressed in devotion, not words.

Last Sunday I went for a walk in the country with my dogs. Through field and stream, I walked, they ran. For the very first time we came across an Armadillo. If you have never seen an Armadillo - nature's little tank. The dogs were as confused as the Armadillo by this first meeting. But, eventually, after a sniff here and there and even a bark by the dogs, the Armadillo slowly scampered down his hole. The fun was over.

We were gone for four hours and nary a cross word was said between us. Try that with a spouse or a relative.

Santa's got a Secret

Thanksgiving may be over, and there's a mad to get the best buys.

Well, Santa's got a little secret. The best in home furnishings and holiday decorations comes from Traditions Home at Douglas in Hillside in College Hill.

Traditions carries Stickley, Century, Hancock and Moore, Vanguard, Sherrill, Paul Roberts, Highland House - the best American manufacturers of case-goods and upholstery.

But did you know? Traditions also has the area's largest selection of fine art, lamps, home furnishings, and accessories. Looking for Santa? At Traditions you'll find Santas galore and Frosty too. There are reindeer and angels, in colors of red, green, and gold.

Oh, and one last little secret. Traditions is now on Facebook. Join us today and get all the latest updates on what is new and exciting at Traditions Home, in Wichita and Overland Park.

Fancam - We are Likeable

We are all likeable, aren't we?

Come into Traditions Home this week during our Holiday Open House and register with our new Fancam to get a chance to win a $300 gift certificate.

It is simple. Find one of your favorite things in the store. Find the camera. Take your picture, and if you are the most likeable, then Traditions Home will give you a $300 gift certificate.

Sorry, you have to be on Facebook to participate. Don't want to Facebook, don't blame you, but you can still sign up to receive Traditions Home's occasional emails that will keep you up to date with what is happening.

Fancam Santa

Pictures will be posted to Traditions Home on Facebook. There you will have the opportunity to see your friends and their favorite things. And be sure and vote for those you like best.

As for Traditions, we like our friends best.

Kick Off Party

Oh, the weather outside is a little frightful, but inside Traditions Home it's delightful. And there is really no place else to go.

Join us Thursday evening for fun and food. We've saved the decorations for you to see. It's an extravaganza that you don't dare miss.


Parking in the rear next to Santa's sleigh.