Fancy up your 4th with steve mckenzie's + a recipe for Pimento Cheese!

The 4th of July is right around the corner and if you’re looking to add a few special patriotic touches to your home – or for your upcoming celebration – steve mckenzie’s has some fun and fantastic pieces to choose from!

We currently have loads of fabulous Marioluca Giusti acrylic glassware, such as the cheeky red tumbler in the photo above, ideal for any outdoor soiree, a special edition red, white and blue water bottle by Blenko, vintage items that just scream childhood memories, like our classic sailboat dish, and adorable spreaders from Le Sabre, fabulous for serving up dips and other party favorites! We could go on, and on, but you really need to come in and see for yourself…

imagejpeg_0 — A table setting currently on display, has inspired some out-of-the-box ideas when considering patriotic decor. The added touch of yellow really pops and those glass beakers (available with a black or white tray) are really outstanding!

Those yellow R. Wood Studio plates would certainly make a statement on the table at just about any summer gathering! And speaking of yummy 4th of July food, we thought we’d take this opportunity to share our favorite recipe for one of the South’s most iconic party dishes – Pimento Cheese – and how sweet would it be served up in a vintage dish with a few of those Le Sabre spreaders?!?

steve mckenzie’s Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (we sometimes mix it up and do a cup of white chedder and a cup of the extra sharp (orange) cheddar)

1/8 cup cream cheese (softened)

1/4 cup mayonaise (Blue Plate or Duke’s – we’re in the south, after all!)

1 4oz jar diced pimentos, drained

1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional – add a bit more pimento if you forgo the jalapenos)

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp cayenne

dash of Tabasco (or other hot pepper sauce)

salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients into a medium bowl, stir to combine. If you like a smoother texture, you can even blend in a mixer, using the paddle attachment. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly. Enjoy!

We love setting this out with crackers or pita chips and nice, crisp veggies at a party. The leftovers make fabulous sandwiches when spread between two layers of classic white bread – yum.

What are some of your family’s favorite foods to have for the 4th of July???