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Month: November 2014
Thanksgiving Wishes to You and Yours…
From our family here at steve mckenzie’s to you and your loved ones, we hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Weekend Specials at steve mckenzie’s!
Place Settings for Every Thanksgiving Table
No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving, there’s a good chance there’s a great meal involved… And a great meal deserves a great place setting. After all, they do say, you eat with your eyes first!
Now, we’re not necessarily talking about a super-formal setting, with eight pieces of flatware that you have to be an etiquette expert to know how to use, we’re suggesting you simply think about your meal and the style gathering you’re hosting, and create a place setting you and your loved ones will be comfortable with.
To help with this, we’ve created three different place settings to share as examples – one for a casual buffet style Thanksgiving dinner, another for a nicer, family style feast, and the final one, which lends itself to a more formal meal:
Buffet Style Thanksgiving Place Setting
This place setting is ideal for a casual, buffet-style meal and features acrylic Mario Luca Guisti drink-ware – perfect for those more clumsy relatives; 🙂 no broken crystal here! A Match pewter charger and R Wood plate, in our exclusive Red Clay colorway, adds a festive touch. And that fabulous Road salad plate is only $10! To mix it up, and bring in a fun, seasonal element, we’ve added a pair of vintage turkey salt and pepper shakers from Steve and Jill’s personal turkey collection (pretty cute, right?!?). The TAG place mat and napkin will transition beautifully to Christmas – we love double duty items like these!
Family Style Thanksgiving Feast Table Setting
If you’re planning a meal that’s more family style in nature, you can get a bit more detail-oriented with this place setting, as everything’s done at the table, i.e. your family and friends won’t be milling around filling their plates and glasses. This setting features a Match Pewter charger, salad, bread plate, and glasses, which all add a bit of sparkle to your table. The plate and coffee cup are by Royal Crown Derby Mikado, in their cantaloupe colorway, which brings in some needed warmth to the overall look. The placemat is a round shagreen acrylic placemat, which makes for easy care – something we can all use more of around the holidays! Finally, the napkin is Libeco linen. Here, we’ve added a special touch of whimsy with another Vintage turkey item from the McKenzie’s collection, and “planted” a faux orchid in it to bring some life and greenery to the table.
A Fabulously Formal Thanksgiving Table Setting
Here, we’re really setting the stage for a spectacular meal with a place setting that will be equally as fantastic. We’re using Julie Wear China, inspired by their home state of Kentucky; the salad plate is from their Bluegrass line and the dinner plate and charger are part of the Cheval collection. Agate coasters from Rab Lab make the perfect perch for some special glassware. Even with our most formal setting, we’ve taken the opportunity to introduce one of those vintage turkeys Jill and Steve love so much, this one bringing out the deep tones in this beautiful china. To help set off the darker brown of the linen napkin and place setting, we opted to go with a tan, round acrylic place mat (who says fancy dinner cleanup can’t be made easier?!?).
And there you have it, a place setting for each type of Thanksgiving meal!
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your Thanksgiving table, the folks at Veranda magazine published an article a while back all about setting the perfect table. You can find it here. It offers an organized way to consider the overall tablescape, and which elements make the most impact.
Finally, we’re in the midst of finalizing our own holiday menu, but wanted to share a delicious sounding recipe for a stuffed mushroom appetizer, from Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa’s Thanksgiving 2.0 episode – click here for the goods.
YUM – we can’t wait to taste those! Let us know which new recipes you’ll be trying this year.
We hope these place setting ideas inspire you to create something beautiful for your loved ones this year – and help to make your meal even more special… And from our steve mckenzie’s family to yours, happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Industry Introduction: Recloth Modern
We’re so happy to have befriended Asil Teebi proprietor of Recloth Modern, a fantastic redesigned vintage furniture showroom located in Toronto, Canada. She’s got such a fantastic eye for unique textiles, including our own line of Steve’s textile designs, which is how we initially connected with Recloth Modern.
It all started on Instagram, where Asil found out about steve mckenzie’s and the “Loop” fabric design, which she says she has “a special admiration for” and cannot decide which colorway she likes more. Thank you Asil :-)))
The Recloth Modern team works primarily on custom reupholstery and the refinishing of their client’s own pieces, as well as offering an option to source furniture pieces for clients, who are interested in redesigning.
Their showroom has an eclectic mix of furniture; from Victorian period chairs and sofas, to mid century modern teak furniture, to vintage French Provincial frames, all redone in amazing textiles.
The focus at Recloth Modern is all about color and mixing the old with the new.
In addition to our fabrics, Recloth Modern also displays fabrics by Knoll textiles, Kravet, Maxwell, and individual samples of Seemakrish, Studio Bon, Zak+Fox, and (soon to come) Clay Mclaurin, in their “cloth corner.”
The Recloth Modern showroom is located in the heart of Roncesvalles Village, which is located in the west end of Toronto and was historically a predominately Polish community. It’s undergone many changes recently and is now home to a very creative and artsy demographic. Many of the surrounding homes have been extensively renovated, making the shop a good fit for the area, as clients are often looking for ways to maintain the character of a home but modernize it with fabric and accessories.
The showroom itself is sleek and modern, in contrast to the warm patina-ed wood frames featured in their furniture.
Each handcrafted, recovered and re-imagined piece of furniture at Recloth Modern is a true work of art and an exercise in ingenuity. Asil is truly a modern thinker, and we feel lucky to have had her come across our fabrics!
Whenever you may find yourself in Toronto, make your way to the Recloth Modern showroom; you won’t be disappointed!
Tastemaker Tuesday: Eddie Ross
Steve first met Eddie Ross back when Eddie was working for House Beautiful and Steve was working for Larson-Juhl. Over the years, they were able to collaborate on many design projects and, together with Jill and Eddie’s partner Jaithan, they formed a close friendship.
Steve and Jill both value the rare moments they’re able to spend with Eddie and Jaithan, and we’re so pleased to finally have an opportunity to feature Eddie as a Tastemaker here, on the blog for steve mckenzie’s!
Back in March of 2013, Eddie was named East Coast Producer/Editor for Print and Digital for Better Homes and Gardens magazine. In this role, Eddie produces home, decorating, DIY and entertaining stories for print, digital and video.
Prior to his role with BH&G, Eddie was Editorial Director of Rue La La, where he produced content across multiple channels, including online, mobile, and tablet. Ross has been a design, decorating, and food editor for Martha Stewart Living, House Beautiful, and Food Network. In addition to his print work, which has been featured in Elle Decor, Domino, Lonny and The New York Times. Ross has appeared in numerous TV specials for Martha Stewart, HGTV and Bravo. Ross graduated from the Culinary Institute of America.
1. What are three words that describe your aesthetic?
Eclectic, Colorful, Lived-in
2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?
As an editor at BH&G, I get to work with a top-knotch crew, inspiring readers with real-life stories about people living in beautiful, comfortable homes that express their personal style. I feel so lucky to be able to do something for my job that I truly, honestly love!In addition to this, I’m loving working on a book with Jaithan, which will be coming out in the Summer of 2015.3. What are the sources of your inspiration?I’m constantly inspired by flea markets, tag sales, thrift shops–anywhere you can go and find beautiful, affordable things. I’ve seen a lot of high-end homes in my career, but I love being able to look to flea markets and create spaces that look magazine-worthy on a budget. I’m all about mixing high and low – buy a nice sofa, then mix things up with an Ikea table. It’s like wearing a really good pair of jeans and with an H&M top.4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
I would definitely invite Julia Child, Yves Saint Laurent, who has such fashion style, and to round out the party, let’s thrown in a Lindsay Lohan, because everyone needs a little hot mess here and there to add flavor!
5. What’s a piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?
I would say my favorite piece of furniture is an antique pharmaceutical cabinet I found painted yellow at a junk shop for $50. My grandfather stripped it – and we found it was lined with zinc, and that all the hardware is solid copper and brass. I love it for it’s versatility – I’ve schlepped it to every apartment I’ve lived in and so far, it’s lived as a china cabinet, a linen closet, a medicine cabinet and now it’s in the library with books and magazines.
6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?
I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way of doing a mix for someone’s own personal style. I don’t feel as if I can tell someone they have to mix stripes and florals or to just mix solids with a graphic pattern. In our place, the more pattern the better! I always pay attention to color and mix patterns with abandon. The sofa at our NYC apartment features a mix of leopard, tribal cloth, needlepoint, quilted pillows, all from different time periods. It all has to do with finding your own personal taste and style. If something makes you smile, it’s right.
7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”I’m into one of a kind/vintage. I’m totally obsessed with vintage fabric; like chintz and out-of-print patterns… For me, it’s all about being one of a kind. These are the kinds of pieces that really make a home. You could have all the money in the world, but if your house looks like a brand new showroom, it’s totally impersonal and that’s not me.I’m over chevron, trellis patterns in kelly green, and plain black and white spaces. There’s so many beautiful colors in the world, and I love waking up to color, it’s just happy.
8. How does artwork fit into your designs?I think artwork is so important – it makes a room. I am a true believer that art needs to speak to the person who is going to live with it. Right now, I’m obsessed with LA-based artist Anna Ullman of A.E.U. Studio. Her paintings, monoprints and glittered wonders are fantastic! If you can afford it, investing in art is key. But for someone starting off, you can find lots of great things at a tag sale – just pop it out of the old frame, and surround it with a more modern frame. Once you get more settled in your career, then you can consider investing. I love all of my art – from the pieces I found when I was younger to the ones I’m collecting now. It adds to the overall, decorated look. Personally, I love Steve’s paintings; they’re colorful, beautiful, livable and add a modern take on traditional artwork.
9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?Sour patch kids. I LOVE Sour Patch Kids. I literally couldn’t live without them. (Oh, and Jaithan too :-))10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry.Get ready for a lot of hard work. You really need to put yourself out there. Build relationships, do internships and be prepared to work for free. If you love it and are passionate about it, it’ll pay off in the long run.
That’s great advice Eddie – and such a fantastic interview; thank you! We’re so grateful to call Eddie a friend, and now a Tastemaker for our blog!
Help us kickoff Oakleaf & Acorn’s pop up shop!
Purveyors of fine quality men’s goods, Oakleaf & Acorn provide the discerning gentleman products of exceptional craftsmanship. And steve mckenzie’s is thrilled to have the opportunity to share these items with the Atlanta market at their upcoming pop up shop.
We’re kicking off this unique shopping experience with – what else – a party of course, and you’re invited!
When: Thursday, November 13th – 5-8PM
Where: steve mckenzie’s showroom – 999 Brady Ave NW, Suite #1, Atlanta, Georgia 30318
What: Preview and shop the Oakleaf & Acorn POP Up all while enjoying a seasonal signature cocktail by the fine folks at American Spirit Whisky and some yummy nibbles.
From Hoschton, GA, John and Christina, the duo behind Oakleaf & Acorn, will be bringing a fantastic variety of men’s goods to the steve mckenzie’s showroom – many of which would make an absolutely ideal holiday gift. So get ready to check off those gift lists early!
Leather goods and bags by Billy Kirk.
Bear & Sons pocket knives.
Signature candles and beard oil by Great Bear Wax Co. – perfect for No-Shave November!
Denim jackets, jeans and pomade from Railcar Fine Goods.
Canvas bags by Andover Trask.
Moonshine cologne and soaps.
Caps, bags, bandannas and yo-yo’s from Norcross Co.
And SO MUCH more from our friends at Oakleaf & Acorn – you’ll need to come in and see it all for yourself! But – you’ll need to be quick about it… The Oakleaf & Acorn Pop Up Shop is only open at steve mckenzie’s through Saturday, November 15th.
Save $$$ While Supporting a Great Cause!
Come into steve mckenzie’s today and pick up a Camp Twin Lakes Partners Card to start saving 20% at more than 400 shops and restaurants!
Cards are $60 and 100% of proceeds go straight back to Camp Twin Lakes, a fantastic network of camps in Georgia providing programs for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges.
As one of Camp Twin Lakes’ largest fundraisers, Partners Card supports Camp Twin Lakes’ year-round, medically supportive camp programs for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other life challenges. In 2013, Partners Card proceeds provided life-changing camp experiences for 465 children.
Camp Twin Lakes serves more than 9,000 campers annually and subsidizes 80% of the direct camp costs for every child served ($800).
Savings are good through November 9th, making this a perfect time to get a head start on your holiday shopping, while saving at the same time!