Snack Attack (hint, it begins with Schermer…)

Our snack routine got stale, with all this time at home, WFH, cooking ALL the time. Who’s in charge of the pantry anyway?! Then we remembered Schermer Pecans, a treat from The Southern C summit a few years ago. Remember going to conferences? Someday…

Grown in Georgia, these deliciously fresh pecans will change how you look at snacks forever. Once you read about their legacy, history and their dedication to quality, you will feel even better about supporting this delectable regional and national treasure.

Steve Jill McKenzie
McKenzie Design duo Steve and Jill McKenzie x Schermer Pecans
Steve McKenzie
A delicious array of snacks and treats from Schermer Pecans
All photo credit: Angie Webb Photography |Floral arrangement by Steve McKenzie

Our first snacks were the Roasted and Salted Pecans and the Cinnamon Pecans (the Cocktail Collection) to accompany a Friday evening cocktail. There is a difference in pecans – Schermer Pecans are so fresh, nutty, just the right amount of salt and then cinnamon to tease the tastebuds.

Schermer Pecans
The Cocktail Collection – beautifully packaged for a hostess gift
McKenzie Design
Snack set up with pretty buffalo check Dot and Army cocktail napkins
Schermer Pecans
Elliott Natural Pecans with a robust sweet flavor in a favorite R Wood Pottery dipping bowl

Need we say more? You need to try these delicious pecans for yourself. Get a head start on your holiday shopping too. They are a welcome gift too, see all the options here.

5 Stress-free Gift Giving Solutions

I don’t know about you, but gift giving stresses me.  I agonize over what to give a loved one.  Will they like it?  Will it be in the way and not loved?  I’ve found 5 winning solutions – subscription boxes that take the headache out of gift giving and make you a hero all year long!

gift stress
Enjoy the occasion with these subscription box gift ideas – no stress!

It’s simple really, think about what your friend enjoys – coffee, beauty products, fishing – and I bet there’s a subscription box for just about every category.  These gift  boxes usually contain a curated selection of exclusive and/or unusual items.  Here’s a quick list of five proven winners

Suthinstyle Box– a quarterly subscription for women filled with fashion, food and finer things made in and inspired by the South.  Curated by the stylish Ashley Stamoulis, who calls her boxes “her love letters to the South”.  Membership plans range from seasonal to annual and your mom, sister, mil (mother-in-law), sil (sister-in-law) will be thrilled!

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Founder Ashley Stamoulis and her fabulous pink SuthinGirl box

 

gift box stress
A sampling of all the goodies in the spring box

 

Darlings Fine Things– Known for their wide range of beauty products, fashion and shoes, Darlings Fine Things has hand-picked a selection of goodies for $35 per month.  Personally I can’t wait to try my Michael Marcus Eye Gel!  Again, perfectly geared to the women in your life…

gift stress box
Darlings Fine Things Box Full of Wonderful

gift stress box

MistoBox Coffee Subscription – After polling my Facebook group of savvy Atlanta-Decatur women, this coffee company rose to the top of the crema.  For our NYC daughter and sil (son-in-law), space is at a premium.  So I’m very aware of not adding to their home.  The solution? A six-month subscription of craft coffees! They savored all the different coffees, from six different makers!  Once they received their MistoBox coffee subscription, they were matched with a coffee curator – a coffee expert who learned the kinds of coffee they liked and sent them coffee based on their preferences.

gift stress box
A sampling of craft coffees

Next, one of my favorite gifts to give and receive, BOOKS!  My dear friend, talented businesswoman and writer, Jill Niehaus Miner, owns a thriving, independent bookstore, Saturn Booksellers.   Did I mention that she was awarded the Michigan Small Retailer of the Year award? Not a small feat these days.  I could go on and on bragging about Jill and her team but let’s talk about their Monthly Book subscriptions for adults, teens, young readers and the grandbaby board books.  It’s very simple.  Choose your recipient’s age and Saturn Booksellers takes care of the shipping.  Your loved one gets a book from you, every month.  It’s a win-win!  Also, do yourself a favor and sign up for their emails on book recommendations.  You’ll be in the know with new releases and more.

gift box book
It’s never too early for a family read aloud session as our son in law, Jim and daughter Molly, read to our sweet granddaughter, Amelia May.

Let me know what you think of these gift options, and I hope these suggestions will make your gift giving occasions less stressful and more enjoyable!  That’s what it’s all about, enjoying time together with friends and family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11 Shopping Days Until Christmas

Let’s not panic! We have Christmas gift ideas for everyone, so make your list, check it twice, and shop local where we’ll gift wrap for you, feed you cookies and you can relax by petting, Duke,  our shop dog.  Find more ideas here.

 

Melamine Appetizer Plates  

Perfect in-law gift!

 

 

 

 

Steve McKenzie’s Indigo Ice Bucket

Perfect for the hostess!

 

 

 

leather, guy, gameClassic Dice Games Set

 

 

 

 

 

French Market Basketjournal, Thimblepress, pink, book

Perfect for he/she who totes things like dry cleaning, fresh market veggies and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Dreamer Journal

Perfect for the Her!

 

 

Let us help with your holiday gifting and entertaining needs.  You’ll be glad you did!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday greetings from our family to yours!

We hope you spend the holiday with the ones who are most special to you. And enjoy those leftovers!

We look forward to seeing you in the steve mckenzie’s showroom tomorrow for our Black Friday specials – there are some great deals to be had; and don’t forget about our free gift wrapping service!!

Getting into the Holiday Spirit + Giving Back

It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas!  We’re getting in the holiday spirit this week as we prepare for the NMP Holiday Gift Show, this Thursday evening – Saturday.  You’ll find over 90 of the South’s most sought-after designers, artists, makers, food and more.

Here’s a quick preview of some what we’re bringing to the NMP Holiday Gift Show…

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Melamine Appetizer Plates Allegra Red set/4

scripture, Bible, cards
Small Squares with Mighty Words by Thimblepress

As a true partner in the Atlanta community, this 34th annual event directly supports the preschool’s scholarship program.  We are honored to be part of this talented and dedicated group, and look forward to seeing you there, and at steve mckenzie’s!

Have a Howlin’ Halloween!

It’s the spookiest day of the year! We hope it doesn’t give you too much of a fright…Enjoy  plenty of treats and maybe even a trick or two – happy Halloween!!


And remember, this is one of Steve and Jill’s very favorite holidays to celebrate – and, in the past, dress up for (Star Trek couple’s costume, anyone?) – so be sure to stop by the showroom today for some Halloween greetings and fnd a special treat while there!

*super fun vintage-inspired Halloween image found via Delight Invite.

Have You Heard?

It’s our End of Season Sale this week with 20% off the entire store, special furniture pieces at deep discounts, a 75% off Table and lots more.  Spruce up your outdoor living space, office, home and don’t forget to stock up your Gift Closet!

Stop in soon or email us for details as we love to ship to our clients far and wide.

Quick look at some crazy deals on some amazing furniture pieces…

We look forward to seeing you at steve mckenzie’s, and bring a couple of friends because friends are fun!

 

Tie It with a Bow

Spring brings travel, special events and celebrations like spring break, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, and graduations to name a few. Being ever the thoughtful Southerner, you know not to show up empty-handed!

This past week at Americas Mart, Steve showed a group of dedicated retail buyers several new ways to put together “The Ultimate Hostess Gift”, including a Holiday Jingle cocktail!

Tito's, sugar
Holiday Jingle Crush Cocktail

As a bonus, our fellow Butler University classmate and Delta Gamma sorority sister, Jill Miner, joined us.  Be sure to check out her award-winning bookstore in picturesque Gaylord, Michigan, Saturn Booksellers.

Back to the hostess gift!  Let’s deconstruct it and learn some tips.

pizza, salad, bowl, blue, towel, salt, cellar
Ingredients for a food lovers gift

Steve says to think about your host.  Do they have any hobbies?  This gracious host has discovered cooking and frequently entertains friends and family.

Next, let’s find an unusual container instead of the standard gift bag.  We love this vivid blue melamine (unbreakable!) salad bowl.  Then we filled it with delicious pesto, gourmet salt and a pizza kit from Atlanta-based Bella Cucina.  Tuck in a matching blue tea towel for some extra love.  Now, let’s look at it all put together.

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Food Lovers Basket

Twirl some cellophane around it and tie it with a bow.  Now you’re ready to say Thank You and enjoy your time together.  Shop the look here.

blue, pizza, salad, salt, gift, basket, kitchen, food
Tie it with a bow!

We’re going to share these ideas throughout the spring, so stay tuned for more wonderful ideas to wow your host.  Of course, if you’re pressed for time, our team at steve mckenzie’s is ready to prepare your hostess gifts for you.

Missed this seminar?  Keep track of our whereabouts, classes and events by following our  Facebook page and Instagram.

May Luck be Your Lady Today

Happy St. Patrick’s Day all!! We hope the day is treating you well and you’re wearing a little green to celebrate…

Enjoy the festivities – and a green beer, if that’s your thing, during cocktail hour this evening – and have a wonderful day!!

Click here to check out our festive St. Patrick’s Day messages from the past three years… There are some gems to enjoy for sure!

Steve’s Gone Wild! 25% off…

Being full of holiday goodwill, Steve’s gone wild and the most of the store is 25% off (some exclusions apply). Visit us the shop on Dec. 28 – 30 for best selection, and online savings with the code WILD2017, expires midnight 1/1/2017.  Start 2017 off right by saving!

25% off some exclusions apply Ends Jan. 2, 2017
25% off
some exclusions apply including Match Pewter, Le Jacquard Francais, Gien, Royal Crown Derby.