Our family will actually celebrate Thanksgiving twice this year, both times hosted by our son and his wife at their charming country home. These photos are from “Shake It Up Thanksgiving” where we all tried new, adventuresome recipes that you might not be brave enough to try on traditional Thanksgiving. Lots of fun, low stress, family fun had by all!
Bulls eye flannel quilt made a perfect table cloth for appetizers and cocktails. Steve used his favorite Blenko pitcher as a vase for the maple leaves and hydrangeas.
Steve was inspired by the colorful foliage on the property that worked magically with Jill’s hand made quilt. Delectable focaccia, an assortment of cheeses accompanied the apple cider mimosas and martinis. We toasted our thankfulness for each other, work we love, and the sunny day.
Speaking of work, Steve had the pleasure of attending High Point Market this fall as a High Point Market authority style spotter this year. Take a look at his recap and trends here. Reach out if you’re ready to take your home to the next level.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
We’ll leave you with a close up of this stunning home-grown glass gem corn. Makes great popcorn too!
It’s been quite a summer for everyone. Steve and I did a quick mental inventory over lunch, and we have much to be thankful for. Two new grand babies, family meals, gardening, continued work and quiet fun. Little did we know that our collaboration with Creative Candles would keep our creative juices charged throughout this spring and summer. We thank them for their top quality candles in mesmerizing colors, and kindness.
There is still time to use code MCKENZIE20 to save 20% on your total Creative Candles purchase by Sept. 6th.
Summer Collection works beautifully together
Spring kicked off with a virtual Baby Girl Shower. Keying off this darling Blabla stuffed elephant, Josephine, the Barely Blush pink and Moss Green palette developed sweetly. We shared the fun with our new mom-to-be, family and friends virtually.
Celebrations still happen! Custom cups and napkins by Sequins and Lipstick. Photo credit: Steve McKenzie
Then we really got creative, in our two bedroom condo and outdoor space. A romantic dinner for two on the balcony featuring lush greenery, textures and desert inspired candles.
Candle lit table with green plants. Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography
Festive family dinner was next and you know Steve loves to set a gorgeous table. He’s also a fabulous cook, so it’s a win-win for all.
Brass, creamy Wedgwood Edme dishes, dreamy linens, florals and candle light set the mood. Photo credit; Angie Webb Photography | Floral arrangement by Steve McKenzieThankful to be married to someone who makes me laugh. Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography Serve yourself bar set up! Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography
And our final summer wrap up is a self-serve cocktail bar with these vintage atomic candle holders and round bronze candles, an old-fashioned made with local Fiddler Bourbon by ASW Distillery, Schermer pecans to nosh on and bold buffalo check napkins.
Actually, this is a valuable documentation of this C-19 spring and summer. We’ll remember how and why we did so much work at home. Have you documented your experiences? Tell us what you’ve done to remember this crazy period of time. As always, thank you for traveling along with us. Cheers!
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.
McKenzie Design duo Steve and Jill McKenzie x Schermer Pecans
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.
The Cocktail Collection – beautifully packaged for a hostess gift
Snack set up with pretty buffalo check Dot and Army cocktail napkins
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.
So you did it, you invited some friends or work pals over to your place for some nibbles, beverages, and relaxed conversation. Bravo! Now, read on for some easy entertaining tips from Steve and Jill McKenzie and the team at Mottahedeh China. Your goal? A memorable and care-free evening for all.
Photo credit: Gustav Wilde
Let’s start with a gorgeous Atlanta sunset. Then add an array of colorful Mottahedeh china, and really use it for food, flowers, holding cutlery, and more. Let’s use the good stuff!
Use your low dishes for nuts and olivesTobacco Leaf on the barPop a grocery store orchid in a cachepot for instant room refresh.
Add some height and soothing candlelight on the buffet table. Steve swears by a variety of candle heights for visual interest and light.
Steve lighting candles just before the guests arrive
Keep the food simple – finger foods and here’s a tip, many larger groceries, like Whole Foods offer catering menus. Don’t forget another of our favorite’s, Aldi’s, for cheeses and charcuterie meats, nuts, and sweets.
That’s it, easy and simple entertaining with friends, flowers, and simple food. Whether it’s celebrating the end of the week or something more like a baby shower, it’s about connecting with friends and loved ones.
February was a fabulously fun and busy month for us! First, our son’s rehearsal dinner and beautiful wedding at The The Stave Room (stunning photo backdrop, thanks to ASW Distillery) and then we hosted a baby girl shower for our oldest daughter who is expecting their first child very soon.
So, please enjoy some moments of pink and gold happiness from the Atlanta and NYC Baby Girl celebrations, perhaps taking some notes on recipes and decor for your next celebration.
Topping off the light chicken salad luncheon, guests had their choice of delicious CamiCakes cupcakes or pretty pink sugary sweet iced butter cookies. Some of us had to taste both!
Sugar succulents by Nicolettsy and cupcake toppers by SmashCaked, both on Etsy
Aren’t those sugar succulent toppers the cutest?! It’s amazing what you can find on Etsy.
Pink and gold decor on the bar with cups and napkins by our fav, Sequins and Lipstick
In keeping with our baby girl pink and gold theme, our dear friend and tastemaker, Paige Minear of The Pink Clutch suggested the perfect rosemary, grapefruit cocktail recipe from Australian blogger, Tell Me Tuesday and you can get it here. Pretty and pink!
Remember to look in your cabinet for serving pieces as shown by the mint julep cup holding the gold and white paper straws.
Parents to be, Molly and Jim
Do you know Atlanta-based Blablakids? The cutest, softest stuffed animals ever…here is Rivier the elephant, all ready to welcome Baby Girl!
We’ll keep you posted on upcoming developments as there’s nothing like a new baby to bring joy to our world.
Effortless Holiday Decorating with Shelly Dozier-McKee
Get out your calendar, call a friend and grab your spots at this class on Saturday, November 4th from 10am – 11am. You’ll go home full of holiday inspiration and sparkly ideas! Click here to purchase your ticket.
Be sure to join us on November 3rd and 4th for our annual Holiday Open House with specials, treats, giveaways, and all the best gifts and holiday decor.
Next, explore your inner artist with Madcap Cottage gent, John Loecke and Atlanta artist, Steve McKenzie on Saturday, November 18th from 10am – 11:30am. Get your ticket here.
On Saturday, you can also get your copy of their new book, “Prints Charming: Create Absolutely Beautiful Interiors with Prints & Patterns”, signed by the Madcap Cottage gents, Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke from 11am – 3pm.
Stay tuned to steve mckenzie’s social media and newsletters for more upcoming Holiday hoopla! Hint, hint – another class with ConfettiStyle perhaps…details on November 1st…
“Let’s have some folks over for dinner this weekend!” – does the thought of this idea make your palms sweat? Don’t worry, join us on Oct. 7th for Dinner Party 101.The ever-so thoughtful hostess, Paige Minear of The Pink Clutch blog joins us to give you the tools for an effortless, casual dinner party.
You’ll go home confident, with easy, impressive recipes, design advice for a festive space, ready to reconnect with old friends and invite some new friends.
You’ll make some new friends and learn from stand-out makers such as Cathead Vodka, Schermer Pecans and Merry Cheese Crisps.
Tickets are $20 and space is limited, so grab a friend and get your tickets today! Be sure to contact the team at steve mckenzie’s with any entertaining needs. See you soon!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay tuned to steve mckenzie’s social media and newsletters for more upcoming Holiday hoopla! Hint, hint – another class with ConfettiStyle perhaps…details on November 1st…
