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.
The turkey leftovers are history and holiday decorations are center stage. That means time with friends and family. Have you been meaning to gussy up the guest room? Liven up the living room? There’s plenty of time to add some special pieces, just in time for your upcoming gatherings with friends and family.
If you need a professional hand with paint choice, art placement or furniture/accessories selection, contact McKenzie Interior Design today to schedule your consultation. Learn more about our award-winning projects here.
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…
Melamine Appetizer Plates Allegra Red set/4Small 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!
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…
With all the parades and barbecues planned in celebration of the holiday today, we wanted to take an opportunity to share Labor Day greetings and to thank all who make it possible for us to do what we love. We’re so grateful to be able to work within such a fantastic industry with so many talented professionals who have become our friends.
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.
Tis’ the season, we suppose… And we’re only busier from here! See steve mckenzie’s allover Atlanta this month. We’re out and about sharing our fabulous home accessories, art, holiday decor and more – make plans to see us soon!
Sneak Peek at the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holiday Show House, opens Nov. 18th!
But, the first stop is one you can make right now to a recent post, where you can learn our top tips for creating and sending holiday cards, effortlessly. Be sure to enter the giveaway, which ends at midnight tonight!!
Next stop, Decatur, for the Decatur Art Walk:
Find Steve and his art at Trinity Mercantile onFriday, Nov. 4th from 5-9pm.
116 East Trinity Place / Decatur, GA
Who’s ready to choose their Christmas cards. What?? I haven’t put away my Bermuda shorts yet, you say! As a corporate wife of a Berkshire Hathaway company CEO, mom of an active family of now young adults, and all that entails, I’ve learned a few things over the years and would like to share some words of wisdom with you.
Playful holiday card idea
Planning ahead will save you time, money and avoid stress. Plain and simple.
Read on for my helpful tips and a Giveaway from Minted.com!
Since you may need some time to pull together photos, addresses, etc, it is really smart to start thinking about this holiday tradition now. To help you with holiday cards, here’s my easy action plan, aided by Minted.com, which provides unique images from independent artists.
First, what card suits your family this year? Spend some time thinking about all the fun events, birthdays, milestones for your family. There are so many options these days – Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s. Was there a special occasion in your family this year, perhaps a wedding or big trip? Now that we’re Empty Nesters (I think that’s defined by what’s in your fridge these days which are mostly condiments, cheese and wine), holiday cards take on a different look. No matching smocked outfits, less time all together as a family, school, work and their own families happen, so there are fewer photo opportunities. If you’re going to be taking photos with the extended family at Christmas, perhaps a Happy New Year’s card suits you best.
Schedule 15-20 minutes for a few days to go through your photos. Are the family photos on your phone? Your spouse’s phone? Did someone take a good couples photo of you at an event? Save them in a universal spot like Google photos or iPhotos.
Delete bad photos. Never a better time than now and it frees up more space to capture new memories.
Now that you have an idea of what the contenders are, in terms of images, develop a game plan to fill in the photo blanks. For instance, here’s my current photo summary and game plan…
I have 0 photos of me and spouse – Someone needs to take a cute pic of us!
Good quantity of SM, me and child #3
Cute photos of our married kids sent to me already
I need photos of this year’s college graduate. Who has one?
Plenty of photos of Duke the Shop dog!
Duke the Shop Dog
Now for the fun part – browse your favorite online stationery source. I’m super-excited about Minted. Save your favorite unique designs with their handy heart symbol, download your photos and see how it looks in each design. Minted has a handy “Find It Fast” button where you can see your photos in several cards, making it easy to choose your favorites.
Minted.com makes it easy to send holiday sentiments!
My goal is to have narrowed down my choices to three by late October and an order goal of November 5th. I’ve learned what works for me – plan ahead and diminish the panic feeling as we head toward Thanksgiving (my mailing date goal). Enjoy this time thinking about your family, and the dear friends who will enjoy your special cards. ~Jill
Bonus = A Giveaway! Minted has generously offered to share their unique designs from independent artists with a $100 Giveaway toward holiday cards. See the latest trends and updated classic holiday card designs. Click here to enter to win $100 to shop Minted! No purchase necessary and giveaway ends midnight Nov. 2nd.
This post and images (except Duke’s photos) are sponsored by Minted, but all text, and opinions are all my own.
Here’s to Labor Day – a day we hope you’re able to celebrate and relax with family and friends!
steve mckenzie’s is closed for the holiday, but will reopen with regular hours tomorrow, on Tuesday, September 6th. See you soon; and until then, remember to be safe on this busy holiday!!
We hope everyone’s enjoyed a nice, long weekend. Spending time in the sun, grilling, hanging out with family and friends – oh, and those fireworks – it’s the epitome of what summer is all about.
We hope you all continue your celebration safely. Happy 4th of July to all from the team here at steve mckenzie’s!
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…
