Tag: R. Wood Studio

New Year’s Sale on ALL Holiday + More

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Happy 2018 to all! Kick off the new year with a big sale, 70% off all holiday and more.  That’s right – 70% off ALL Holiday and more, now through Saturday, January 6th.

This includes discontinued patterns from Royal Crown Derby, April Cornell and more.  Call or email for details.

See you soon!

sale, holiday, christmas, ornament

As always, we’ve got our eyes on new products and trends, bringing you the best and latest in design and home.  Follow along on our blog and Instagram as we scope out AmericasMart and Maison et Objet this month.  Cheers to a fabulous month!

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This Fall’s Entertainer’s Must-Haves

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Can you believe Thanksgiving is only a month away?!? As we quickly approach our favorite time of year, we’re taking stock of the butler’s pantry and linen closet and planning out all the detailing surrounding the main meal itself.

steve mckenzie’s has everything you’ll need to set, serve, savor and ensure success of your Thanksgiving meal! We’ve pulled together a quick list of this fall’s entertainer’s must-haves to prepare for a memorable get together, your friends and family won’t soon forget:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Something Melamine 

For us, melamine is an entertainer’s dream… It looks high end, but is practically indestructible! And appetizer time is an ideal time to set these pieces out. Your guests will be milling around visiting, snacking, perhaps cooking and the last thin you’ll want to worry about is a chipped or broken dish. This chip and dip set and appetizer plate set by Le Cadeaux would be a beautiful start to your meal, and practical to boot!

 

Designer Candles

Gorgeous taper candles are an amazing way to really amplify your tablescape. Forget the boring white candles, these high fashion tapers will offer a while new dimension and additional sparkle. Made with the finest beeswax, these candles have a burn time of 11 hours, so your Thanksgiving dinner will be all aglow, as will the next day’s brunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perfectly Poised Accents

You’ve got your china and your serving pieces all squared away. But, how about those tabletop accent pieces that say you’ve thought of each and every detail. It’s these pieces that help guests feel at home and encourage lingering… This small, 8″ tray by R. Wood Studio is so versatile – be it cheeses, olives or other charcuterie, these tiny nibbles are an ideal accompaniment to any celebratory meal, and this little dish is the perfect vessel! Next, a few smartly placed white marble salt cellars (yes, the gold spoon is included ;-)) will show guests no detail was overlooked and their comfort is paramount… down to ensuring perfect seasoning for each plate.

And there’s so much more we have to offer all the entertainers out there both in-store and online via the new steve mckenzie’s website. We’d love to have the opportunity to help you select the ideal pieces to make this holiday special or even pick the perfect hostess gift if you’ll be celebrating outside of your home!

Staffordshire dogs, blue and white, brass

A Sensational Spring Tea – steve mckenzie’s open house recap

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It’s time to freshen up our tables – spring is here!  Let’s recap the fun from our recent Spring Tea Open House~

brass, staffordshire dogs, acrylic glass
Vintage Touches

Paige Minear of The Pink Clutch mixed vintage pieces dear to her heart, plus custom monogrammed napkins by Emily McCarthy.

brass, staffordshire dogs, acrylic glass
Vintage Touches
Waiting on Martha, The Pink Clutch
Blogger Power! Mandy and Paige

Waiting on Martha‘s, Mandy Kellogg Rye kept a soothing green palette for her table and incorporated topiaries.

Gien, Le Jacquard Francais
Green Goodness table by Mandy

Erika Preval of Charm Etiquette refreshed our manners – start on the outside for the cutlery, leave politics out of the conversation, etc.  She even offers classes for everyone to enjoy – young people, adults, corporate situations – remember good manners will open doors the best education cannot, as says Clarence Thomas.

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Vintage Finds

We fell in love with the jasmine tea from Just Add Honey and will add it to our next menu. So many flavors; if you attended, please let us know your favorite!

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This guy knows his teas!

A special thank you to Christi, our ambassador of Gien, Terrafirma, Le Jacquard Francais, Match Pewter and Royal Crown Derby, as she brought in so many delicious layers of textiles and plates for us to play with.

table setting, pewter, Gien
Gray goodness with Gien, Match Pewter, Terrafirma and Le Jacquard Francais table linens
So many choices!
Paige Minear, Jermail Shelton, Jill McKenzie, and Erika Preval
Gien, Terrafirma, Le Jacquard Francais
Charming Paris small plates

Our current Gien special of 20% off all new orders ends on April 26th. Call or email us for more details.

Thanks to all who came out for our Spring Tea Open House! If you couldn’t make this event, visit the showroom soon – spring inspiration abounds!!

Tabletop Tuesday: Jardins Extraordinaires

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Welcome to the inaugural post of our new “Tabletop Tuesday” blog series! Seeing that steve mckenzie’s is known for for offering some of the south’s top tabletop products – along with inspirational tablescape ideas and entertaining tips to go along with them – we thought it was high time for a series of blog posts featuring fabulous tabletops.

Now presenting Jardins Extraordinaires, our first ever “Tabletop Tuesday” blog post. We hope you enjoy!

Our first Tabletop Tuesday feature was inspired by the Jardin Extraordinaires collection by Gien, all of the tropical design we experienced at Maison & Objet, as well as the new Justina Blakeney collection for Selamat Designs.

To begin this tablescape we partnered with Erin Weston of Weston Farms, who styled the floral. For this tablescape we used the magnolia topiaries created during our in-store class.

The base of our tablescape was an antique French table, which offered plenty of warmth and character.

Our place setting began with an R. Wood Studio chartreuse dinner plate.

Next, Erin’s floral brings an organic, soft touch to the table.

A cocktail napkin to ground the glasses adds depth and interest.

A blue tumbler introduces a rich hue.

A pretty vintage cut glass tumbler is brought in for the wine – we love going stemless for wine; taking a note from our European friends!

The Jardins Extraordinaires oblong tray juxtaposed with the round dinner plate works!

The Gien wine coaster serves as a bread and butter plate – think outside of the box and consider dual uses for the pieces you already have!

Vintage brass cutlery, found at a flea market offers a sense of history and ties back into the antique table.

A small R. Wood Studio salad plate is added and ties into the dinner plate.

A soup bowl in R. Wood Studio’s blueberry colorway adds another solid blue element.

A Le Jacquard Francais napkin in a cheeky citrus tone brings in a bit of brightness.

The canape plate from Gien completes the look! The Jardins Extraordinaires small plates are offered in sets of four, with each plate depicting a different garden setting… A conversation starter for sure!

See it all come together in a few quick seconds here:

If only it were that quick in real life!

This tablescape makes us ready to jump into spring.  Most products are available in store at steve mckenzie’s or on our webstore. Contact us for up-to-the-minute availability or if you have any questions. Happy entertaining and bon appetit!

 

All Photos by Rustic White Photography

The Perfect “Rx” for a Valentine’s Hangover

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We’ve been experiencing some very chilly weather here, and if you’re like us, looking to hibernate and stretch out Valentine’s weekend a bit, look no further than this fabulous recipe for Vanilla Fudge… After all, as you can see from the photo below, it’s the perfect “Rx” for whatever ails you!

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This recipe is shared by our great friend and steve mckenzie’s team member, Kim Crosby, whose mother is always “in search for the next best recipe.” She and her sister love the fact that it’s written on their mother’s eye doctor’s prescription pad, and must be at least 35 years old! A classic for sure!!

Since it may be a bit difficult to read from the image, here’s the full recipe:

Vanilla Fudge

3 cups white sugar

1/2 cup white karo syrup

1 cup milk

1/2 lb. butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 to 1 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Bring all of these ingredients together in a mixing bowl, and beat well, until all is incorporated. Transfer to a heavy-bottomed sauce pan and stir, continuously over medium/medium-high heat until the mixture boiling and has reached 232°F, when checked with a candy thermometer. Pour into a buttered dish (an 8×8″ cake pan works well) and cool completely. Once cooled, slice with a thin knife and enjoy!

This fudge makes a lovely gift, and would look especially beautiful presented on our R. Wood Studio Antipasto Platter…

r. wood studio antipasto platter

A big thank you to Kim for sharing this favorite recipe of her family’s and for the fun story accompanying it! Wishing you all warm thoughts and vanilla fudge filled dreams!

Once you’re up and about, we invite you to visit the steve mckenzie’s showroom and take a look at some fabulous new finds we’ve recently brought in. We think they’ll have you looking even more forward to Spring!

steve mckenzie’s Partners to Design Serenbe’s Tiny Artist Cottages

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If you follow steve mckenzie’s on Facebook, you may have seen that over the past few months, Steve has been working with our friend, and fellow designer, Kerry Howard to create inspiring interiors for two brand new tiny cottages for Serenbe, slated to be used for their Artist In Residence (AIR) program.

(photo by Cody Guilfoye)
(photo by Cody Guilfoye)

With Steve being an artist himself, this project has been especially rewarding, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to share the completed design with you all! We first announced our participation in this project in this blog post, which offers a bit of background on Serenbe’s AIR program their partnership with Auburn University’s Rural Studio, where the goal of creating low-cost and inspiring living solutions began.

(photo by Cody Guilfoye)
(photo by Cody Guilfoye)

Many people had to join together to make this project a reality – after all, there were some lofty goals put in place for all involved! Not the least of which was designing the cottage interiors in a way that would inspire a plethora of artists who are fortunate enough to participate in Serenbe’s AIR program, while maintaining a realistic view of what future cottages would look like, when not given the opportunity to work with interior designers.

(photo by Cody Guilfoye)
(photo by Cody Guilfoye)

Because these cottages will work as examples for future Rural Studios dwellings, Steve and Kerry wanted to ensure their designs work to make the most of these unique dwellings. They donated their time designing and installing the interiors, while a number of vendors, including Verde Home, Selamat Designs, R. Wood Studio, Cherry Hollow Farm, Cosentino, Bosch, Workstead Design Shop, Marmoluna, TOTO, Top Shop stone, AuthenTeak, and Robert Allen, all donated products and materials to make the team’s designs come to fruition.

(photo by Cody Guilfoye)
(photo by Cody Guilfoye)

For a full look at Serenbe’s new artist cottages, check out this article from Atlanta Magazine. To learn more about Auburn University’s Rural Studio’s program and how these cottages provided a real-world example for them as the program expands, see this story on inhabitat.com. Finally, this article from Mother Nature Network beautifully highlights the cottages themselves. We’re so grateful this collaboration has been so well received and we’re honored to play a role in the project’s success!

(photo by Cody Guilfoye)
(photo by Cody Guilfoye)

If you love the artsy, eclectic feel of these cottages, and would like to bring a bit of this lovely look into your own space, please contact the steve mckenzie’s design team today!

Happy Cinco de Mayo & a Secret Recipe Unveiled!

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Happy Cinco de Mayo to all of our friends out there! Although many of us see this as a wonderful excuse to enjoy some of our favorite Mexican inspired food and drinks, Cinco de Mayo is, of course, rooted in a rich history, which we all should take a moment to learn.

cinco de mayoIf you’re looking forward to a very special “Taco Tuesday” dinner tonight, and you enjoy guacamole, have we got a recipe for you… Chipolte’s previously very secret guacamole recipe to be precise. We’re surprised to see no surprising ingredients, but we imagine just using the best and freshest ingredients are what make Chipolte’s so special.

guacamole

Let us know if you give it a try and how it stacks up to three green stuff available at our favorite neighborhood chain burrito shop!

r. wood studio

If you’re searching for the ideal guacamole vessel, look no further than all of the fabulous R. Wood Studio ceramics currently available in-store at steve mckenzie’s – our current display is a virtual rainbow of rich hues; and there’s sure to be something for everyone! These beautiful pieces will serve far beyond today’s Cinco de Mayo holiday, and if you’re still on the search for something for Mother’s Day (this Sunday!), these would be a lovely gift option… Along with the other top Mother’s Day gifts we detailed in a blog post last week.

We hope you all enjoy a festive and safe Cinco de Mayo today!

 

Tablescape Thursday: Love is in the Air

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We had so much fun pulling together these Valentine’s table settings, and we think you’ll have even more fun pulling them off for yourself and surprising your loved one with a special dinner at home this holiday!

Sure, there’s something about a night on the town, but does it have to be on Valentine’s day? The crowds, prix fixe menus… We suggest saving the big night out for another evening and celebrating at home. After all, it’s more cozy and comfortable and with the right tablescape, you can set the mood however you like!

We’ve created three designs here – one more casual, another a bit fancier and a third setting that sets the stage for a true holiday celebration:

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First up, a casual supper setting.  Perhaps you’ve just started dating, so you don’t want to go overboard just yet. This place setting featuring Libeco linens, a Match Pewter Dinner Plate, R. Wood Studio Dessert/Salad Plate all topped off with a silver heart ornament (could double as a sweet gift!) by Eric Cortina, offers a sentimental feel where a classic french bistro meal such as croque monsieur and a simple salad would be perfectly suited.

Also featured in this setting is an R. Wood Studio Small Scallop Bowl, Two-Piece Salad Set, in red glitter, a Tart/Pie Server, also in red glitter, a simple red spreader, an Acrylic Dolce Vita Water Goblet and Tumbler and Vintage-Style Flatware.

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With this setting, things are getting a bit more serious… Although they’re kept casual with the Acrylic Lente Tumbler and Highball glasses and white Vintage-Style flatware. The le Jacquard Francais tea towel, turned place mat and Libeco Linen napkin, both in tones of strawberry and red give a nod to the holiday celebrated. But it’s really the Match Pewter Convivio dinner and salad/dessert plates that elevate this setting. The three heart ornaments by Eric Cortina offer a little something special, while also doubling as a gift.

A creamy lemon shrimp risotto would be an ideal compliment to this setting, and would certainly impress your loved one! Take a bit of the stress off your plate by turning to a local bakery for dessert…

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Finally, with our third setting, we’re looking at a proposal-ready tablescape, so beware! This is your classic Valentine’s surf and turf place setting… It’s grounded by a tea towel place mat by Le Jacquard Francais and an April Cornell Essential Napkin in pink. The dinnerware is a combination of Match Pewter Viviana Dinner and salad/dessert plates and a bread a butter plate in Royal Crown Derby‘s Mikado pattern. This tablescape’s crowning glory is the Royal Crown Derby, Mikado coffee/tea service – it’s even more stunning in person!

Also featured in this table setting are the Acrylic Dolce Vita Water Goblet and Wine Goblets, and Vintage-Style Flatware in Black. Add a few flowers and some candles, and this tablescape will be over the top!

And there you have it – three table settings that are sure to knock your loved one off their feet! Plus, those recipes = a guaranteed success of a Valentine’s dinner! Pop into the steve mckenzie’s showroom today to pick up a few of these items to help create your perfect holiday tablescape, and maybe even the perfect card for your special someone…

Coming Up: Rebecca Wood Art Show

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We’ve been fans of Rebecca Wood’s work for many years now. And certainly, you’ve heard us mention our favorite pottery from R. Wood Studio. Located right up the road in Athens, GA, R. Wood Studios brings us some of our most popular dinnerware pieces.

In addition to her pottery, Rebecca has also agreed to share some of her beautiful art pieces at a show in our new space! Going September 18-20th, the Rebecca Wood Art Show at steve mckenzie’s will feature some of her most mesmerizing botanicals.

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What may appear so simple in nature is anything but. And we invite to you to take a look for yourself. Just read Rebecca’s artist statement below and you’ll learn just a little about how she comes to create such wonderful works of art:

growing up, i spent all my days in the woods around my home. i was always exploring creeks and observing nature and all its variety. i grew up ‘looking’,and that has informed all my art. i still take long walks in the woods observing the beautiful patterns and colors in nature,and derive most of my inspiration from the abundant southern flora. ideas for shapes, textures and colors are everywhere in nature.
thus, it was natural to be drawn to red clay and reproducing the varied colors in our southern landscape with my pottery. drawing and photography are my ways to study the forms and colors in nature. but nothing is as primal as drawing from life, really looking and really studying a flower or a branch is a learning experience that is very satisfying. i hope through my work that people will gain their own understanding and appreciation of the beauty that exists all around us here in the south.

~ rebecca wood

We hope we’ve inspired you to stop in soon and experience Rebecca’s art in person!

And, please share – what space in your home could you see a Rebecca Wood original fitting in?

We’re seeing RED… Give back by shopping!

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What easier way could there be for you to give back, than to shop?!? In honor of American Heart Month, steve mckenzie’s will donate 10% of your sale to the American Heart Association when you mention this blog post throughout the month of February. And, just to get you extra excited about shopping with us this month, here are some of our favorite “RED” items, currently available:

grandmothers buttons jewelry post earrings
Beautiful pieces, perfect for February (and really any month) from our collection by Grandmother’s Buttons!
Italian acrylic glasses
Italian Acrylic Glasses – Valentine’s Day picnic anyone?
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A portion of our new vignette here at steve mckenzie’s, featuring many red items, including table linens, a rich red Moleskine daily planner, and some of our favorite R. Wood Studio pottery, in Poppy Red.

As many of us and/or our loved ones are affected be heart disease, it’s important to grow awareness and become educated on what we can do to better our heart health. Check out this article from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on ways you can become more heart healthy. Through education and donations – like yours, when you shop at steve mckenzie’s – we can help make a difference. Thank you for your support this American Heart Month, and every month; here’s to heart health!