Just before Christmas, I had the opportunity to visit with Steve and Jill McKenzie in their brand new (and absolutely fabulous) store while traveling home for Samantha’s wedding.    “Steve McKenzie’s, ” is a furniture and general lifestyle shop located in the growing westside district of Atlanta.

via Steve McKenzie

Steve, a former CEO of Larson-Juhl framing company in Atlanta (you can read a little about some time I have enjoyed with Larson-Juhl here), and his sweet wife Jill opened their place back in October.  I first met Steve about three years ago at a blogger’s dinner and framing workshop hosted by Larson-Juhl in Atlanta.  Steve and Jill’s fabulous store combines Southern living and hospitality for a fun shopping experience.  Most all of their brands are local/regional from soaps, candles and leather goods to jewelry, pottery and furniture! Steve McKenzie’s also features some the beautiful artwork of Steve’s in the form of paintings and fabrics inspired by his artwork!  This great little shop is also the Southeast representative for Grange Furniture, an absolutely stunning furniture line anchored in France with a history dating back to 1904.  Boy do they ever have some beautiful pieces!! This fun shop is just the perfect place for everyone from interior designers to me!

I could’ve stayed all day!

I loved the red silverware which I purchased for our own Christmas table setting!

I had seen and heard about the opening of Steve McKenzie’s through several friends on Facebook and was really hoping for the chance to check it all out.  That opportunity came through a table setting demo with Kerry Howard (a former Top Design contestant and Atlanta-based Interior Designer) and Blake Weeks that just happened to be scheduled for the Saturday I was traveling through.

Like I really needed another reason to shop!?!

While these great settings on display were to inspire us for Christmas, I discovered that when you mix the everyday in with a few seasonal touches that these were perfect for all winter long!

 

*Mix time periods and textures.  I absolutely LOVED this table setting that mixed pieces of everyday china from the 1950’s with modern elements from Crate and Barrel and pieces of coral.  So much fun and very classy!If I could find plates like this, I would be one happy girl!!

 

*Mix colors.  Be brave and step outside your comfort zone when decorating.  It’s perfectly fine to break away from tradition!

*Layer colors, accessories, styles, and dishes.

Mason jars, Mint Julep cups, and wine glasses?  Who would’ve thought that mixing such odd pieces would be so pretty …. and super Southern!

*Choose surprising elements.

Isn’t this just the cutest idea for a place card … a votive cup filled with natural elements you can find in your own backyard!

I love the mixture of the Asian figurine with shells, rock and assorted glassware.  It just all pulled together to make a gorgeous table!

Kerry demonstrating how to make decorations for the table using a mason jar, fresh evergreen and cotton.

*Have the centerpiece mimic the shape of your table.

The roses in this centerpiece are from Publix and the greenery is from the backyard; set in a round silver bowl it’s just too pretty!

*Use the unexpected in your centerpieces …. twigs from the yard, pine needles, magnolia and even grocery store flowers (Costco, my favorite place to buy flowers, generally has a huge and affordable selection)

 

*Be creative with your vases.  Use wooden bowls, pottery, vintage pieces, silver, etc… to create a great centerpiece.

*And be sure to add candles.  Candlelight, besides being beautiful is just flattering to any space!

Kerry and Blake talking tables

The ideas these two designers shared were so simple that anyone can pull off a beautiful table!  I sure am looking forward to Valentines Day and seeing if I can pull of a fun table!

If you are ever passing through Atlanta, be sure to stop by Steve McKenzie’s and check them out!

996 Huff Rd NW, Suite E
Atlanta, GA 30318