celebrate vday with mackenzie-childs

**this post is sponsored by Mac-Kenzie Childs**

Remember how I informed you that this is my year to C•E•L•E•B•R•A•T•E all the things?!?! Well, I know many of our VDay plans are looking a lot different this year than ever before but with that comes the opportunity to get out the fancy dishes, make something spectacular for you and your love(s) and enjoy a fancy night at home with those you heart the most.

Flower Market Utensil Holder | Black Flower Market Mug |  Morning Glory Garden Tool Set

For me, that’s using some of my newest Flower Market Plates + Courtly Check Chargers by way of Mac-Kenzie Childs, assembling a few vases full of flowers because every home is happier with fresh florals and of course, concocting a few cocktails for the hubby and I to enjoy while the girls sip on their fancy sparkling grape juice. Ever since the girls were little, we adopted family valentine’s date night and do dinner together, just us four. It’s one of those now treasured traditions that I so look forward to each year, because it doesn’t matter where you are BUT who you’re with.

Courtly Check Wine Glass | Flower Market 7 Qt Stockpot | Courtly Check 3Qt Saute Pan

Just last week, I got out my pretty mix and match patterned dinnerware and we ate dinner together as a family in the formal dining room. Honestly, it was SO nice not to be distracted by the sounds of computers + tv screens and spend some QUALITY time together discussing what had transpired throughout our day = something we are trying to be more intentional of this year. And any excuse to get out my beloved Mac-Kenzie Childs Tabletop finds is good enough for me!

I made the yummiest Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta [recipe posted below] and we all just relished in how good it felt to actually sit down and enjoy dinner together as a family. Let’s face it, most nights I’m scrambling from dance to gymnastics to violin to voice and Jeff is on conference calls so this doesn’t happen as frequently as we wish, but we make the most of it since we are all doing the best we can.

Flower Market Dinner Plate | Courtly Check Charger

So, with that, I am just telling you to try something new this Valentine’s Day: focus on the WHO, not the WHERE. Who cares if you’re at some fancy dinner downtown?? Sometimes the best nights are at home… put your culinary skills to the test and try something new that your little sous chefs can help you create and by all means, use the REAL plates and glasses.

Good Eats | Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Pasta

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• For Shrimp: 2 tbsp olive oil , 1 pound shrimp, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp salt
• Cream Sauce: 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup half and half, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tbsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/8 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS

• Cook pasta according to instructions and set aside. Drain pasta, but set aside 1/2 cup cooked pasta water
• Shrimp: heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet on med-high heat; add shrimp and toss in minced garlic; cook shrimp on both sides for 2 minutes until pink; remove shrimp from skillet and set aside but leave oil in skillet
• Creamy Mozzarella Sauce: in the same skillet, add in minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant; add in half and half and bring to boil; then add shredded cheese and stir while boiling; immediately reduce to simmer; continue cooking on simmer while constantly stirring to avoid sauce sticking; add basil/paprika/red pepper flakes
• Once sauce is ready, mix in pasta and shrimp and reheat slowly to medium heat… allow to cook 3-4 more minutes and then serve immediately!

NEW SPRING 2021 FINDS FROM MAC-KENZIE CHILDS