I skipped market last year.  The year before I went to New York and was less than inspired.  This year I gave Atlanta a try…looking for specific items for specific jobs.  That’s always easier for me than speculating.  I can’t say that I was necessarily inspired but I did find the trend’s very interesting.  I’m still amazed to see the Joanna Gaines look with such a strong point of view.  I always think of mom when I see that kind of product.  She never understood why I liked antique furniture.  Numerous times she would say, “son, when I was growing up all we had was old stuff…if I’m gonna spend daddies hard earned money it’s gonna be on something new”.  I feel much the same when I look at the Farmhouse collection’s.  I’ve been to the factory’s in Asia.  I know what they do to “age” the wood, metal and fabrics.  I’m not a trendy designer.  However, I could get you that look but it would be from Provence or Tuscany…that’s the kind of Farmhouse I’m inspired by.

Speaking of trend…pull out everything you have that’s black and white and go buy you some black and white checked fabric.  Done…you’re on trend.  You’ve heard me say I don’t like color.  If I had the money to buy everything new when I got bored…fine.  Since I don’t I’ve always stayed with a neutral palette grounded in black, brown, white and a hint of chartreuse.  Well, I’m guess I’m on trend.

I didn’t take a lot of photos but the black and white check is a huge trend in Christmas.  It was seen on everything from ornaments to reindeers, stockings to angels.  I will say although white cabinets are considered “yesterday”  I did see the use of white continue as a strong choice for helping to freshen what you already have.

Metallics also continue to play a roll especially in the Lux or Opulent look.

There were some looks that offered a pop of color.

Some that were a bit earthy…

And some that…well…made a statement.

As seen above…pink is a thing…in all shades and fabrications.  It’s not my thing.  Again, I could do it if you asked.  I have certainly done girl’s bedrooms, baby showers and sweet sixteen parties.  However, currently pink, peach and terra cotta is be used in a variety of ways.

…as well as feathers and wings.

This market really proved, “it’s not done ’til it’s overdone”.

It was bitterly cold in Atlanta so I only went out to dinner one night.  I’ve posted it to Facebook but I don’t want any one to miss it.  I highly recommend Whiskey Bird. 

Pork Belly, Sticky Soy Chicken and Chimichurri Shrimp Yakatori

Yakitori is Japanese for “grilled chicken”. They start with fresh ingredients, carefully season them and grill them to perfection on a Robata grill. They serve them with pickles (which we fought over).  We ordered three and then ordered them, AGAIN!!!

Soba Noodle Salad

matcha soba noodles, napa cabbage, avocado, mango, sweet peppers, mint, thai basil, cilantro, toasted coconut, roasted almonds, chili-lime vinaigrette.  I’ve already repeated this at home.  It was amazingly fresh and delicious.

Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna

edamame rice grits, green onion vinaigrette, heirloom carrot-radish salad..if you like tuna…it’s worth a trip to Atlanta

Gyoza Tacos

Al Pastor…braised pork, grilled pineapple salsa, cilantro lime crema

It was a good trip…the showroom’s were lovely and a good time was had by all.