A little housekeeping before we begin: This story includes affiliate links to MacKenzie-Childs pieces I've collected, used, and loved over the years. If you choose to shop through them, thank you for supporting The Soul Food Pot® at no additional cost to you—and for helping me continue preserving the stories behind the recipes we share. ❤️
A Story of Home, Heart & Whimsy
Ten years.
It’s hard to believe that’s how long MacKenzie-Childs has been part of my story.
As I unpacked this year’s Barn Sale boxes in my Las Vegas home, I couldn’t help but smile. Not because of what was inside, but because of what those boxes represent.
One joyful “yes” after another. One Barn Sale at a time. One piece becoming part of our home.
If you’ve already read Celebrating The Whimsy That Started It All, you know this story didn’t begin with a decorating plan. It began with delight. If you haven’t read it yet, I’d love for you to start there before continuing this chapter.
📖 Read: Celebrating The Whimsy That Started It All →
One of my favorite MacKenzie-Childs memories happened in 2016.
That year, my daughter and I entered—and won!—the very first Skip-the-Line Contest at the MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale on the company's picturesque 60-acre farm in Aurora, New York, where its headquarters, Farmhouse, gardens, and studios bring the brand's whimsical spirit to life.
At the time, I had no idea I was stepping into the first chapter of a story that would still be unfolding ten years later.
Instead of waiting outside with thousands of other collectors, we were invited to be among the very first shoppers to explore the sprawling 60-acre MacKenzie-Childs Farm, where the annual Barn Sale unfolds beneath rows of enormous tents and inside a barn filled floor-to-ceiling with colorful enamelware treasures.
I still remember the excitement. The laughter. The anticipation. And the friendships that began with a simple walk from behind the rope and into the sale.
Walking in felt a little like stepping into another world. I had no idea I was beginning a relationship with a brand that would still be bringing me joy ten years later.
Life has a beautiful way of coming full circle. A few years after that unforgettable Barn Sale, my son worked the Barn Sale as his very first official job.
How many brands become part of your family’s story like that? Those are the kinds of memories no receipt could ever capture.
“Some people collect because they’re chasing the next beautiful thing. I’ve realized I collect for a different reason. I collect memories.” —Shaunda Necole
Over the years, these pieces have quietly become part of Sunday dinners, cookbook photography, holiday tables, podcast recordings, celebrations with friends, and countless recipes shared with millions of readers. They’ve lived life with us. That’s why they mean so much.
This year’s Barn Sale felt especially meaningful because these newest additions didn’t replace the pieces I’ve loved for years. They joined them! Like every new chapter should. Here are a few of the newest pieces now settling into my Las Vegas home:
A whimsical little reminder that every garden deserves a bit of surprise.
Shop Flyer’s Folly Birdhouse →
Together, they’ve added another layer of comfort and whimsy to our backyard oasis.
Shop Courtly Check Outdoor Pillows →
Another joyful addition to my growing birdhouse collection.
Proof that even the smallest details can make me smile every time I walk outside!
The newest gathering place for cocktails, mocktails, sweet tea, and conversations with friends.
Because no Southern gathering is complete without something wonderful to pour.
I’ve admired these stylish coupe glasses for so long. Seeing them finally join the collection felt like welcoming old friends home!
Shop the Rosy Check Coupe Glasses →
You don’t need to build a collection overnight.
In fact...
I hope you don’t.
Because the joy isn’t in finishing. The joy is in remembering where each piece came from. The bowl that reminds you of your first Thanksgiving in a new home. The pitcher that always comes out for summer sweet tea. The platter that has quietly witnessed birthdays, graduations, and ordinary Tuesday dinners that somehow became unforgettable. Those are the pieces you’ll treasure most.
💬 Shaunda says:
People sometimes ask how I’ve built my MacKenzie-Childs collection. The answer surprises them.
I didn’t build it all at once. I built it one Barn Sale… one celebration… one joyful “yes” at a time. That’s the beauty of collecting.
“Your home doesn’t have to be finished to be beautiful. It simply needs to tell your story.”
Every good story leaves you looking forward to the next chapter.
Tomorrow’s chapter will be shared with the Beautiful Souls who are already part of The Soul Food Pot newsletter (if that’s you already, thank you! ❤️). That’s where I’ll open the cabinets and reveal the MacKenzie-Childs pieces we reach for again and again. The bowls, pitchers, platters, and little everyday favorites that have quietly become part of our story.
If you’d like to come along, I’d be delighted to welcome you!
📬 Join The Soul Food Pot Daily Newsletter →
Until then...
✨ May your home always have room for a little whimsy!
❤️
Shaunda
P.S. Many of this year's Barn Sale finds have already found a home in my Las Vegas kitchen and patio, alongside the Southern kitchen tools and everyday favorites I reach for all year long.
Bring a little whimsy home.
✨ 🛍️ Shop My Southern Kitchen Favorites →
P.S.S. ❤️ Watch the Collection in Action
The best part of this collection isn’t how it looks on a shelf.
It’s how often it finds its way to the table.
These are just a few of the recipes where you’ll spot MacKenzie-Childs quietly becoming part of the story:
🍪 Black Folks Southern Tea Cakes
🤎 Black Folks Southern Sweet Tea
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