Several months ago, StyleBlueprint Nashville ran a story on Batch Nashville, a company bringing the best of Nashville’s local products right to the doorstep of subscribers. I was completely enthralled with this story. A bit obsessed actually. I scoured all my resources to find out who might be shipping out something similar around here. No luck. Nobody really understood what I was talking about. A mere 2 weeks later, I spotted a blurb mentioning a brand new local venture called Georgia Crafted, a company committed to promoting local products by shipping out samples in specialty boxes to subscribers. Happy, Happy, Happy Dance! Squeals! Clapping Hands and Waving Spirit Fingers! I contacted the founder Erin Zwigart right then and there, sending her some sort of “where have you been all my life” message that I’m quite sure creeped her out (hey, I’ve never once passed myself off as subtle). The inaugural boxes shipped in early October, so my subscription put me on the mailing list for the November treat. After reading about the items included in the first shipment, I knew I’d be basically loitering at my mailbox like Charlie Brown awaiting valentines.
(Image: The Peanuts/Charles Schulz)
Sure enough, the first week of November, my first Georgia Crafted box arrived. The surprise aspect of this concept heightens the delight, turning these deliveries into a little present. Contents are kept completely secret until customers open their “gifts,” revealing finds from all over the state. (And you know at StyleBlueprint, we LOVE a FIND!) Inside the lid, a card describes each individual item, giving both product details and a brief backstory. November brought grits from Nora Mill Granary, snack biscuits from Grits Bits, seasoning salt from Anisa’s Secrets, handmade marshmallows from Sugar Style Events, and a gluten-free pumpkin fudge brownie from Southern Table Provisions.
It’s hard to resist the urge to sample everything all at once. I want to savor these treats and stretch the fun out as long as possible. Whipping up a grits dish for dinner this week — maybe shrimp and grits using the seasoning salt as well — and then saving some more for the Thanksgiving morning breakfast spread. I think I’ll serve the Grits Bits alongside post-Thanksgiving cocktails and let the kids enjoy the marshmallows in some “fancy” holiday cocoa. That brownie … that brownie is all mine, already tucked away in a safe hiding spot.
Looking at my Georgia Crafted box o’ goodies makes me feel as though I’ve just spent the day at Farmer’s Market or local festival or perusing quaint shops, returning home with serious loot. Chatting further with Erin Zwigart confirmed that’s the exact sentiment she’s channeling, as she gives customers the opportunity to “experience what Georgia artisans and our state are all about.” It’s so easy and affordable, too. Just head to their website, georgiacrafted.com, and choose from a month-to-month, 3-month, or 6-month membership. Packages start at $29.99, shipping out the first week of each month, and you can also order a 1-time “Try It” delivery, as well as registering for any of these options as a gift. My holiday shopping? D-O-N-E. I’m just gonna pour myself some coffee and sit over here with my brownie, giggling at those ridiculous “Black Friday Midnight Madness Sale” commercials.
