For the Love of Design :: Kelley Moore

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

2013-05-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

I am working on a little top secret Bridal Shower - but am so in love with the color palette that I had to share it.

Keep your eyes peeled, this is a celebration for a very special lady! I'll be able to share details soon.

I'M LOVING...

2013-04-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Shop: 1. Brass charms perfect to tie on napkins, Bumbershoot Designs & Supplies 2. Large Brass Kaleidoscope great to work into a centerpiece, Moda Operandi 3. Brass candleholders down the center of the table, Serena and Lily 4. Brass goblet for water, Etsy 5. Brass legs make a statement with a bouquet of flowers, Kelly Wearstler

BLOGSHOP WITH BRI AND ANGELA

2013-04-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

I have avoided Photoshop for a long time. I have always had assistants that could do it for me, or I've hired it done. I FINALLY broke down and decided I needed to take some power back and go back to school. Well, not exactly school but Blogshop taught my Bri Emery and Angela Kohler.

I have to admit I was a bit of a skeptic, just like I was when blogging became "big." Was it worth my time? I didn't get it. Then I slowly came around. I came kicking and screaming to Photoshop too. I was pleasantly surprised. I have learned more tricks and tips than I could have imagined I could process in two days. I've learned how to enhance images, create beautiful inspiring boards (above is my first one - so don't judge), and even learned to animate my photos.

I am re-inspired to make this a beautiful inspiring place. It is perfect timing as my website and blog are being overhauled, hopefully my posts will start to look as polished as my new site will.

If you don't know Photoshop, I highly suggest investing in Blogshop. It is a crash course, with teachers, writers, fashion designers, and all types of folks that are looking for inspiration. I mean, aren't we all?

Tomorrow, it is off to my last day of "school." It will be all about video. Something I know a little bit about in front of the camera, and so I am excited to learn the tips and tricks behind the camera too. Knowledge is power people!

THE COUNTRY OR THE CITY - THAT IS THE QUESTION

2013-04-24T10:13:00.004-07:00

I know, I know, I started to blog and then dropped off the face of the earth! As I have said on several occasions I have been in a two year transition. I feel like Mercury has been in retrograde forever. A month ago I was looking at purchasing property in Sonoma, then I found out that what I wanted to do there was going to be near to impossible. Then, as you can see from the above picture, I was up in the Northwest hiking up hills and climbing into valleys looking at farms and truly was in search of my Turkey Hill.

The hunt continues, but I can say that I am returning to Seattle next month! I really love San Francisco, but the biggest lesson I have learned in the last two years is that the most important thing in life are your family and friends. It is the people that make up your life. A career is important, and loving what you do is vital, but it doesn't replace the people you love.

Stay tuned, I might just find my Turkey Hill just yet. Until then...

WHAT'S ON THE MENU

2013-04-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

Whenever I plan a dinner party I do my best to include a menu into the design of the table. It's not only a chance for me to get creative, and add another element to the table, but it lets my guests know what's ahead of them.

Love: The black background and the white lettering, very sophisticated.

via The Glossier Nerd

Fun: This is a great way to add a little humor to the mix.

via Wedding Style Guide

Creative use of a theme: The bright yellow surfboard and pink lettering, who wouldn't want to be at this party!

via Ruffled

Perfect for farm to table dinner: This is double duty, a napkin and menu. Add a name, and you have the place card too. I just did this on the Steve Harvey show with an iron on transfer - so easy and affordable.

via Snippet and Ink

Perfect for a rustic outdoor celebration: Visit your local junk yard and I bet you'll find a window just like this. Set it up as the backdrop for a buffet or bar and you're all set.

via Burnett's Boards

A good example of casual elegance: Think outside of the box. The black and white place setting is elegant, and the font on the menu is too, but it is balance out by the casualness of the loop.

via Style Me Pretty

Something I bet you have at home: We all have paper bags at home, so if you are throwing a table together at the last minute no problem. You don't have to use a printer for the menu, handwriting is much more personal.

via Snippet and Ink

SNEAK PEEK: NEW EDITORIAL CALENDAR

2013-04-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

With the new site, I'll be launching a new Editorial Calendar and I am really looking forward to working on the content. Here's the breakdown:

If you have followed my blog in the past, then you may remember that I had a series called Ramblings and another called Coffee with Kelley. I am combining the two into one, and every Monday I will be sitting down and drinking coffee with designers, experts, and maybe even a celebrity or two, finding out what makes them tick. If you are interested in being a guest, send an email to kelley@kelleylmoore.com.

Tuesday will be all about DIY tips, projects, table settings, and everything that is related to my favorite thing - Entertaining.

I'll be taking you to some of my favorite spots, featuring chefs, mixologists, wine makers, artists, and artisan food makers.

Two of my favorite things, fancy rings and a well mixed drink. Whether it is a mocktail or a cocktail you are after, you'll find it here.

Each week a guest will answer the famous question, "if you could have anyone over for dinner who it would be" and they will share how they would decorate the table for that special guest.

ATTIRE: COLORFUL

2013-04-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

I think by now it is no secret that I love a good party. With my brand re-fresh under way I have decided to begin to wrap my mind around what type of soiree I want to throw to kick off the new site and the new projects that I'll be launching. Since the site won't be up and running in full until the end of May, I am planning two intimate Summer parties - one for the West Coast and another on the East Coast.

I have always loved black and white but when I look in my closet, and at the tables I design, I see that I really am someone who leans towards a lot of color. I'm going to plan something glamorous, where the design of the party is actually all about the guests dressing up with that infusion of color in mind.

via Paul Costello

via Note to Sarah

I mean, if Brad sets the trend, then color it is...

via The Partysmith

...and Kate Spade says...

I love it! It's exactly opposite of the White Party, who needs the Hampton's anyway.

I need a good name for this soiree, because I want to make this an annual event to kick off the Summer each year. Suggestions? Please leave a comment, I would love your input.

Now to find the perfect outfit!

HAPPY EASTER

2013-03-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, here's how I roll. I dropped by one of my favorite antique stores in SF, just to look, as part of the tour with my Niece. Of course, I ran in to these - vintage eggs with tiny bunnies in them.

...and all of a sudden I went from not having an Easter dinner to having six people over for Easter dinner. The smallest things can inspire a dinner party.

It doesn't hurt that my favorite thing about Spring are the variety of flowers that are in bloom. When I walked out of the antique store, there was a flower stand with an amazing selection, it was a sign. A sign that I should do this table!

There is an advantage to having a dish closet, and being a china hoarder. There are always dishes and glassware to play with to create something you love.

I picked these vintage dishes up last year for my birthday dinner in Sonoma. I am a dish addict, and not afraid to admit it.

The gold chargers I have had for 12+ years....

I think these vintage flutes are my favorite because the bubbly flows all the way to the bottom of the glass and they are what put the bubbly in bubbles, aka champagne.

As always, I try not to take my entire table to seriously. I love these "happy" glasses - they have worked for so many celebrations! They also balance all of the vintage pieces with something a bit more contemporary.

I hope that you and your family had a fun day, and that the Easter bunny was good to you. I am grateful to be surrounded by friends and family, and for all of these beautiful trinkets in my dish closet. ;)

I LEFT MY HEART...

2013-03-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

Seattle has always been my home, but I have to say I totally get why Tony Bennett belts out "I left my heart in San Francisco." I'm excited because this weekend, I am going to play tourist with my niece and show her the town. Some of which I haven't had time to explore yet. Here's a taste of my new favorite city...from the architecture, to the beaches, and the amazing restaurants it is kind of a dream, and I never get tired of driving over the Golden Gate Bridge with my convertible top down.

Have a great weekend, exploring your city!

MY FAVORITE COCKTAIL - THE GREYHOUND

2013-03-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up I was not a fan of grapefruit. Then I tried a Greyhound with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Now, it is my cocktail of choice and with Spring here there seems to be an endless supply of fresh grapefruit to squeeze.

A sprig of mint on top, in the perfect vintage glass...

I threw together some Manchego, a little truffle honey, some herbed almonds, asparagus wrapped in proscuitto, and my favorite olives, and I had an instant party!

DRESSING UP AN EGG

2013-03-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend my niece is visiting me to look at colleges in SF, and with Easter on Sunday, I heard she was disappointed she might miss coloring eggs - it's a tradition in her family. So, I thought I would surprise her and plan a day of Easter Egg coloring. Now that I am older, at least a little, I've been on the hunt for some ideas that feel a little more grown up.

These sprinkles remind me of being a kid, but in this photo they seem a little Kate Spade-esque.

via Studio DIY

With the black and white trend on the runway this is a cutting edge option - and it's all done with a Sharpie.

via Obviously Sweet

I always try to put something at each place setting for my guests when I plan a seated event. This idea is such a sweet way to leave a note for each person at the table. Find out how to make them here.

via Poppytalk

One of my favorite blogs is Oh Happy Day! She has a template posted for these eggs dressed up in calligraphy with instructions on how to transfer them on to each egg.

via Oh Happy Day!

This is super cute for the kids table - they deserve a dressed up table too...it feels Frenchified.

via A Bit of Pilli Pilli

Now the sophisticated glamorous look, a little gold leaf for those of us who like a little bling.

via She Knows

MAKE YOUR MARK BEHIND THE SCENES

2013-03-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

vino2 from Kelley Moore Creative Media on Vimeo.

Here is a short little video with shots from behind the scenes of my Tastemaker Mark and Graham photo shoot. Not only was the table fun to design but we danced until the break of dawn. Those videos are in a password protected vault!

MOVING TO THE COUNTRY

2013-03-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am so not a country girl. I see a spider and scream for help! So, what in my right mind would take me to the country? Wine. Yes, Wine Country is still the country in my book. Sonoma, especially, is small. There isn't a Target, or a Safeway nearby. But there is amazing wine, artisan cheese, olive oil, and lavender producers, not to mention the amazing restaurants.

In refocusing my brand, I'm narrowing in on what I am passionate about and developing a vision for my future. It all comes back to Entertaining. I love it, it fills me up, and I feel that it gives me the opportunity to give back while building a strong community at the same time. Sonoma is the perfect place for me to start this next chapter, because I have an entire group of foodies and winos who are passionate about what they do at my fingertips to entertain.

Lets be honest, change is scary. But I am realizing that I am still alive, even after a year and a half of loss and change, so why not leap?

I have been looking at houses for awhile now, and am contemplating building my dream cottage (complete with a pool of course). I see it as a place that I can share with my friends and family, use as a backdrop for photo shoots (finally my second book - on Entertaining), and maybe even a web series of the entire building process. I mean Martha had Turkey Hill right?

I've been inspired by Velvet and Linen, watching their house go up in Ojai, it is truly beautiful. Julia Roberts moved to Italy and Bali in Eat, Pray, Love. And, Diane Lane moved to Tuscany in Under the Tuscan Sun. Maybe one could argue it's a mid-life crisis but others would say it's on to a new adventure. What matters at the end of the day is that I believe in my decision - and I'm excited about the possibilities.

Have you made a leap lately? What was it, and how did it turn out? Would love to hear from you.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG - MAKE YOUR MARK

2013-03-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

I have always been passionate about monogramming - it always makes me feel a little fancy. Monograms never go out of style, so when I was asked by Mark and Graham to be a Tastemaker, and design a spring inspired table, I was excited to get started!

Since I was putting together an intimate dinner in Sonoma, I thought it would be fun to use that as my backdrop.

When I started to put together the tabletop I immediately knew I had to use the Typographers Cotton Dinner Napkins trimmed in Orange, and then paired them with the Orange Everyday Wine Glasses. I can't help it, I love color! And, since I am in LOVE with Italy I had each wine glass monogrammed with "Vino." Although we were far away from Tuscany, we were in wine country!

Now for the plates...I have a closet full of china but couldn't help becoming obsessed with this china from Seletti (it's Italian too!). I love the mix of English and Asian patterns, and when I found the resin napkin rings I knew that those Typographers Cotton Dinner Napkins would be perfect wrapped up on each plate.

I always love to have a pitcher of still and sparkling water on the table, especially when your drinking wine it encourages people to hydrate, and the fact that Mark and Graham had the Orange and Clear Birds Beak Glass Carafe was perfect because they engraved each one - one with "Still" and one with "Sparkling."

I forgot to start this post the way I start any party, offering my guests a signature cocktail when they walk in. Truth be told I love to have a cocktail while I prep for guests too, it makes the work a lot more fun. For this dinner, sticking with the love of everything Italian I whipped up a Lemoncello shot in these darling glasses etched with "Bottoms Up," of course with monogrammed linen cocktail napkins.

There is nothing like sitting under the stars, with good friends, and a dimly lit chandelier with a beautifully set table of course.

Thanks Mark and Graham for asking me to be a Tastemaker - I'm always looking for another excuse to put together a fun table!

Check out my other product picks on the Mark and Graham Blog today.

BUBBLES

2012-07-19T16:26:00.003-07:00

...and I don't mean in the tub. One of my favorite things to greet people with at the door is a glass of bubbly. Whether it is Prosecco (Italian) or Champagne (French), it always seems to signify a celebration.

Sometimes at the end of a day I wish I could press a button like this one, and have a glass of bubbly appear in my hand.

I love this twist on serving champagne - it turns my favorite drink into my second favorite thing, dessert.

Just place your favorite fruit Popsicle into any glass and top it off with a little bit of bubbly. Two fun ways to enjoy these guys… 1.) Dip Popsicle in the champagne and eat the Popsicle like you did as a kid, or, 2.) Let the Popsicle completely melt into the champagne and drink your fruity infused champagne. Just remember you don't need top shelf bubbly for this cocktail.

Trust me this will make you feel like a kid again!

WATCH OUT VAN GOGH!

2012-07-13T09:15:00.001-07:00

Since I moved to San Francisco I have been inspired to finally pick up a paint brush and try my hand at working with acrylic paints. It has been SO much fun, cathartic, and inspiring. It is a test of my OCD and my need to have each thing in its place, and has been good for my soul.

I have to say that in class beginning on still life's was not easy or fun. I understand you have to learn the basics, but after two classes I went to the art supply store and bought paints and a canvas, and a small easel and decided I just wanted to put some paint on the canvas without thinking - paint from my heart. Here was the result...

I entitled this "Broken Heart in Progress," you can probably figure out the inspiration for that on your own.

My next painting was an experimentation trying to work from a one that inspired me - here's the original...

...and here's mine...in progress!

I am hoping that I will become a better painter in time and be able to create something like this:

And, maybe some day I'll be talented enough to create hand painted wall paper - this is stunning!

Can you believe that this is a watercolor wallpaper!

I do have a piece of art that I purchased and love. It is huge and colorful...and...

...in storage. I can't wait to get settled here in SF so I can begin to find the perfect places for all of this art.

ONE DAY

2012-07-10T03:30:00.000-07:00

This is so true - it is one of my dreams - even for a little while. Since I am single, without kids, I have been thinking the world is my oyster and living in Paris is on my bucket list. I am so inspired by it's beauty.

I always dreamed of standing beneath the Eiffel Tower with someone I love - a matter a fact in my last relationship we used to text each other when we were apart, and one person would say "Meet you in Paris," and the other would reply "under the Eiffel Tower." It is just one of the most romantic places I have visited. Italy is passionate, and Paris is romantic.

Right now though, I am living in San Francisco, but a girl can dream.

I would have a decked out dog like this:

Of course I would have the matching shoes too!

My flat would look a bit like one of these...

And, of course, I am obsessed with chandeliers - I think it's a requirement if you live in Paris to have one in your home - so I'm okay there.

The ultimate dream would be to receive an invitation to Valentino's home outside of Paris. I mean, I had a brush with him in NYC, I feel like I know the man! I can just envision driving up to his fabulous villa...

...and having a chat with Valentino himself on the balcony.

This must be the back of the villa. In my dreams that is me in his signature color - the red dress.

OUTDOOR FIREPLACES

2012-07-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

I love to spend as much time outdoors as I can when the weather is nice. I dream of having a home someday that has an amazing outdoor fireplace...like these

via Apartment Therapy

via House Beautiful

via Green Scene Landscape

It may be awhile until I have something this elaborate (and expensive). What are my other options? Something like this...

via Better Homes and Gardens

So I went on the hunt to curate something that I would want on my deck, and I bought it: something more streamlined, that showed off the flickering flame, and could fit within any decor. Then I found these fireplaces that not only fit outdoors but you can use indoors as well. If you have a space that doesn't have a fireplace but you want one, put it in your living room, bedroom, dining room. It's safe and beautiful too. Check them out:

via Joyus

PLANNING A SOLO GETAWAY

2012-05-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

I have never taken a vacation by myself, it has always been with a partner or friends. At this point in my life, I think the timing is right. I am stumped on where I want to go, SO many options. I know that I only want to go for 7-10 days, so the Maldives is out because it takes 33 hours to get there! So here are a few of my picks so far...

I have been to Italy a couple of times, but have never been to the Amalfi Coast. I love the food, and the passion of the Italian people. Positano looks amazing!

And, I can totally see myself lounging on the beach during the day and playing at night.

Then again, I hear the South of France is amazing. Who doesn't adore the French! Saint Tropez...

....Monaco

I'm also considering the Seychelles....

But that seems a little bit like a romantic vacation for two...

Maybe I'll do something completely different and go to Bali. I love the book and movie, Eat, Pray, Love and my life is in a transition like hers was, thoughts?

And maybe I can even visit the real Ketut Liyer, the Medicine Man that Julia's character met with that gave her direction for her future.

Bali is sounding better and better!

A LITTLE BIT OF PARIS

2012-05-04T15:41:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite trips in my life thus far was to Paris. I love everything about it. The sidewalk cafes...

...the fabulous Parisians and their passion for beautiful things.

From the clothes, to the interiors, and the food - it is true that design is all in the details and the Parisians don't miss a thing.

That brings me to my first impression of Paris. I stepped in to my hotel room to find a little plate filled with macaroons. I had never had one before and I fell in love. I immediately asked the hotel concierge where I could find these decadent pastries. I walked directly to Lauderee.

By the way I found out quickly, never call them a "cookie." They are pieces of art that are full of texture from the slight crunch to the soft creamy center - the flavors dance on your tongue.

Since then I have been on the hunt for a macaroon that would bring the experience I had in Paris to the U.S.. In my search I have never come across a macaroon that compares, until now. I met Chef Alex from L'Artisan in SF and he changed my world. His macaroons are seriously better than the ones that I had in Paris. They are visually gorgeous, and the flavors and texture are absolutely perfect. Check out this video of Chef Alex and me where he shares his passion and talks about the various flavors that we are offering at Joyus.

LIGHTING IT UP!

2012-04-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for great lanterns to source right now and in my search I came across a photo of somewhere in Marrakesh and fell in love with these lanterns. Yes, you can fall in love with lanterns.

DREAM DINNER PARTY SETTING

2012-04-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

As I've said a ton on this blog, I am addicted to entertaining. I love to design parties, I love to create environments that people can connect in, and where they build lasting friendships. I also love to watch people have a good time. It is selfish in a way because it makes me feel good to be the one that has created a space for people to have fun in, it is something I take pride in. I know at some point in my life I have come across people that felt I used entertaining as a tool to "show off." What I have realized through time is that entertaining is my passion, my hobby, and the way I show love to the people in my life.

So, when I have a free day or night I automatically want to create an event. Large or small, it is such a good way to create memories. I can't count the number of people I have grown closer too, the communities that have been created, and the laughter that has surrounded those moments. Entertaining creates community, and no matter how much you move or transition in life you have the opportunity to reach out to people by inviting them into your home and sharing a meal . It is so has such a deeper meaning than just setting a pretty table.

If I had a dream dinner party setting this may be it...

Thanks to Kelly Wearstler for once again creating an environment that I am obsessed with!

THE ART OF THE BAR

2012-04-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

I'm working on building out the perfect bar cart for one of my segments on Joyus. In my research I found some pretty creative solutions and options, but this one is crazy cool.

I'm not sure where it would go in my house, but I'm tempted to find a place for it. I've never seen anything like it. What are your must haves on a bar cart, with the exception of the booze?

I recently bought a collection of bitters tinctures, and they have been a hit at dinner parties when guests mix their own cocktails.

I also have some interesting liqueurs I ran across, and I am loving right now. Check these out...

I am obsessed with the Rhuby...

THE GIRL IN THE YELLOW DRESS

2012-04-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

I am constantly looking for art that moves me. I came across this painting and was drawn into the subjects sadness, there is such a softness and beauty to her at the same time, there is something about it that feels quiet and peaceful.

What do you see? This is why art is exciting to me, everyone sees something different and interprets it with what they can relate to in life at the time.

FRIDAY IS HERE!

2012-04-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

I think it is about time that I start planning my next vacation to somewhere warm, where I can put my feet in the water, sip a tropical cocktail, and laugh with friends. This weekend I am going to work on defining where that next trip is going to take place. I am thinking it will look something like this...

But before I get too lost in vacation dreamland I have to hop a plane to North Carolina for Highpoint Market.

I am looking forward to catching up with old friends and building relationships with some vendors that I may feature on Joyus.