For the Love of Design :: Kelley Moore

OBSESSED WITH GOLD

2012-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I am passionate about decorating tabletops. I have incorporated hints of gold throughout many of my designs, but right now I am completely obsessed with gold flatware.

via Horchow

Here are a few of my favorite tables that are sparkling in gold...

via Cline Rose Designs

via The Sweetest Occasion

via Ritzy Bee

via Rashon Caraway

via Dilly Dalias

via The Lennoxx

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

2012-01-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

Starting a new chapter in life is exciting, scary, and can be a bit disorienting. The bottom line is that with new opportunities anything can happen. All you can do is make a decision, wrap your arms around it, and jump in with both feet and give your best. So, I am jumping into a new opportunity with both feet. I am spending a few months in San Francisco to explore being part of an exciting and growing company, Joyus.

Joyus was founded by former Google executive Sukhinder Singh Cassidy. She is a powerhouse with a great vision, and is supported by a group of very talented people. Joyus teamed up with fashion blogger and tastemaker Gina Pell from Splendora (which Joyus acquired earlier this year) to produce beautifully shot segments where Gina walks viewers through collections and some of her favorite products, or interviews designers about their collections. You get an intimate view of the designs, products, and people behind them. I will be working with Joyus, partnered with a very talented buyer, to develop their home division as well as anchoring home segments - sharing great home products with you. I hope that you'll follow me there. Keep an eye out here, and on Facebook for some of my favorite products.

HERE'S THE STORY...

2012-01-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that you had a very happy holiday. As you can tell I have taken a break from the blog and Twitter world over the past month. I have had some personal challenges, and some professional decisions to make. Taking the time off to think, sleep, and spend time with friends and family has been vital for me. I am so grateful for the acceptance, support, and love of the people in my life.

Over the break I watched the movie Eat, Pray, Love (adore) and there was a scene where Julia Roberts was trying to find a word that defined her. My word for 2012 is BALANCE. As hard as I have worked over the years to build a brand, I can say that there were many sacrifices that were made. Some of those sacrifices were necessary and some I very much regret, but now I can only move forward. I will be moving forward with balance in mind and so I am moving from New York.

New York was an experience - more of a roller coaster ride. I am thankful that I made new friends and for the insight I gained about myself, and my career. There is a time for everything, and after six months in the Empire State, I am ready for the next opportunity.

That doesn't mean I will stop building my business, or being creative, and in fact I am on to a new adventure that I will write about tomorrow. It does mean that there may be a day I don't post a blog or that I take off from Twitter, I need to remind myself of that balance I am now seeking. I will be working to live, not living to work. Working towards more dimension, texture, and interest so that I can continue to grow as a person - not just a brand. I hope that you will continue to join me on my journey.

BERGDORF GOODMAN

2011-12-01T04:10:00.000-08:00

When I lived in Seattle I used to pray for a business trip to come along to New York during the holidays just to see the windows at Bergdorf Goodman. They are always so over the top, and the detail is incredible. This year in one window those details included jewels. The theme is “Carnival of the Animals,” they took their inspiration from diverse settings reimagined in various materials… and the animals that dwell there. Crazy! Here you go...

I'M SPEAKING AT THE DESIGN BLOGGERS CONFERENCE!

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's true! I'm so excited and honored to be speaking at the Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles. I'll be speaking with Hardy Wallace about Building Your Brand: Growing Your Blog with Video. If you don't know about Hardy, five years ago, he started an Atlanta based wine blog – Dirty South Wine. With no goals or direction besides to just enjoy writing and shooting videos about wine, Dirty South Wine’s out of left field tone gained a loyal following of consumers and wine professionals.

It will be just in time for the launch of my new video show Make It Moore. Yes, that's an announcement too! I am in the process of taping a video series for my blog. I am having a blast and I am hoping you will enjoy it too.

We have something in common we both have been following and building a dream, and video happens to be an expression of our passion. I am looking forward to being in the company of the other speakers that I know and adore like Tobi Fairley, Cassandra LaValle, and Ronda Carman of All The Best.

So sign up now, it's going to be a great event, and if you sign up now you can save $100 on your registration fee.

TEA AT THE PLAZA

2011-11-30T04:59:00.001-08:00

Even if you are away from home for the holidays you can learn to embrace the city that you are in and their traditions. That is what my mom and I did yesterday, we had tea at The Plaza Hotel.

The gorgeous hotel, the ceremony of it, and the Christmas music setting the scene underneath it all. A bit of history behind the tradition of High Tea first, it all started with Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861) as the creator of teatime. Because the noon meal had become skimpier, the Duchess suffered from "a sinking feeling" at about four o'clock in the afternoon. At first the Duchess had her servants sneak her a pot of tea and a few pieces of bread. Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at five o'clock in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields." The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses.

Our High Tea experience started at The Plaza Hotel, as we were greeted by Betsy Johnson's Eloise Christmas tree.

Of course, the floral arrangements were amazing, fresh flowers dipped in glitter in silver and gold....

Then we entered The Palm Court, sat down and had a lovely tea.

The cute little sandwiches...

My favorite part, the desserts!

Although I miss my holiday traditions in Seattle, embracing those in New York with my mom in tow has been a very special experience. One I will never forget.

If you are going to visit NYC anytime soon check it out, here are the details:

The Plaza’s Palm Court
Location: 768 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Cost: From USD$48 per person and USD $28 for children
Dress code: Business casual attire recommended, but I say get dressed up!
Reservations: By phone on (212) 546 5300, palmcourt@fairmont.com or OpenTable.
When: Served daily 2pm – 5pm

After tea, we popped over to Bergdorf Goodman to check out the holiday windows. Come back tomorrow for those amazing pics!

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

2011-11-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I realize I've been a bit behind in my posts but my mother is visiting from Seattle and we have spent the last week hanging out together in NYC. So, I shut down my computer to spend quality time with my mother - who just turned 84 while she was here! We kicked off her trip by visiting with Cynthia from The Daily Basics in Newport, Rhode Island. If you ever need a tour guide of Newport, someone who knows all of the history and the hot spots, Cynthia is your gal.

We returned in time for Thanksgiving. Our tradition is to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade together I honestly don't recall a Thanksgiving that was not on television while my mom's stuffing was cooking. It was amazing to be there in real life...

Neil Diamond was even there...

Being new to New York, it was important to me that we embrace the holiday traditions here in New York together. We went to see the Rockettes Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall. And, today it is to The Plaza for afternoon holiday tea, a horse and carriage ride through Central Park, and a tour of the holiday windows. (Pictures of the windows to come this week !)

But of course we couldn't do all of that before trimming the tree. I found a beautiful 8 foot Frasier Fir from North Carolina, and visited one of my favorite shops (ABC Home) to shop for a few ornaments. I found these gold glitter pinecones and charming little gold birds and so the decorating began...

I remembered I had these beautifully made handmade paper flowers and added those in small bouquets....

Then to add a bit of vintage feel I added in these mercury glass bells and shiny bright silver and gold ornaments...

...and voila! my Christmas tree is complete.

Two more days of holiday fun with my mom and I'll be back to sharing my video and blogging musings with you on a regular basis! Once again, stay tuned for a post on the NYC windows decked out for the holidays.

A TWIST ON THANKSGIVING

2011-11-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

I recently threw a dinner party where the theme was "a twist on Thanksgiving." In honor of turkey day I thought I would share the menu with you. Each course was paired with a Washington State wine.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? My favorite dish is my mom's sage sausage stuffing! I can't wait for tomorrow.

INSPIRATION FOR SETTING THE SCENE THIS THANKSGIVING

2011-11-22T03:04:00.001-08:00

One of the reasons I love the East Coast is the history that surrounds me. From the architecture to the art, my heart strings are pulled and I am reminded that I adore the stories behind it all, and the warmth that it brings to a design. With Thanksgiving two days away, I want to encourage you to find a way to tell a story through the environment that you create.

This year, I am inspired by David Stark's design for the Metropolitan Opera's Gala. He took a plain tent and created a warm environment that felt like you were walking into a room full of stories. The imagery in the hanging windows that feels like stained glass, the pillar candle chandeliers, the color palette, and the fruit in the centerpieces is perfect for this Thanksgiving season. Why not create windows into the past of your family, either as place cards, or using old window frames and enlarged black and white photos hanging throughout the room to tell your story.

Thanks for the inspiration David!

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER CONTEST

2011-11-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

FINDING A HOBBY

2011-11-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

With a new apartment and a move across country, I have decided to step out of my comfort zone yet again to start a new hobby. I find that stretching my creative skills only makes the rest of my work stronger. So, in January I will be starting at the School of Visual Arts in their painting program.

I also have a bare hallway to decorate and plan to make it a gallery of my work. Here are some of the people who inspire me right now....

Laura Burkhart - she was my last assistant and had so much talent I was sad to lose her. But, her talent was bigger than her job and she really needed to spread her own wings and that she has.

I have always been a fan of Made by Girl, and am loving this piece right now. Maybe it is because the name of the piece is Pursuing. I may need it just for that reason, I'm pursuing my dream here in NYC, what better energy to have in the apartment!

Then after reading Laura's blog and running in to this artist, Sean Woolsey, I want a piece of his now too.

This gives me plenty of inspiration to start my class, I am counting the days until I get to pick up the brush and start!

THANKSGIVING IS AROUND THE CORNER

2011-11-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

Have you designed your table yet? Here is a little bit of inspiration from my last dinner party!

Notice how I incorporated the Cake Kitchen Papers on to the tabletop? Love the flair it adds to the table.

Now a few my favorite ideas from other designers, I hope it inspires you to get started! I love to incorporate black and white photos in to the table design, especially on a family holiday - it makes people feel special.

photo via Country Living

I also love to think of colors that I can incorporate in to the tabletop that aren't the "traditional" Thanksgiving colors. I love the mix of navy and eggplant and the steel chairs..

photo via Everything Fab

This table design of my friend, Eddie Ross, shows you how to add a traditional color (orange) in a fresh and sophisticated way.

photo via Eddie Ross

This outdoor scene makes me want to throw on a cashmere sweater and jump in to the shot. I adore the apples in the arrangement along with the amber glassware.

photo via Space for Inspiration

Now, don't forget the kids! This idea from Martha is so darn adorable!

photo via Martha Stewart

An easy and fun way to trim the kids table, a little bit of ribbon and construction paper leaves around the edge and you're done.

photo via Better Homes and Garden

This is a cute way to create place cards that look like mini bundle of wheat...

photo via The Twinery

This could be a fun project for the kids to do now in preparation for the big day!

MY WALK THROUGH CENTRAL PARK

2011-11-13T08:16:00.001-08:00

Outside of my career, one of the reasons I moved to NYC was to explore the city at this time in my life when I can appreciate and celebrate all of the amazing sites and opportunities NYC has to offer. Yesterday was a gorgeous Fall day so I took my camera and strolled through the park. Check out the beauty that is Central Park in the Fall.

It was a magical place...definitely looking forward to brunches at the Boat House, and a boat ride or two. Oh, and runs through Central Park!

THE POWER OF TWITTER

2011-11-10T03:40:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I was a Twitter skeptic when I first heard about it. My friend Cassandra of Coco+Kelley kept telling me about blogging and tweeting and my focus was truly on my television career and print work. I thought "blogging, Twitter, really just another thing to add to my plate." It took me many conversations and almost a year later to start to dabble in both arenas.

Then, almost a year ago, I was perusing 1st dibs looking at jewelry and saw this fabulous bright yellow necklace by Prada..
.

I sent the word out over Twitter that I fell in love with this necklace for spring, and before I knew it I was competing to see who would buy it first with someone I didn't even know. We were joking and dreaming, and a friendship began with Gretchen from Gretchen Aubuchon Design and now we talk almost every day. By the way, the necklace is still for sale Gretch and Christmas is around the corner. Hmmmm

Twitter also opens the door to opportunities. I was asked by Gretchen and Cynthia from The Daily Basics, who also has become a true friend that I talk to her almost every day, to participate in Brimfield where I began to partner with my favorite paint company Benjamin Moore, and also am making new friends there.

Over my time on Twitter,I met Amy Beth Dragoo and Jonathan Legate who started #DesignTV...

...and tonight at 5pm EST I am going to be a guest on #DesignTV talking about Thanksgiving entertaining. Please join us, I would love to hear what you are up to this year and share a few tips of my own too.

I can't even mention everyone on Twitter who has become part of my daily routine, from Jessica (@gimletstyle) of The Entertaining House, and Stacy (@quintessenceblg of Quintessence, to Shelley (@wykehamgirl) who continues to cheerlead for many on Twitter and more. For all of you Twitter skeptics, or Twitter newbies, just know that the power of Twitter not only brings you opportunities, but friendships too. Some of which can last a lifetime.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL FAVES

2011-11-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving two weeks away a lot of us will find ourselves on the road to visit family and friends. So I thought I would share a few of my favorite travel finds with you to make your travel a bit easier.

My friends tease me because I seem to fill one suit case with jewelry when I travel and I carry it all on the plane. Well now I have the perfect way to organize it all, it is the Birkin Bag for jewels, at least that is what Clos-ette Too calls this amazing, stacking, compact jewelry storage case. I need to pick up three asap! The pages snap in, and out, and you can purchase additional pages. For a jewelry addict like me - well this is the answer to my jewelry storage prayers on the road.

This is definitely going on my Christmas list to Santa this year.

Of course, this is cold and flu season and so you will see many people wiping down the seats with those little wipes. The sophisticated traveler will be carrying the Eve Echo...

This hand sanitizer has the soothing scent of fresh lavender and the uplifting essence of pure vanilla. The two mingle in a hand sanitizer spray designed to conquer 99.99% of all germs while making you feel good by doing good. How are you doing good? "Eve Echo is on a mission to end gender inequalities and free women from oppression all over the world. Through sales of the Eve Echo collection, we are able to lend 100% of our net profits to FINCA, which offers loans at a nominal interest rate to women living in challenged economies. The women use the loans as working capital to expand or start their own businesses. After one year, the original loan, plus interest, is returned to Eve Echo. Then the cycle repeats, allowing us to lend larger amounts of capital to organizations that focus on bringing social empowerment to women, advancing us closer to our mission: Eliminate gender inequality and free women from oppression. With Eve Echo, clean hands really do make a difference." That is always a good thing!

On long flights a clean face does make a difference and my new favorite product is by Murad.

It keeps my skin clean but dewy. I love dewy skin, don't you?

Of course a funky cashmere scarf to wap up in, I love this one, it's a great neutral without being boring.

And a warm coat, compliments of DVF!

MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR

2011-11-04T00:36:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of year - between now and January 2nd. The leaves change...

I spend time cuddled up under cozy blankets with my dog Mikey with a hot beverage in hand, usually a hot toddy...

I throw many dinner parties for old friends and new ones, starting with cocktails in a cozy candlelit environment, but then again that is always one of my favorite things to do.

And, of course the next day after the clean up who doesn't want to jump in a room full of candles and a bubble bath!

Of course, a signature seasonal cocktail can be a great way to kick off the night. Why not try a hot toddy with a twist. I found this one from Erin Ever After, an Apple Hot Toddy. So, making this on Sunday night for after my bath!

Hot Apple Toddy
honey
2oz whiskey (my husband swears by Jameson)
1 tsp sugar
hot apple cider
cinnamon stick, cloves, apple slice for garnish

1. Coat the bottom of an Irish coffee glass with honey
2. Add whiskey
3. Fill with hot apple cider and stir well
4. Garnish with cinnamon stick, cloves and apple slice
5. sip and repeat to your little heart's content

I have a dinner party for 16 Saturday so stay tuned for video and pics next week. Until then, I hope you enjoy all that the season has to offer this weekend - have a good one!

GRACE

2011-11-03T02:53:00.000-07:00

Today I was on Facebook and saw this posted by one of my favorite girls, Crystal from Rue...

...I have always loved the word Grace. My thought was if I ever had children and it was a girl, well she would be named Hattie after my Grandmother and her middle name would be Grace. I think it is such an important word with profound meaning and yet sometimes we forget to give ourselves grace. I have been learning to juggle my blog, exciting new work in New York, and a personal life and still am looking for the ideal assistant. So I hope, dear readers, that you will continue to visit my blog daily even if I miss a day of posting. I will do my best, but today I give myself Grace and I hope that you will too.

Stay tuned for detailed pics and video of the tabletop for this weekend.

DINNER PARTY DISHWARE

2011-11-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

As you have seen on the blog I am working on a tabletop design for this Saturday and now I am focused on accent plates for the table. The entire tablescape is very black and white with a pop of color in the glassware and the napkins.

I am thinking of adding one of these... Love the tattered lace, makes me think of all of the lace that I am seeing on the runway this year!

Or these more refined plates from the Conran Shop.

I LOVE these, the texture, the glam it adds to the table. Z Gallerie.

I tend to always be drawn to the glam factor.

Which do you like?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-31T05:34:00.000-07:00

I usually don't dress up for Halloween but I also have never lived in NYC where they have one of the biggest, and from what I hear craziest, Halloween celebrations ever. It's my understanding that there is a parade in the West Village that is insane. So, I have to partake. My costume, well, The Queen of Hearts. Finding this Alice and Olivia dress was a score! I love to find things I can wear again that aren't a costume, put instead a practical accessory to the costume.

Then of course there were the shoes, and they had to be red. These Michael Kors are perfect, and I can wear them again in the Spring...

There is this gorg necklace that is from Amanda Pearl, from her Fall Collection. I love the edge that it gives the outfit and it represents the tough side of the Queen of Hearts, at least in my mind.

Every Royal needs a septer and I am making a twist on a crown with this whimsical butterfly headband from Amanda Pearl and a few Queen of Hearts cards. I love the fact that it brings in the whimsical side of Alice in Wonderland and incorporates it in a fresh way.

I love red lips, but glitter lip tatoos? Supposedly they last for eight hours. We'll see. And, of course, any girl loves some fun lashes.

To finish it off, a gorg clutch of course in red filled with kisses to pass out. This clutch, yes, again one of my faves Amanda Pearl.

I just happened to have this ring in my collection and the white and black stripe is a belt I'm adding to the dess:

This weekend I had to transform this costume in to a True Blood Costume. Some feather eye lashes, fang bites on my neck and the dress and shoes, done and done.

Happy haunting today!

HALLOWEEN COSTUME TEASER

2011-10-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

I am not a huge fan of dressing up in costumes for Halloween but this year I am attending a party tonight that is thrown by some folks that throw a huge party at Burning Man (I want to attend one year) and this soiree has art cars, sculptures, dance performances and installations by local NYC artists. As it is my first Halloween in NYC, I thought I would join in the fun and participate. So, here is a hint for my non-costume...

Full details on Monday! Have a very happy weekend. XO

LAST MINUTE HALLOWEEN IDEA - THROW A PROM

2011-10-28T03:24:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a last minute Halloween party idea why not throw a prom. I actually threw a prom a year ago for a friend who is from England and had never been to one and all of the guests came in their favorite era. It was actually featured on Apartment Therapy!

And here are some of my favorite pics from the party (thanks to Drop it Modern for the Great Backdrop)!

Of course here I am with my date...

And, believe it or not the dress on the left that my friend is wearing is mine from high school...

We also shot a DIY video, so if you want to check that out, here it is..

NEW TABLETOP DESIGN

2011-10-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

As I said in my last email I am working on my next tabletop design for a dinner party I am throwing for 16 guests. I am inspired by Bergdorfs holiday windows every year, and last year they used almost entirely paper to deck the halls. So, I am using that for inspiration and in my research I came across this amazingly talented paper artist Lornalee Anderson of LoveLee Flowers. Check out some of her work:

I am definitely going to work with her to incorporate some of her work!

Now, off to find the paper container for these beauties. Also, working on the final color palette. The theme is twist on a traditional Thanksgiving - thoughts on palette?

CHIC PAPER FOR THE TABLETOP

2011-10-25T03:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was in Seattle, and took a break to peruse some new stores. In so many home stores I see the same things, however, this little gem was great because it had these Italian Rosette Serving Papers...

I had to pick them up, wait until you see the next tabletop I am designing for a dinner soiree on the 5th. Looking forward to playing around with a few of the creations from Cake Vintage Table and Home. I have seen these before in the foodie world - but I think I will deconstruct a few of these and play around with them.

Some very charming real world applications...

LOVE this....

I think I will use the windows from Bergdorf holiday from last year as my inspiration - almost everything was paper!

Can't wait to start creating!

CONTENT CONTEMPLATION

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I need your help. I have been slacking this week in posts because I am in a contemplative mood about
content for my blog...

...so I thought I would ask you - my readers - do you prefer posts on design and entertaining that are generic tips, pics of things I love, etc., OR video and posts of real life parties and projects that I am working on. I sense by my demographic and responses to posts that you like the behind the scenes and pics and video of what I am actually doing or working on in life. Let me know what you think. I promise things will be back to normal next week, working on an overhaul of the blog and site and wanting your input!

AN AUTUMN LUNCHEON

2011-10-18T03:39:00.000-07:00

While we were in Wesport it happen to be my friend Gretchen of Gretchen Aubuchon Design's birthday, so we threw a little impromptu birthday Autumn luncheon. Of course everything starts with the table for me, and since it was such a beautiful morning we decided to eat outdoors,and I set a casual buffet. I started with two sugar pumpkins that I found at Trader Joes along with two oversized rustic lanterns that the house had on the ground outdoors. Then added some rustic colored daisies (I tend to break pre-arranged flowers up and put them in to bouquets that are in one color) and then my friend Bill and I pulled from the dried hydrangea and berries in the yard. Bill added a few pieces of foxtails from the grass, and I filled the lanterns with dry hydrangea instead of candles since it was an afternoon affair.

I am a huge fan of not seeing stems in the containers (learned from a florist friend of mine) and we wrapped the clear vases with hydrangea leaves on the inside.

Voila! My Autumn table was complete...

Of course, if you are a regular reader of my blog you know I don't cook, so Cynthia from The Daily Basics gave me a short lesson around the cream sauce for the pasta. She is a true Italian who has been cooking all of her life so she fun to learn from.

Some of our guests, my friends Bill Kapfer and Eric Baker..

Jessica from The Entertaining House, brought the most beautiful bouquet of flowers as a hostess gift.

John Turner, who is one of the most interesting people you will ever meet in color development, he is working with my favorite paints - Benjamin Moore!

He brought fresh baked bread with two homemade spreads - the bread was still warm when he arrived!

One of my newest bff's, Lucy, you may recognize here from Project Nursery Fabulous (her mom is actually Gretchen of Gretchen Aubuchon Design).

Hiding from the camera was Stacy of the blog Quintessence , and Will Aubuchon running after two little boys (but he is THE Will Aubuchon from Aubuchon Hardware and Hardwarestore.com). Then of course there was the birthday girl herself, here with Cynthia and little Lucy.

Today happens to be her actual birthday, so Happy Birthday Gretch! Love you, and have a great day. She loves it when I tell the world it is her birthday, not. But you have to celebrate those you care about and that care about you. As you can see we did in a very casual way, and I hope that you will too.