A Full-Circle Season: Creating Luxury Holiday Moments with The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

A Meaningful Season of Growth and Gratitude

This holiday season was incredibly meaningful for me, both personally and professionally. I had the privilege of working once again with long-standing clients who have supported my business since the very beginning—many of whom are now dear friends. Alongside those familiar relationships, I welcomed new clients and stepped into partnerships I never could have imagined when I first started.

It was a season that felt both grounding and exciting, filled with creativity, connection, and growth. Each project reinforced why I love what I do and reminded me of the power of staying true to my vision while embracing new opportunities.

Partnering with The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay was especially significant. Half Moon Bay has always held a special place in my heart, a destination woven into childhood memories and now a place I return to often with my own family. The Ritz has long been my go-to for staycations, celebrations, and meaningful moments, so collaborating with a property I’ve admired for years felt incredibly full circle. Designing holiday spaces in such a breathtaking setting was truly an honor.

How the Partnership Began

The partnership began with an inquiry to create festive in-suite holiday décor for guests, an experience designed to bring the warmth and magic of the season directly into their rooms. From the beginning, the goal extended beyond décor alone; it was about creating a welcoming, memorable atmosphere guests would feel the moment they arrived.

This collaboration aligned naturally with my brand values. The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is a property my family and I genuinely love and recommend, not only for its beauty, but for the elevated guest experience it consistently delivers. Partnering with a destination I already trusted made the collaboration feel authentic and deeply meaningful.

Trust and creative freedom were essential in bringing this vision to life. The Ritz team took the time to review my work, understand my design approach, and trust my creative process. That shared vision allowed me to design thoughtfully curated holiday spaces that felt elevated, festive, and welcoming, ensuring guests experienced holiday magic from the moment they stepped into their suite.

The Design Vision: Curated Luxury Holiday Experiences

The design vision for the season centered on offering guests a choice of three distinct holiday looks, each thoughtfully curated to create a memorable in-suite festive experience while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that complemented the elegance of the property.

The three design options included:

• - A timeless red and green holiday theme

• - A refined blue and gold palette inspired by the coastal surroundings

• - A playful, family-friendly design created to delight children and families

Classic Red & Green Elegance

For the traditional look, I began with a classic red and green plaid tartan paired with rich emerald green velvet ribbon trimmed in gold from Farrisilk, a trusted vendor I’ve worked with since the beginning of my business. Layered ornamentation in 4”, 5”, and 6” sizes added depth and dimension. One of my favorite details was the 5” crackled frosted glass ornaments with acorn accents, a subtle nod to winter and the surrounding natural landscape, finished with berry picks and acorns for warmth.

Playful & Family-Friendly Holiday Design

For the playful design, I leaned into nostalgia. Gingerbread houses, stockings, snowmen, reindeer, and nutcracker ornaments created a sense of whimsy and familiarity. Vibrant colors paired with festive plaid and red-and-black harlequin ribbon brought joyful energy, making this option especially inviting for families with children.

Coastal-Inspired Blue & Gold

The blue and gold design was curated to complement the property’s existing décor. A D. Stevens ribbon blending blue, navy, platinum, and gold set the foundation, layered with navy velvet ribbon trimmed in gold. Blue glass ornaments in varying tones and sizes added richness, while ivory ornaments with pearl and glitter accents softened the palette. Platinum-glittered eucalyptus picks provided a refined, coastal-inspired finish.

Across all three designs, my goal was to balance elegance, warmth, and seasonal magic. Thoughtful sourcing, quality materials, and attention to detail ensured each suite felt cohesive, elevated, and welcoming.

Bringing the Designs to Life

Bringing each design to life required careful preparation well before arriving on property. Every look was curated and prepped in advance to ensure a seamless installation process, allowing the focus to remain on quality and execution once on site.

Close coordination with the guest relations team was essential. Aligning on timelines, scheduling around guest arrivals, and ensuring installations were completed efficiently helped create a smooth experience for both guests and hotel staff.

Designing within an active luxury hotel environment requires flexibility, discretion, and adaptability. Respecting property policies, maintaining guest privacy, and working quietly and efficiently ensured each installation felt effortless and unobtrusive, while still delivering a high-touch, personalized result.

Creating a Memorable Holiday Experience for Guests

The intention behind each design extended far beyond décor; it was about creating a feeling. I wanted guests to experience that immediate sense of warmth and comfort when they entered their suite, the same feeling of coming home for the holidays.

From the soft glow of twinkling lights to layered textures and festive details, each element was designed to enhance moments of connection, relaxation, and celebration. Whether guests were enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, gathering around the tree, or heading outdoors to the fire pits, the décor helped set the tone for meaningful holiday memories.

What This Partnership Taught Me

This collaboration was a season of growth in every sense. It reinforced the importance of preparation, communication, and trust, especially within a luxury hospitality environment. Designing for a brand like The Ritz-Carlton challenged me to elevate every detail while remaining adaptable and thoughtful throughout the process.

Professionally, it strengthened my confidence as a designer and business owner. Working with a team that trusted my vision reaffirmed the value of staying true to my style and creative process, while inspiring new ideas for future projects.

Gratitude & Acknowledgments

I am deeply grateful to The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay team for their trust, collaboration, and support throughout the season. Their professionalism and shared vision made this partnership truly special. Every individual behind the scenes played a role in bringing these designs to life, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to collaborate on something so meaningful.

Looking Ahead

This season has had a lasting impact on how I approach my work moving forward. It reinforced my passion for creating holiday experiences that blend beauty, warmth, and intention. As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue designing spaces that tell a story, create connection, and celebrate the magic of the season, whether in private homes or hospitality settings.

I look forward to future collaborations and the opportunity to create experiences that feel just as thoughtful and inspired.